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How to Become a Home Inspector in Delaware

Becoming a home inspector in Delaware means working through one of the more demanding pathways in the country, administered by the Board of Home Inspectors under the Division of Professional Regulation. Delaware requires 140 hours of classroom or online training approved by an organization such as ASHI, plus 75 supervised home inspections completed after your Trainee Registration is issued. You'll need to pass the National Home Inspector Examination, carry $50,000 in E&O insurance plus $250,000 in liability coverage, and maintain detailed Experience Logs throughout the trainee phase. Delaware's small geographic footprint (Wilmington, Dover, and the Sussex County beach communities) means the inspection market is tightly networked, so reputation builds quickly.

Quick Facts

  • Required Exam: National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), verification sent directly from exam service to the Board

  • Education Prerequisite: 140 hours of classroom or online training

  • Field Experience: 75 supervised home inspections (only count after Trainee Registration is issued)

  • Application Fees: Home Inspector Trainee: $186 Home Inspector: $333

  • Insurance Requirement: $50,000 errors and omissions insurance + $250,000 liability insurance

  • Background Check: Not required, but criminal history must be disclosed

  • Minimum Age: No requirement

  • License Renewal Cycle: Biennially by August 31 of odd-numbered years

  • Continuing Education: 40 hours per two-year renewal cycle (20 hours if first renewal after less than 2 years licensed)

  • Regulatory Body: Delaware Board of Home Inspectors (Division of Professional Regulation)

1

Meet Delaware's Basic Qualifications

Before applying for Trainee Registration, confirm you meet basic eligibility: high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, and able to disclose any criminal or disciplinary history. The Board reviews disclosures as part of the application process. All applications are submitted through DELPROS (Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services), so you'll also need to create a DELPROS user account.

2

Complete 140 Hours of Approved Training

Delaware requires 140 hours of classroom or online training from a provider approved by ASHI, NAHI, or InterNACHI. The curriculum covers the standard 14 components of a home inspection plus Delaware Standards of Practice and report writing. Most candidates complete this through a comprehensive home inspector training course. Save your completion certificate; you'll submit it with your Trainee Registration application.

3

Pass the NHIE

Pass the National Home Inspector Examination through PSI testing centers. The exam runs four hours and costs approximately $225 per attempt. Your NHIE verification must be sent directly from the exam service to the Board office.

4

Register as a Delaware Home Inspector Trainee

Once you've completed your 140 hours of training, register as a Home Inspector Trainee through DELPROS. The Trainee Registration is the gateway to performing supervised inspections that count toward your final license. You'll need to identify a Delaware-licensed home inspector willing to act as your supervising inspector. Trainee Registration must be active before you start performing the 75 supervised inspections, since only inspections completed after registration is issued count toward the requirement.

5

Complete 75 Supervised Home Inspections With Experience Logs

Delaware requires 75 home inspections completed under supervision of a licensed Delaware home inspector. You and your supervising inspector must maintain detailed Experience Logs documenting each inspection, which you'll submit with your final license application. Most Delaware trainees complete this phase in 4 to 8 months depending on inspection volume at their supervising firm. The Board reviews logs carefully, so accuracy and completeness matter throughout the trainee phase.

6

Secure Insurance

Secure $50,000 in errors and omissions insurance and $250,000 in liability insurance from a carrier that offers home inspector policies.

7

Apply for Your License

Submit your final license application through DELPROS along with your Experience Logs, training certificates, NHIE verification, and insurance certificates. The Board reviews complete applications at its scheduled meetings (typically every other month).

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How much does the Delaware home inspector course cost?

Delaware home inspector course packages vary by what's included. Compare the options above to find the one that fits your goals. Every package from AHIT includes the Professional AHIT Home Inspector Course and exam prep tools built by AHIT experts. Higher-tier packages add more study materials and specialty certifications. Note that Delaware also charges a $160 trainee registration fee and a $293 license fee paid to the Division of Professional Regulation.

What's included in the Delaware home inspector course?

Every Delaware home inspector course package from AHIT covers the 14 key components of a home inspection, Delaware home inspector Standards of Practice, and report writing, which the Delaware Board of Home Inspectors requires for licensure. You'll also get business and marketing training to help you launch your inspection career, real-world inspection footage to bring concepts to life, and exam prep tools built by AHIT for the NHIE. Higher-tier packages add NHIE prep eTextbooks, Commercial Certification, and Online Radon Certification for inspectors who want to expand their service offerings.

Is the Delaware home inspector course state-approved?

Yes. AHIT offers Delaware-approved pre-license education for home inspector candidates. The course covers the 140 hours of approved training the Board of Home Inspectors recognizes for licensure, plus Delaware home inspector Standards of Practice and report writing.

How long does it take to complete the Delaware home inspector course?

Most Delaware candidates finish the 140-hour AHIT coursework in 8 to 14 weeks at a part-time pace. The 75 supervised home inspections during your trainee phase typically add several months depending on inspector availability in your area. Plan on 6 to 12 months total from trainee registration to full Home Inspector license depending on how quickly you complete supervised inspections.

Do I need to attend in-person classes for the Delaware home inspector course?

The 140 hours of approved education can be completed online through AHIT's self-paced course. Delaware's 75 supervised home inspections must be completed in person under a licensed Delaware home inspector. AHIT pairs your online coursework with the supervised field training you need to meet the Board's full requirement.

What happens after I complete the Delaware home inspector course?

Once you finish the AHIT coursework, you'll register as a Home Inspector Trainee with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation ($160 fee), complete 75 supervised home inspections under a licensed Delaware inspector, pass the National Home Inspector Examination, secure $50,000 in errors and omissions insurance and $250,000 in liability insurance, and submit your full Home Inspector license application along with the $293 license fee. AHIT provides exam prep tools built by AHIT to help you prepare for the NHIE. For the full breakdown of Delaware's licensing process and salary information, see our How to Become a Home Inspector in Delaware guide.

Does AHIT offer a free trial of the Delaware home inspector course?

Yes! Try the Delaware home inspector course with a free 5-day trial, no credit card required. Preview lessons, test the exam prep tools, and decide if the course is right for you before committing.

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