How to Become a Home Inspector in Oklahoma

Many individuals view a house as a sanctuary, a place where they feel safe and secure.

However, it’s when a house becomes a home, filled with the experiences and memories of its occupants, that it truly comes to life.

The process of ensuring that a house is safe and sound often begins with inspections.

Most commonly happens during its construction, significant renovations, or when homeowners decide to put their property on the market.

Becoming a home inspector in Oklahoma is an accessible endeavor with relatively few prerequisites, making it an appealing profession for those looking to enter the field.

The Role of a Home Inspector in Oklahoma

It’s crucial to distinguish between a home inspection and a home appraisal.

A home appraisal aims to determine the value of a property based on various factors and a home inspection primarily focuses on identifying potential issues within the house.

The latter will definitely influence the former.

In Oklahoma, a certified home inspector conducts a comprehensive evaluation, including:

• Assessment of the functionality of heating and cooling systems.
• Inspection of plumbing systems.
• Examination of the electrical system.
• Evaluation of the roof’s condition.
• Assessment of the house’s foundation.
• Identification of any damage caused by fire, water, insects, or other environmental factors.

Following the inspection, the inspector compiles a detailed report, a document that can significantly influence the property’s appraisal and the speed of its sale.

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

This specialized inspection may include assessments for termites, pests, lead, asbestos, mold, radon, chimneys, and other elements.

These are done for additional fees.

While there are no extensive prerequisites to becoming a home inspector in Oklahoma, obtaining a license is mandatory.

Completing Your Home Inspector Training in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, home inspectors operate under the oversight of the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.

To embark on this career path, candidates are required to complete an approved training course dedicated to home inspection.

According to the Board, this course can’t be shorter than 90 hours.

Additionally, aspirants must conduct field inspections as part of their training.

Options for training include enrolling in recognized institutions or programs like the ones described below.

Inspection Certification Associates (ICA)

The training program provided by ICA is priced at $695, which is a competitive rate.

Enrolled students will gain access to a range of valuable benefits, including:

• Complimentary report-writing software.
• A one-month membership with InterNACHI, a reputable organization.
• A full year of access to Edcetera Home Inspection, an offering typically valued at $99.
• The convenience of a flexible course completion timeline.
• Certification upon successful course completion.

InterNACHI School

The InterNACHI School is widely recognized as a premier option for individuals aspiring to become home inspectors.

Virtually all those on the path to becoming home inspectors choose to become InterNACHI members.

Membership in this organization is through an annual fee of $499 or a monthly subscription of $49.

InterNACHI provides an extensive range of benefits to its members, especially marketing support and assistance with business development.

Furthermore, members have the privilege of enjoying exclusive perks, such as:

• Significant discounts on insurance coverage.
• Complimentary access to the House of Horrors, a unique facility.

It’s important to note that there are only two Houses of Horrors in the entire nation, and appointments are needed for a visit.

At these venues, members have the opportunity to test inspection tools, participate in meetings, and engage in other highly valuable experiences.

The Home Inspector Licensing Exam in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, prospective home inspectors are required to successfully complete the national licensing examination.

This examination is conveniently available for online administration.

The examination will encompass the following subject areas:

• Property and Building Inspection/Site Review
• Analysis of Findings and Reporting
• Professional Responsibilities

The specific examination fee may vary depending on the candidate’s location.

During the examination, candidates will need to respond to a total of 200 questions within a time frame of 4 hours.

It’s important to note that out of these questions, 25 will not be included in the final scoring.

In the event of an unsuccessful attempt, candidates are obligated to wait for a duration of 30 days before being eligible for a subsequent examination.

Taking and passing the Oklahoma State Home Inspectors Exam is also an option.

All training courses offer test preparation materials, to increase your chances of passing during your first try.

Home Inspector Insurance in Oklahoma

Home inspectors in Oklahoma are required to have insurance coverage while practicing.

The policy you need is general liability insurance with a minimum coverage amount of $50,000.

This is the limit combined for bodily injury and property damage.

After completing all these steps, candidates can submit their license application along with the associated fee of $280.

The application has to be notarized.

Once the license is approved, home inspectors must complete 8 hours of continuing education, per year, to maintain their credentials.

Home Inspector Salary in Oklahoma

It’s natural to be curious about potential earnings when considering a career that requires training and examinations.

In Oklahoma, the median salary for a home inspector is estimated to be around $50,949 per year.

For a more detailed breakdown of median salaries in cities across the state, refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Oklahoma

Home Inspector by State