Connecticut: Lesson B - Navigating the Road to Home Inspector Certification
Obtaining Your Home Inspection License in Connecticut
In this section, we'll guide you through the process of obtaining your home inspection license in Connecticut. Access audio and PDF files for detailed reading materials. Download all necessary forms from the provided links and save them to your student folder. Official Connecticut website links are also available for your reference.
Before delving into specific regulations, it's crucial to understand that these rules ensure home inspectors are proficient in identifying issues that could lead to costly repairs in homes valued from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Connecticut's regulations are designed to safeguard consumers from hiring inadequate inspectors.
While these requirements may pose challenges to obtaining a license, they serve to elevate standards and reduce competition compared to states with lax regulations. This focus on competence enhances the overall quality and professionalism of home inspectors in Connecticut. Your task is to review the information below while utilizing the provided audio resources and downloading the necessary forms.
How to Become a Home Inspector in Connecticut
Home Inspection Requirements for Connecticut
Home Inspection Regulated: Yes
License Type: Home Inspector
License Renewal Cycle: Every Two Years
Distance Education Allowed: No
Field Training and Experience Required: No
Experience Required: 100 inspections with the first 10 being directly supervised and the rest indirectly supervised
Continuing Education (CE) Required: Yes
CE Hours Required: 20 Hours
CE Distance Education Allowed: Yes
Pre-Licensing Required: Yes
Pre-Licensing Hours Required: 40 Hours
Regulating Body: Department of Consumer Protection, License Services Division
Rules and Regulations: Chapter 400f, Sec. 20-492b
Exam: Yes (See note below)
Pre-Licensing Requirements
- Education: Successfully complete high school or its equivalent.
- Training: Complete a board-approved training program.
- Experience: Perform 100 home inspections under supervision (10 directly supervised, 90 indirectly supervised).
Examination
- Competency Exam: Pass an oral, written, or electronic competency examination.
- National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE): Optional; Connecticut accepts NHIE if already passed. Note: The information covered in this course will prepare you for both exams with the NHIE being the exam that is normally given in each state. Connecticut happens to have more than one exam available to take. By studying the NHIE exam prep along with other course materials this will prepare you for these exams.
Fees
Application and License Fees:
- Home Inspector License: $40.00, Initial License Fee: $200.00. Total $240.00
- Home Inspector License-Reciprocal: Initial License Fee Only $100.00
- Home Inspector Intern Permit: $20.00, Initial License Fee: $200.00. Total $220.00
Continuing Education
- Requirement: 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
- Distance Education: Allowed for continuing education.
Regulatory Details
- Governing Body: Home Inspection Licensing Board under the Department of Consumer Protection.
- Regulations: Refer to Chapter 400f, Sec. 20-492b for specific rules and regulations.
Additional Information
- NHIE Option: While the state uses a competency exam, it accepts the NHIE if the applicant has passed it.
- License Duration: Licenses are valid for two years and are not pro-rated. New licenses issued within the last three months of a cycle extend to the next cycle.
- Turnaround Time: Varies based on individual circumstances, such as the completion of required inspections and documentation for reciprocity.
Contact Information
- Department of Consumer Protection:
- Address: 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 901, Hartford, Connecticut 06103-1840
- Fax: (860) 713-7230
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
For detailed regulations, applications, and more information, please visit the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection website or contact their office directly.
Here you will find the home inspection application to use after completing all required training. Additional regulations pertaining to Connecticut will be provided later in this module once you have completed the relevant section.
Home Inspector Intern Permit in Connecticut
What is a Home Inspector Intern Permit?
A Home Inspector Intern Permit is a necessary step towards becoming a licensed home inspector in Connecticut. This permit allows individuals to gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed home inspector. Here are the key details regarding the eligibility and requirements for obtaining this permit:
Eligibility for a Home Inspector Intern Permit
To be eligible for a Home Inspector Intern Permit, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Requirement:
- Successfully complete high school or its equivalent.
- Training Program:
- Successfully complete a board-approved training program that meets the requirements set forth by the regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to Section 20-491 of the General Statutes.
- Submit a copy of the course completion certificate with the application.
- Supervision:
- Have an identified supervisor who:
- Is licensed as a home inspector in Connecticut.
