How to Become a Home Inspector in Arkansas

Many perceive a house as a place of safety, but it’s living in it that truly transforms it into a home.

Typically, houses undergo inspections during their construction or when significant renovations are required.

Additionally, homeowners often enlist the services of a home inspector when they plan to sell their property.

If you aspire to become a home inspector in Arkansas, you’re in the right place.

Home Inspector Job Description in Arkansas

The fundamental aspect to understand about a home inspection is that its primary objective is to identify any issues the house might possess.

It’s distinct from a home appraisal, which determines a house’s value based on various factors.

A home inspector assesses:

• The functionality of heating and cooling systems.
• Plumbing.
• Electrical systems within the property.
• The roof’s condition.
• The structural integrity of the house.
• Any damages caused by fire, water, insects, or other environmental factors.

Following the inspection, the inspector is obligated to compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings.

This report can significantly influence the house’s appraisal value and its chances of a swift sale.

Depending on the age of the house or building, specialized home inspections might be necessary.

These could encompass assessments for:

• Termite infestations
• The presence of other pests
• Lead-based materials
• Asbestos
• Mold and mildew
• Radon gas
• Chimney integrity
• Other unique elements

Specialized inspections often entail additional fees.

While there are no stringent prerequisites to becoming a home inspector in Arkansas, holding a valid license is mandatory.

Complete Your Home Inspector Training in Arkansas

In this state, the Arkansas Home Inspector Registration Board oversees home inspectors and establishes the licensing requirements.

This division requires candidates to complete an 80-hour training course in home inspection.

Furthermore, you must conduct 35 inspections under the guidance of a licensed home inspector.

ICA

This school is dedicated to preparing individuals for careers as home inspectors through our comprehensive online home inspection training programs.

The course has a duration of 8 days and a day consists of 10 hours of classroom education.

Here are some of the topics included in the course:

• Introduction to Home Inspections
• Roofing
• Business and Legal Aspects
• Structural Components
• Plumbing
• Marketing Your Business
• Commercial Inspections

This course is priced at $695 and offers several advantages.

These are:

• A free report-writing software,
• A one-month free membership with InterNACHI,
• A one-year access to Edcetera Home Inspection (typically valued at $99),
• No time constraints for course completion,
• A certification certificate and number
• Between 3 and 10 practice hours for licensing.

InterNACHI School

InterNACHI School is a renowned institution for those interested in becoming home inspectors.

The college provides free training to association members, with the course accessible online for convenience.

This organization also offers numerous benefits to its members, including support for marketing and business development.

Pass the Licensing Exam as a Home Inspector in Arkansas

It’s essential to note that there is no state-specific exam to become a licensed home inspector in Arkansas.

Instead, you must pass the national-level exam, which is conveniently available online.

However, specific requirements must be met before taking the test:

• Completion of the education described above.
• Complete 3 one-on-one on-site home inspections with a trainer approved by the Board
• Registration with the Arkansas Secretary of State

Only after meeting these criteria can you register for the exam, which comprises two parts:

The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), consists of 200 questions (25 unscored) and lasts four hours.

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

The exam fee, approximately $225 (varies by location), applies, and candidates failing the test must wait 30 days before retaking it.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) exam, is free of charge.

Insurance as a Home Inspector in Arkansas

The Arkansas Secretary of State expects home inspectors to carry  $100,000 general liability insurance.

After completing all these steps, you can submit your license application along with the $250 associated fee.

The application must be notarized, and both documents can be submitted online.

You’ll have to submit the renewal application form and fee by December 1st.

License Renewal for Home Inspectors in Arkansas

The State of Arkansas expects home inspectors to renew their licenses every year.

This involves attending 14 hours of continuing education.

Of these hours, 8 have to be completed in person, while the remaining 6 can be attended online.

The renewal application has to be filed by December 1st.

Home Inspector Salary in Arkansas

For those embarking on a career that involves training and passing exams, it’s natural to want to know potential earnings.

In Arkansas, the median salary for a home inspector is $50,216 per year.

To provide a more detailed perspective, here are salary figures from cities with the highest median salaries in the state.

Regional Salary in Arkansas

Home Inspector by State