by 
Many individuals regard a house as a sanctuary, a place of safety.
However, a house truly transforms into a home when it becomes inhabited.
Most houses undergo inspection during their construction or when significant renovations are required.
A home inspector also plays a vital role when homeowners consider selling their property.
In Missouri, the prerequisites for pursuing a career as a home inspector are relatively straightforward.
If you aspire to become one, you’re in the right place.
Article Table of Contents
Home Inspector Job Description in Missouri
The key aspect to understand about home inspection is its core purpose: 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 evaluating:
- 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.
Following the inspection, the inspector must compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings.
This report significantly influences 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, involving checks for:
- Termites
- Other pests
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Mold and mildew
- Radon
- Chimneys
- Other unique elements
This specialized inspection may involve additional fees.
While there are no specific prerequisites for becoming a home inspector, professionals in this field in Missouri must possess a valid license.
Complete Your Home Inspector Training in Missouri
The oversight of home inspectors in Missouri falls under the jurisdiction of the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
The Missouri Division of Professional Registration mandates that candidates complete a 120-hour training course for home inspection.
Various institutions offer training programs for aspiring home inspectors,
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) 
Their online course, priced at $695, comes with numerous benefits such as complimentary report writing software.
The name of the program is Pro Nitro Home Inspection Report.
Other perks are:
- One month of InterNACHI membership,
- One year of access to Edcetera Home Inspection
- This typically sets you back $99
- No time limit for course completion,
- A certificate with a certification number
The course also includes 3 days of field training.
InterNACHI School 
Another option is InterNACHI School, a reputable institution offering free training courses to association 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.
The membership costs $499 per year or $49 per month.
InterNACHI has 2 houses of horrors that are built with 1,000 defects.
These houses are located out of state but offer a great practice ground.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ICA | online |
| InterNACHI School | online |
Pass the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Missouri
It’s crucial to understand that Missouri 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.
Before taking the exam, you must complete the previous steps.
Candidates need to only pass the nationally recognized test.
This is the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) which consists of 200 questions.
Out of those 200 questions, 25 will not be scored.
Its duration is 4 hours.
The exam covers topics such as:
- Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
- Analysis of Findings and Reporting
- 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.
Luckily, the licenses for home inspectors in this state do not expire, currently.
This also means that these professionals don’t have to continue their education.
Insurance as a Home Inspector in Missouri
Home inspectors in Missouri are expected to carry insurance coverage while practicing their profession.
These are the expected policies to have:
- General liability policy at around $40 per month
- Errors and omissions insurance at around $59 per month
Upon completing all these steps, individuals can submit their license application along with the associated $300 fee.
Both the application and fee can be submitted online.
Home Inspector Salary in Missouri
For those dedicating time and effort to a career that involves examinations and training, it’s natural to inquire about potential earnings.
In Missouri, the median salary for a home inspector is about $52,505 per year.
Below, we provide a breakdown of median salaries in various cities across the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Saint Peters | $53,844 |
| Advance | $53,814 |
| Bismarck | $53,814 |
| Allenton | $53,814 |
| Adrian | $53,539 |
| Carrollton | $53,539 |
| Dearborn | $53,539 |
| Weston | $53,472 |
| Galt | $53,265 |
| Hunnewell | $52,814 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 30 | $52,220 | $25.11 | $60,530 | $37,690 |
| Columbia, MO | 50 | $52,550 | $25.27 | $68,440 | $36,490 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 60 | $51,200 | $24.62 | $62,080 | $37,690 |
| Joplin, MO | 50 | $56,470 | $27.15 | $76,710 | $36,200 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 750 | $61,450 | $29.55 | $82,780 | $41,790 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 980 | $61,530 | $29.58 | $91,600 | $40,140 |
| Springfield, MO | 130 | $55,550 | $26.71 | $75,090 | $38,060 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Missouri?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
- Attention to details
What skills are needed for a home inspector in Missouri?
Here are the most useful skills for this occupation:
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Working Knowledge of Construction
- Self-Motivation
- Attention to details
What other requirements are there to become a home inspector in Missouri?
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
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Inspector
Home Inspector by State