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Construction and Building Inspector Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for construction and building inspector in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Construction and Building Inspector in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must score 75% to pass

  2. 2

    Education: Degree required.

  3. 3

    Experience: Work experience required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS An applicant must show proof that he/she possesses at least one (1) of the following credentials: (a) high school graduate or GED

    • plus three (3) years experience in a responsible directly related construction position, such as a foreman, requiring the ability to effectively read and interpret building plans and specifications, or three (3) years experience in an architect's or engineer's office performing building design or drafting duties
    • or (b) college or university graduate with an associate degree in construction related subject
    • or (c) college or university graduate with a bachelor degree in architecture, fire science, engineering, or building technology
    • or (d) successful passage of at least one (1) examination module listed - 1A, 4A, 1B, 3B, 4B, 1C, 3C, 4C, or (e) compliance with applicable local personnel rules of the jurisdiction for which a person is employed which are equal to or more stringent than the above.
  7. 7

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Contact the regulatory agency for an application.

  8. 8

    Registration fee of $60.00 PLUS test fee of $45.00 each test.

  9. 9

    Annual renewal fee is $25.00.

Exam and processing details

  • passage of at least one (1) examination module listed - 1A, 4A, 1B, 3B, 4B, 1C, 3C, 4C, or (e) compliance with applicable local personnel rules of the jurisdiction for which a person is employed which are equal to or more stringent than the above

Continuing education and program notes

  • CERTIFICATION To be certified, applicants must pass test modules 1A, 4A, 1B AND 3B and attend a three day orientation session
Fee TypeAmount
Annual renewal fee$25.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Housing, Building and Construction

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $63,770 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #34 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Construction and Building Inspector licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required passage of at least one (1) examination module listed - 1A, 4A, 1B, 3B, 4B, 1C, 3C, 4C, or (e) compliance with applicable local personnel rules of the jurisdiction for which a p....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Contact the regulatory agency for an application.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Annual renewal fee: $25.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Department of Housing, Building and Construction and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $63,770, Construction and Building Inspectors in Kentucky earn 12% below the national median of $72,120. Kentucky ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$63,770

Hourly estimate

$30.66
12% below national median

Difference: -$8,350

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$47,110
  • P2525th percentile$52,080
  • P50Median$63,770
  • P7575th percentile$85,300
  • P9090th percentile$96,050

State vs National Median

State: $63,770
National: $72,120

Total employment: 1,060 | Annual openings: N/A

Construction and Building Inspector Salary Ranking

#34 of 50 statesfor Construction and Building Inspector median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$101,160
#2Alaska$94,030
#3Washington$89,360
#4Connecticut$87,290
#5Minnesota$83,890

Nearby States Comparison

Construction and Building Inspector licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$63,770Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$63,750Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$70,890Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$57,240Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$69,960Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$59,850Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$62,230Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$73,050Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Housing, Building and Construction

500 Mero Street, First Floor, Frankfort, KY, 40601

Phone: 5025732002

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Kentucky

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$72,320Degree required1 month
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$39,940Degree required1 month
Carpenter$50,860Degree requiredVaries by board
Crane Operator$55,100Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Construction and Building Inspector in Kentucky?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Construction and Building Inspectors in Kentucky?

Kentucky lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Construction and Building Inspectors.

What education do you need to become a Construction and Building Inspector in Kentucky?

The board typically expects Degree required for Construction and Building Inspector licensure in Kentucky.

What is the typical Construction and Building Inspector salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Construction and Building Inspectors in Kentucky is $63,770. Salaries range from $47,110 (10th percentile) to $96,050 (90th percentile).

How does the Construction and Building Inspector salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Construction and Building Inspectors in Kentucky earn 12% below the national median of $72,120, with a state median of $63,770.

How many Construction and Building Inspectors work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 1,060 Construction and Building Inspectors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Construction and Building Inspector license to Kentucky from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Construction and Building Inspectors in Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Department of Housing, Building and Construction. Review agency details at http://dhbc.ky.gov/.

How often do you renew a Construction and Building Inspector license in Kentucky?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.