How to Become a Home Inspector in Mississippi

Many people view a house as a sanctuary, a place of safety.

However, a house truly becomes a home when it is inhabited.

Most homes undergo inspection during construction or when significant renovations are required.

A home inspector also plays a crucial role when homeowners consider selling their property.

In Mississippi, the requirements for pursuing a career as a home inspector are relatively straightforward.

If you aspire to become one, you’re in the right place.

Job Description of a Home Inspector in Mississippi

The fundamental aspect to understand about home inspection is its core purpose, which is to uncover any issues a house might hide.

This should not be confused with a home appraisal, which aims to determine a property’s value based on various factors.

A home inspector’s responsibilities encompass assessing:

• The functionality of heating and cooling systems.
• The integrity of plumbing.
• The electrical systems within the property.
• The condition of the roof.
• The stability of the house’s foundation.
• Any damage caused by fire, water, insects, or other environmental factors.

After completing the inspection, the inspector must compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings.

This report holds significant influence over the property’s appraisal and its potential for a quick sale.

Depending on the age of the house or building, a specialized home inspection may be necessary.

This inspection involves looking for:

• Termites
• Other pests
• Lead
• Asbestos
• Mold and mildew
• Radon
• Chimneys
• Other unique elements

This specific type of inspection usually entails additional fees.

While there are no specific prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, professionals in this field in Mississippi must possess a valid license.

Complete Your Home Inspector Training in Mississippi

The oversight of home inspectors in Mississippi falls under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Home Inspector Board.

The Board mandates that candidates complete a 60-hour training course for home inspection.

You can find various institutions that offer training programs for this career path.

Inspection Certification Associates (ICA)

ICA has an online course that costs $695.

ICA offers several benefits like:

• Complimentary report writing software,
• One month of InterNACHI membership,
• One year of access to Edcetera Home Inspection (typically priced at $99),
• No time limit for course completion,
• a certificate with a number

InterNACHI School

This is a reputable institution offering free training courses to those who become its members.

These courses are accessible online, ensuring convenience for all.

InterNACHI also provides various perks to its members, including support for marketing and business development.

Pass the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Mississippi

It’s crucial to understand that Mississippi does not have a state-specific exam for obtaining a home inspector license.

Instead, candidates are required to pass a nationally recognized exam.

The advantage is that this exam can be taken online.

However, several prerequisites must be met before taking the test.

This means completing the education and training requirements mentioned earlier.

The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), consists of 200 questions.

25 of these questions are not scored.

Candidates have 4 hours to solve the questions.

The exam covers topics such as property and building inspection, site review, analysis of findings, reporting, and professional responsibilities.

The exam fee, approximately $225, varies based on location.

Candidates who do not pass an exam must wait for a 30-day period before attempting it again.

Insurance as a Home Inspector in Mississippi

Mississippi home inspectors are expected to carry insurance coverage while practicing.

Here are the policies these professionals are expected to get:

• General liability policy of at least $250,000
  • This policy costs around $40 per month.
• Errors and omissions insurance of at least $250,000

Upon completing all these steps, individuals can submit their license application along with the associated fees.

The application costs $175 and the fee for the license is $325.

In Mississippi, the application form has to be notarized before sending it to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission Home Inspector Division.

It’s important not to forget to also include a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or college diploma.

Renewing Your Home Inspector License in Mississippi

Every 2 years, home inspectors are expected to renew their licenses.

In Mississippi, the license renewal involves completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Home Inspector Salary in Mississippi

For those dedicating time and effort to a career that involves examinations and training, it’s natural to inquire about potential earnings.

In Mississippi, the median salary for a home inspector is about $49,141 per year.

Below, we provide a breakdown of median salaries in various cities across the state.

Regional Salary in Mississippi

Home Inspector by State