- Is in good standing with the state as a home inspector.
- Has agreed to perform supervisory functions as described in the General Statutes and Regulations.
Path to a Home Inspector License
After obtaining the Home Inspector Intern Permit, the next steps towards becoming a licensed home inspector are:
- Experience:
- Perform a minimum of 100 home inspections under the supervision of a licensed home inspector.
- The first 10 inspections must be directly supervised, while the remaining inspections may be indirectly supervised.
- Maintain logs of these inspections, signed by the supervising home inspector, and submit them with the application for licensure.
- Examination:
- Pass a written examination administered by the Department of Consumer Protection.
- If the applicant has already passed the National Home Inspector Examination, they should include their score report with the application.
Application Process
We have attached the applications for both the Home Inspector License and the Home Inspector Intern Permit for your convenience. It is always important to visit state links to verify that the information is current, as government regulations are subject to change.
Attached Applications:
- Application for a Home Inspector License
- Application for a Home Inspector Intern Permit
- Note: you can also complete the Intern application online by visiting the official link (see image below)
State Links:
- Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection - Home Inspectors
- General Statutes and Regulations
By following these steps and meeting all the requirements, you can successfully progress from an intern to a licensed home inspector in Connecticut.
- Direct link for online intern application (seen in image below): Home Inspection
What is PSI?
PSI Services LLC is a reputable company that provides testing services for professional licensing and certification exams across various industries. In Connecticut, PSI is the official provider for registering and administering exams required for state licensing of home inspectors.
Registering for Exams
To become a licensed home inspector in Connecticut, you must register for and pass an exam through PSI. You have two exam options:
National Home Inspector Examination:
- A widely recognized exam that tests your knowledge and competency in home inspection practices.
- This course includes comprehensive materials to help you prepare for the National Home Inspector Examination.
Competency Exam:
- An alternative exam that also assesses your knowledge and skills in home inspection.
- The content of this course will thoroughly prepare you for this exam as well.
Exam Preparation
Our course is designed to equip you with all the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in both types of exams. Additionally, we offer a dedicated preparation module for the National Home Inspector Examination, which includes:
- Over 400 Pages of Study Material:
- Short lessons covering key topics in home inspection.
- Questions and answers to help you retain information and test your understanding.
How to Register
To register for the home inspector licensing exam, follow these steps:
- Visit PSI's Registration Website:
- Go to PSI's registration website to create an account and schedule your exam.
- Choose Your Exam:
- Select either the National Home Inspector Examination or the competency exam.
- Prepare for the Exam:
- Utilize the study materials provided in this course, including the exam preparation module for the National Home Inspector Examination, to ensure you are well-prepared.
Please refer to the PSI bulletin below for detailed information regarding testing in Connecticut through PSI. You can download this document for your convenience.
Continuing Education for Home Inspectors in Connecticut
Continuing education (CE) is an essential requirement for maintaining your home inspector license in Connecticut. Here’s a summary of how the process works:
Hours Required:
- 20 credit hours per two-year cycle.
Timeline for Completion:
- All CE hours must be completed between April 1 of an odd-numbered year and March 31 of the odd-numbered year two years later.
- Note: The CE completion deadline is 3 months before the license renewal deadline.
Proof of Completion:
- Licensees must attest to the completion of required CE as part of the renewal process.
- Certificates of completion and other related records should be retained in case of an audit by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).
Course Requirements:
- Each two-year cycle must include at least 3 credit hours in current home inspection legislation, licensing laws, and regulations.
Courses Available:
- Approved continuing education courses can be found on the DCP website.
Failure to Complete:
- Failure to complete the required CE may result in civil fines, revocation, or suspension of the license.
Waivers/Exemptions:
- Exceptions to CE requirements may be granted for bona fide health or other individual hardships.
- Requests must be submitted in writing at least sixty days before the license renewal date and include an explanation and verification of the hardship.
Contact Information:
- For questions, email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- The CE completion deadline is earlier than the renewal deadline to ensure all required CE is completed before the renewal period begins.
For more detailed information and to access the necessary forms, visit the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's Continuing Education for Home Inspectors page.
Full link for Connecticut continuing education: Continuing Education for Occupational and Professional Licenses (ct.gov)
