Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Trades
Home Inspector Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for home inspector in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Home Inspector in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must include valid policy number (TBA not accepted) and effective coverage dates
- 2
Education: Specific course required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Has successfully completed ninety (90) hours of commissioner-approved training program on home inspections and the preparation of home inspection reports.
- 7
Has passed the state-selected National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE).
- 8
High school graduate or earned a general education development (GED) certificate.
- 9
Completion of ninety (90) hours of commissioner-approved training program on home inspections and the preparation of home inspection reports.
- 10
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 11
Take and pass the National Home Inspector Examination.
Exam and processing details
- state-selected National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE)
Continuing education and program notes
- Certificate Holder
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Fire Prevention
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,850 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Home Inspector licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required state-selected National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE).
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; High school graduate or earned a general education development (GED) certificate.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division of Fire Prevention and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $59,850, Home Inspectors in Tennessee earn 17% below the national median of $72,120. Tennessee ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$59,850Hourly estimate
$28.7717% below national median
Difference: -$12,270
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationHome Inspector Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor Home Inspector median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $101,160 |
| #2 | Alaska | $94,030 |
| #3 | Washington | $89,360 |
| #4 | Connecticut | $87,290 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $83,890 |
Nearby States Comparison
Home Inspector licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $59,850 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $63,770 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $69,960 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $65,830 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $64,290 | Specific course required | State exam required | 2-21 years |
| Alabama | $61,500 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $49,750 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $52,970 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1-18 years |
| Missouri | $62,230 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
Agency website unverified
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Fire Prevention
Davy Crockett Tower 9d Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243-1159
Phone: 6157411322
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $85,580 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $47,460 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $49,520 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $59,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Home Inspector in Tennessee?
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 Home Inspectors in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Home Inspectors.
What education do you need to become a Home Inspector in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Home Inspector licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Home Inspector salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Home Inspectors in Tennessee is $59,850. Salaries range from $37,040 (10th percentile) to $85,850 (90th percentile).
How does the Home Inspector salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Home Inspectors in Tennessee earn 17% below the national median of $72,120, with a state median of $59,850.
How many Home Inspectors work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 1,810 Home Inspectors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Home Inspector license to Tennessee 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 Home Inspectors in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division of Fire Prevention. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Home Inspector license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.