

FAQs
Who must apply for a license?
Persons engaged in performing home inspections of residential buildings for compensation.
What do you mean by residential buildings?
A Residential Building means a structure consisting of 1 to 4 dwelling units and their garages and carports, but shall not include any such structure newly constructed or not previously occupied as a dwelling unit
Who is excluded from licensure?
- A person regulated by the state or a political subdivision thereof as an architect who is acting within the scope of his or her profession; or
- A person regulated by the state or a political subdivision thereof as an engineer who is acting within the scope of his or her profession; or
- A person who is employed as a code enforcement official by the state or a political subdivision thereof when acting within the scope of that government employment; or
- A person making home inspections for the purpose of meeting the requirements of § 444-e (b)(i)&(ii) of this article to qualify for licensure as a home inspector. That is home inspections performed in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector, registered architect or licensed professional engineer, who oversees and takes full responsibility for the inspection and inspection report. The sole purpose of these inspections is to gain the experience necessary to qualify for a license as a home inspector
Can one obtain a Home Inspector's license based on licensure in another state?
Yes. Upon submission of an application and fee, we will review application requests from individuals submitting proof of current licensure from another state where requirements are equivalent to NYS. Where found equivalent, education and exam requirements will be waived, and a license issued.
Are there any continuing education requirements?
Yes. Home Inspectors are required to complete 24 hours of approved continuing education within their two-year license renewal period prior to the expiration date in order to renew their license.
In New York State, who can provide home inspection of residential buildings for compensation?
Person holding a license issued by the NYS Department of State (DOS) can perform home inspections of residential buildings for compensation. Exempt from this licensure requirement are architects and professional engineers licensed and currently registered by the NYS Office of Professions who are lawfully practicing within the scope of their profession. For more information on the Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act, visit the Department of Education’s website.
When may a Professional Engineer provide home inspection services under the exemption in “The Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act”?
In accordance with Article 12-B “The Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act” a professional engineer may provide home inspection services under the exemption when:
- • They are providing these services as part of their practice as a professional engineer. The professional engineer’s business entity must have a Certificate of Authorization to provide engineering services issued by the New York State Education Department or, if a sole proprietor licensed as professional engineer, they must qualify for such a Certificate. For information regarding the entities that may legally provide engineering services and how to obtain a Certificate of Authorization, visit the Department of Education’s website.
A Professional Engineer may not provide home inspection services under the exemption if they are an owner, employee or subcontractor of a general business corporation or “inc.” Under this scenario they would need to obtain a home inspection license.
Note: There are a finite group of general business corporations that were in existence and providing professional engineering services on April 15, 1935, and continuously thereafter, and were lawfully engaged in the practice of professional services in New York State. (These corporations are often referred to as "grandfathered" corporations and hold a Certificate of Authorization to practice engineering). Such corporations may lawfully provide professional services within the state and may not need to obtain a license to perform home inspection if such inspection is performed within the scope of practice of engineering.