Looking to become a home inspector in Oklahoma?

We can honestly say, it was the best career move we have ever made. Although it was a slow and arduous path to home inspections being our sole income, it was worth it, and we’d do it all over again! You’d be surprised how often we get calls asking us to help someone come up in the industry. At this point in our career, that is a huge compliment. We love what we do and we hope that always shows!

Is the real estate industry for me?

Consider whether this industry is for you. Real Estate is an industry that sees ups and downs. It can take considerable time to see your businesses rise above the ebbs and flows of the real estate seasons. Prepare yourself for the possibility of working multiple jobs in the early days. Many professionals get into real estate only to become frustrated by the natural rise and fall of the volume of work, and eventually leave the industry altogether. Our advice? Know that you know that real estate and inspections are for you. It requires a tough skin and quite a lot of resilience.

Gathering information from the right sources.

Make sure you research Oklahoma laws for licensing requirements for home inspectors and be sure to seek that information from the right sources. While real estate in OK is governed by the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, inspectors in OK are governed by the Construction Industries Board. These two governing bodies are completely separate.

Step 1 in Becoming an Oklahoma Home inspector:

The Construction Industries Board requires 90 hours of pre-license training, which can be completed through an online curriculum, or in a classroom setting. CIB provides a list of approved and accredited organizations that can provide the 90 hours of training. Click here to view the list.

We highly recommend InterNachi for the initial training and the ongoing membership for continuing education. InterNACHI is headquartered in Boulder, CO, and provides state-specific training for home inspectors which will prepare you to take the National Home Inspector Exam required by CIB. One unique and very useful feature at the headquarters is their House of Horrors, which is a house with thousands of defects all under a single roof. It’s quite a fun way to know that your training was a success.

Step 2 in Becoming an OK Home inspector:

Submit the application for home inspectors to the CIB. The initial home inspector application has a required fee of $280.00 ($250 initial license fee + $30 application fee). Essentially, the application process with CIB begins your state licensing process, you’ll be provided an inactive license number. CIB verifies that you have satisfied the required 90 hours of pre-licensing education, allowing you to sit for the National Home Inspector Exam.

Step 3 in Becoming an OK Home Inspector:

Once your application to CIB has been approved you are free to schedule via PSI Exams the National Home Inspector Exam required by the state of OK. The exam is 240 minutes long and requires a fee of $200 per exam attempt. This fee is in addition to the application fee mentioned in step 2. Should you not pass the exam on the first attempt, there is a 30 day waiting period before you can sit for the exam again. Here’s some additional useful information to know beforehand:

You can take this test on Computer.
Kindly note that this is not an open book test.
Reschedule 2 days in advance before 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.
Cancel 2 days in advance before 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.
Schedule 1 day in advance before 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.

Step 4 in Becoming an OK Home inspector:

Upon passing the home inspector exam, you’ll be able to apply for liability and insurance, which is required to be on file with CIB before your license becomes active. CIB has the following to say in regards to liability and insurance requirements:

Each licensee must maintain insurance coverage and furnish and maintain in effect a certificate of insurance therefore which indicates that the licensee has a comprehensive general liability policy. Limits of liability are to be no less than $50,000.00 combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage. —sourced from CIB

Work for yourself by building your home inspection business.

After becoming a licensed and insured professional home inspector, you’ll begin the work of building your business! This can be a time consuming, and even overwhelming process for some. We recommend thoughtful consideration of what this path requires, and if this is the right path for you.

Work as an employee or a contractor with another home inspection company.

If starting a business isn’t for you, you have two options: become an employee, or become a 1099 contractor. Both options have their benefits. We recommend doing some research on the differences.