Home Inspector License
Individuals interested in becoming a Licensed Home Inspector in South Carolina must meet the specific application, experience and examination requirements as established by the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission. These requirements ensure that all Home Inspectors possess the practical experience and professional competence necessary to protect the public and uphold the standards of the profession.
"Home inspection" means the rendering of a written or oral report in exchange for compensation of any sort, regarding the condition of the construction or improvements to a residence including, but not limited to, structural problems or conditions, damage, safety problems, deterioration, equipment, and systems that are visible and readily accessible. Home inspection does not include a contract or proposal for repair, renovation, or remodeling of the improvements to a residence. The parties to a home inspection may limit or expand the scope of the inspection by agreement.
Individuals seeking to obtain licensure by taking the SC Home Inspector exam must first apply for licensure through the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission. Applicants must complete and submit the appropriate application, with all required documentation and fees, to the Commission. Once received, the Commission will review the application to determine eligibility.
Experience and education requirements must be verified and approved before you are made eligible for the exam. If approved, additional information about examination eligibility and completing the post exam application process will be sent to all approved applicants. Applicants should ensure their email address on file with the Commission is current to receive all notifications.
Individuals seeking to obtain licensure by NHIE examination must first complete and submit the appropriate application, with all required documentation and fees, to the Commission. Once received, the Commission will review the application to determine eligibility.
Experience and education requirements must be verified and approved before you are made eligible for the Business Management and Law portion of the examination. If approved, additional information about examination eligibility and completing the post exam application process will be sent to all approved applicants. Applicants should ensure their email address on file with the Commission is current to receive all notifications.
Individuals currently licensed in other states by examination may apply for licensure by endorsement. Grandfather licenses do not qualify for licensure by endorsement/without technical examination. The Commission does not accept home inspection course examinations or state home inspector registrations, it must be a state issued license.
Experience requirements must be verified and approved before you are made eligible for the Business Management and Law portion of the examination. If approved, additional information about examination eligibility and completing the post exam application process will be sent to all approved applicants. Applicants should ensure their email address on file with the Commission is current to receive all notifications.
Individuals seeking to reinstate a lapsed or expired Residential Home Inspector license in South Carolina must meet all requirements set by the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission.
If you have a license that has been lapsed or inactive for less than three years, you may apply for reinstatement. If your license has been lapsed or inactive for more than three years, you will need to apply for a license as a new applicant, which requires reexamination.
| Residential Home Inspector (RBI) Fees | |
| Fee Type | Current Fee Amount |
| Application Fee | $80 |
| Renewal Fee | $160 |
| Renewal Late Fee | $90 |
| Reinstatement Fee | $360 |