Texas
States
How to become a
home inspector in Texas
Last Updated: January 2, 2024
So you’ve decided to become a home inspector in Texas. Congrats! You’re joining an integral industry full of dedicated and talented professionals.
You may be wondering: What are the Texas home inspector license requirements? And what are Texas home inspector insurance requirements? Here’s what you need to know.
Who makes the requirements for Texas home inspectors?
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) determines Texas home inspector licensing and insurance requirements. Established in 1949, TREC aims to safeguard consumers during real estate transactions and valuations by governing and enforcing inspectors in Texas.
What do I need to do to get a Texas home inspector license?
Unlike most states, Texas has not one but three levels of inspector licenses: Apprentice Inspector, Real Estate Inspector, and Professional Real Estate Inspector.
Texas home inspector requirements for all three levels include:
- Be a citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted alien
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have fingerprints on file with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Pass a background check
- Complete TREC Certificate of Insurance form or Proof of Financial Responsibility form
- Are you providing pest inspection services that require a structural pest control business license from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)? The TDA requires you to carry at least $1,000,000 for all occurrences of bodily injury and property damage (general liability).
In addition to the requirements above, the individual levels have the following unique requirements:
| Title | Level | Permissions | Requirements | Substitute Experience & Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Inspector | Entry | Train under direct supervision of Professional Real Estate Inspector | Complete Apprentice Inspector License Application Pay fee | None |
| Real Estate Inspector | Intermediate | Work under indirect supervision of Professional Real Estate Inspector | Have at least 3 months of active experience as an Apprentice during the 12 months preceding application Complete 25 inspections under direct supervision 40 hours in Property and Building Inspection Module I 40 hours in Property and Building Inspection Module II 10 hours in Business Operations and Professional Responsibility Module Complete Real Estate Inspector License Application Pay application and Real Estate Inspection Recovery Fund fees Pass exam | 40 hours in Property and Building Inspection Module I 40 hours in Property and Building Inspection Module II 10 hours in Business Operations and Professional Responsibility Module 24 hours in Texas Standards of Practice Module 40 hours in Texas Practicum |
| Professional Real Estate Inspector | Advanced | Independently perform inspections | Have at least 12 months of active experience as a licensed real estate inspector sponsored by a Texas professional inspector during the 24-month period preceding the application date Complete 175 real estate inspections under direct supervision 40 hours in Property and Building Inspection Module I 40 hours in Property and Building Inspection Module II 10 hours in Business Operations and Professional Responsibility Module 20 hours in Texas Law Module 24 hours in Texas Standards of Practice Module Complete Professional Real Estate Inspector License application Pay application and Real Estate Inspection Recovery Fund fees Pass exam | 40 hours in Property and Building Inspection Module I 40 hours in Property and Building Inspection Module II 10 hours in Business Operations and Professional Responsibility Module 20 hours in Texas Law Module 24 hours in Texas Standards of Practice Module 20 hours in Analysis of Findings and Reporting Module 40 hours in Texas Practicum |