TREC Licensing Guide

How to Become a Home Inspector in Texas

Texas is one of the most regulated states for home inspectors. Here's everything you need to know about getting licensed.

Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating home inspectors in Texas.

TREC establishes licensing requirements, sets education standards, and administers the state licensing examinations.

Visit TREC Website

Industry Statistics

The average passing rate for Texas home inspector schools is only 58.79%.

That means nearly half of all students fail their first exam attempt. Choosing the right school matters.

Texas Inspector License Levels

Level 1
Apprentice Inspector
Entry-level license to work under supervision

Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
  • Be sponsored by a Professional Inspector
  • Pass background check
  • Provide proof of liability insurance

Work under direct supervision to gain experience.

Level 2
Real Estate Inspector
Mid-level license for residential inspections

Requirements

  • Complete 90-154 hours of approved education
  • Complete Texas Practicum (if using education pathway)
  • Pass national (NHIE) and state exams
  • Pass background check
  • Provide proof of liability insurance

Required Courses

  • Property & Building Inspection I
  • Property & Building Inspection II
  • Business Operations & Professional Responsibilities
  • Texas Standards of Practice
Level 3
Professional Inspector
Full license to operate independently

Requirements

  • Complete 154+ hours of approved education
  • Complete Texas Practicum (if using education pathway)
  • Pass national (NHIE) and state exams
  • Pass background check
  • Provide proof of liability insurance

Required Courses

  • Property & Building Inspection I
  • Property & Building Inspection II
  • Analysis of Findings & Reporting
  • Business Operations & Professional Responsibilities
  • Texas Standards of Practice
  • Texas Law

The Licensing Exams

National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)
Required for all inspector licenses
  • 200 multiple-choice questions
  • 4-hour time limit
  • Covers all aspects of home inspection
  • Must complete core courses before testing
Learn More About NHIE
Texas State Exam
Texas-specific requirements
  • Covers Texas Standards of Practice
  • Texas-specific laws and regulations
  • Must complete Texas courses before testing
  • Administered by TREC-approved testing centers
TREC Exam Information

Why Choose The Inspection Academy?

Most home inspector schools were built by inspectors who know their trade but don't know how to teach it. We're different.

Traditional Schools

  • Rushed classroom sessions
  • Passive video lectures
  • "Good luck" with textbooks
  • 58.79% average pass rate

The Inspection Academy

  • Self-paced online learning
  • Interactive exercises & activities
  • Adaptive test prep included
  • Built to help you pass first time

Ready to Start Your New Career?

Join The Inspection Academy and get the training you need to pass your exam on the first try.