Oregon
States
How to become a
home inspector in Oregon
So you’ve decided to become a home inspector in Oregon. Are you excited? Intimidated? A little bit of both? Well, don’t worry–we are here to make the process a bit simpler. We have taken it upon ourselves to research the Oregon home inspector requirements so that you have a bit of an easier time. We are so excited for you!
How do you meet the Oregon home inspector requirements?
The Oregon home inspector license requirements are enforced by the The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). These requirements will ensure that you have the basic training, protection, and qualifications to perform inspections in Oregon. Before applying, complete the following list:
- Provide proof of 20 experiential qualifying points.
- Successfully pass the National Home Inspector Exam.
- Provide proof of general liability insurance with minimum limits of $300,000 / $300,000, and a $10,000 bond.
Once you have everything ready, submit your application, along with the $150 fee, and you’ll be on your way to inspecting! But, first, let’s break down the major requirements below.
Get 20 experiential points.
This aspect of the Oregon home inspector requirements is a bit unique because they allow you to prove your experience through a variety of methods, as listed on the third page of the Home Inspector Application Packet. The goal is to provide evidence for obtaining 20 points. You can meet that requirement with a 60-hour Oregon-approved course. The course will cover the systems you will inspect, reporting practices, as well as lessons on how to run your inspection business. You can find a list of approved course providers here.
With this course, take it as an opportunity to begin your journey to become a home inspector in Oregon on the right foot. Aside from teaching you the necessary basics, these courses can help you network with other inspectors, meet experienced mentors, and ask any questions about marketing, inspecting, business setup, report writing, or any other necessary skill.
Pass the National Home Inspector Exam.
Once you have completed your coursework, the next step to fulfilling the Oregon home inspector requirements is to take the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE). The NHIE is a 200 question exam that covers various parts of home inspections, including aspects specific to your state.
To prepare for this exam, review the materials from your home inspector course, and also consider using study materials from the exam providers themselves. Also, ask other inspectors in your state about what parts of the exam they wish they had studied for more thoroughly. Doing all of this will keep you on track for passing the exam with flying colors!
Obtain Insurance.
To fulfill the Oregon home inspector requirements, you must provide a proof of insurance document showing you carry at least these insurance limits:
General Liability / Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
Limits of $300,000 (per occurrence)/ $300,000 (aggregate) or more.
General liability covers any property damage or bodily injury to others caused by your inspection. For example, whether you leave a running faucet on and cause water damage, or someone hurts themselves after following you up your ladder (for future reference, we do not recommend this), you will be covered with general liability.
Most inspectors choose to pair general liability insurance with errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects you when your clients accuse you of missing something during their inspection—or, at the very least, leaving it out of your report. E&O insurance is the most often used, as it can protect you during lawsuits. However, you are only required to carry general liability in Oregon, so choose the option that is right for your business’ protection. If you’d like to find out more about the differences between the two insurances, read our blog post here.
Surety Bond
The Oregon home inspector insurance requirements aren’t the only ones you’ll need to pay attention to: all CCB licensees (home inspector or no) are required to purchase a $10,000 surety bond. Here at InspectorPro, the two bonds we most frequently write for home inspectors include license and permit bonds and business service bonds.
Note that being bonded and insured are NOT the same thing. With a bond, you’re expected to cover losses yourself up to the bond’s total value. Because bonds are designed to protect third parties, becoming insured on top of being bonded can lighten your financial and emotional burden while battling a claim. Explore the differences between bonds and insurance policies in our blog post.
Renewal
Once you have finished the requirements to become a home inspector in Oregon, and you have submitted the application, your license will be valid for two years. You should expect to receive a renewal form about 30 days prior to your certification expiration date. If you don't however, contact them at 503-378-4621. It is your responsibility to renew, so don't wait if you don't receive the form and call to request it.
You will need to complete 30 continuing education units in the two year period in order to renew your license. Plan your classes ahead of time so you will be ready as you get closer to the renewal date (the list of approved providers is here). To document the completed classes, just send a copy of your completion certificate for each course to the CCB.
Congratulations from InspectorPro
We are so proud of you for taking this step to become an amazing home inspector in Oregon. You have taken a huge step toward fulfilling your new dream. We hope that this list of Oregon home inspector requirements has been helpful for you. Reach out if you have questions, need help, or want to protect your business with the best coverage available. We at InspectorPro are always looking forward to serving you.