by 
Everyone perceives a dwelling as a secure haven.
However, a residence must be inhabited to evolve into a genuine home.
Most dwellings undergo inspection during their construction phase or when substantial renovations are required.
A home inspector is also necessary when property owners aim to sell their residence.
Maryland doesn’t have stringent prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, so if you’re interested in pursuing this career, you’re in the right place.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Maryland
The primary purpose of a home inspection is to identify any issues the dwelling might possess.
It should not be confused with a home appraisal, which is conducted to determine the property’s value based on various factors.
During a home inspection, the inspector will assess:
- The heating and cooling systems.
- The plumbing.
- The electrical infrastructure.
- The roof.
- The foundation of the residence.
- Any damage caused by fire, water, pests, or other external factors.
Upon concluding the inspection, the inspector is required to generate a comprehensive report detailing their findings.
This report can significantly influence the property appraisal and its prospects of selling quickly or not.
Depending on the dwelling’s age or nature, specialized inspections might be necessary, including checks for:
- Termite infestations.
- Other pest issues.
- Lead contamination.
- Asbestos presence.
- Mold and mildew concerns.
- Radon gas levels.
- Chimney safety.
- Additional factors.
These specialized inspections come with extra fees.
While there aren’t stringent prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, this profession necessitates obtaining a license.
Completing Your Home Inspector Training in Maryland
The oversight of home inspectors in Maryland falls under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Department of Labor.
To become a licensed home inspector, candidates must complete a 72-hour training program in home inspection.
There is no mention of needed home inspections for the licensing process.
Several institutions offer training for aspiring home inspectors in Maryland.
ICA 
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) provides an online course at a cost of $1,495.
For this price, students have access to resources such as free report writing software, one-month free membership with InterNACHI, and one-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection.
The course offered is approved by 3 entities:
- Maryland’s Commissioner of Real Estate Appraisers
- Home Inspectors Companies
- Appraisal Management
AHIT 
Through AHIT you can attend the minimum 72 hours of training to become a home inspector in Maryland.
You’ll receive the materials you must study for the national exam.
However, you must attend the classes on-site, unlike in other states.
InterNACHI 
InterNACHI School is a renowned institution for prospective home inspectors.
It offers free training courses and not only, to its association members.
The classes are accessible online for convenience and also provide support for marketing and business development.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| AHIT | online |
| ICA | online |
| InterNACHI School | online |
Passing the Home Inspector Licensing Exam in Maryland
It’s important to note that Maryland does not have a state-specific licensing exam for home inspectors.
Instead, candidates must pass a nationally recognized exam.
The good news is that this exam can be taken online.
However, specific requirements must be met before sitting for the test.
These are:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Fill out an application form
- Attach copies that prove you completed the training
- Pay the application fee of $50, which is not refundable
Only then can they register for the licensing exam.
It’s good to note that you don’t need a notarized application like in other states, nor a background check.
The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) comprises 200 questions, with 25 unscored questions.
The exam lasts for four hours and covers topics related to property and building inspection, site review, analysis of findings, and reporting, as well as professional responsibilities.
The exam fee, approximately $225, may vary by location.
Candidates who do not pass must wait for 30 days before retaking the exam.
Insurance Requirements for Home Inspectors in Maryland
In Maryland, home inspectors must have general liability insurance coverage of at least $150,000.
Your license will be issued once you show proof of your insurance policy.
Home Inspector Salary in Maryland
For those considering a career in home inspection, it’s essential to understand the potential earnings.
In Maryland, the median salary for a home inspector is approximately $56,815 annually.
Below, you can find a breakdown of median salary figures from cities in Maryland.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Suitland | $61,341 |
| Bowie | $61,212 |
| Olney | $61,212 |
| Abell | $61,066 |
| Barstow | $61,066 |
| Burkittsville | $61,066 |
| Woolford | $61,066 |
| Toddville | $61,066 |
| Newburg | $61,066 |
| Middletown | $61,066 |
Regional Salary in Maryland
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 1,780 | $64,780 | $31.15 | $85,990 | $49,970 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | 90 | $60,770 | $29.22 | $74,210 | $49,420 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 60 | $62,400 | $30 | $92,810 | $40,490 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | 130 | $60,590 | $29.13 | $83,150 | $41,870 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other requirements are there to become a home inspector in Maryland?
As a rule of thumb, there are no requirements for this position.
However, employers can require for:
- A background check
- High school diploma or GED
- A personal insurance policy
Can I work as a freelance home inspector in Maryland?
The short answer is yes.
You can work on your own, open your own home inspection firm either as a sole proprietor or LLC, or become an employee of an already established firm.
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Maryland?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
- Attention to details
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Inspector
Home Inspector by State