INMI Requirements & Certification Prerequisites

Demonstrated knowledge in core areas of residential home inspection: Structural; Exterior; Roofing; Plumbing; Electrical; Heating; Cooling; Interiors; Insulation and Ventilation; Appliances; and the Inspector Nation Standard of Practice.

Knowledge can be shown through:

• Completion of approved education courses in each of the topic areas.
• Having earned approved related certifications (e.g., Holding 8 core Inspector Nation Certifications that overlap these 10 knowledge areas).
• Reciprocity: Education and Certification companies can apply for the review process to determine if their programs meet the educational standards set forth by Inspector Nation.

The applicant must attest to having completed no less than 2,500 residential home inspections during their career.

• Report Auditing: The applicant must submit 5 home inspection reports for review to ensure they are capable of meeting the standard of practice of Inspector Nation and, if applicable, of their state home inspection licensing board.
• If deficiencies are found in the submitted reports, the applicant may be denied or required to take additional education from an approved provider at the discretion of the board.

As this certification pertains to the field of home inspection, the applicant must have practiced in the field for a strict term of no less than 10 years.

• Licensed States: Holding a corresponding state-issued home inspection license for a continuous 10-year term serves as standard proof of this experience.
• Unlicensed States: Alternate proof of practicing as a home inspector for the required 10-year term must be provided (e.g., business incorporation documents, dated inspection reports, continuous insurance records, etc.).
• In addition, the applicant may be required to enroll in supplemental education through an approved provider to meet minimum requirements.

The applicant must adhere to the Inspector Nation Standard of Practice and Code of Conduct, which will be tested during the official examination.

• Must disclose any previous complaints filed with any state licensure board in any related field (home inspection, engineering, code inspection, or general contracting).
• An individual previously convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense will not be eligible for application.
• Inspector Nation must be informed of any new violation, complaint, or infraction within 60 days of its occurrence.

After an applicant has successfully demonstrated compliance with all listed prerequisites, they may sit for the official INMI knowledge examination.

• This examination must be passed with a minimum score of 70 / 100.
• Applicants have the option to retake the examination 1 time per month if necessary.

Maintaining the Master Level Certification requires an ongoing commitment to the profession.

• Certification holders will be required to take a mandatory update course each year, available through Inspector Nation.
• Holders are required to submit an update application to notify Inspector Nation of new developments in the past year.