Real Estate / Home Inspector License / Maryland
- Maryland
- Home Inspector
- 72-Hour Training & NHIE
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Maryland Home Inspector License
Everything you need to train, pass the NHIE, apply and renew a Maryland home inspector license, pulled from the Maryland Department of Labor’s requirements.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Maryland Department of Labor requirements
Application fee
Not stated
Check the current fee with the Maryland Department of Labor
Exam time
4 hrs
NHIE, 200 questions
Time to get license
Varies
72 hours of approved on-site training, then the NHIE
Continuing ed
30 hrs
Every 2 years, no more than 30% online
Overview
Do you need a Maryland home inspector license?
Yes. Home inspectors in Maryland need a license from the Maryland Department of Labor. You qualify with a high school diploma or GED, 72 hours of approved training, a passing NHIE score and liability insurance.
License required when
- You inspect homes for a fee and write condition reports for clients
- You evaluate structure, electrical, plumbing and other systems as a professional inspector
- You want to market yourself as a home inspector in Maryland
Common exceptions
- The requirements we reviewed don’t list any exemptions
- If you think your work is exempt, confirm it with the Maryland Department of Labor before you take paid inspections
Penalties for unlicensed work
The requirements we reviewed don’t list specific fines. In general, the Maryland Department of Labor can refuse, suspend or revoke a license and take action against anyone who inspects homes for pay without one, so get licensed before you take your first paid job.
Your fast-track Maryland home inspector license checklist
The Maryland application, one page
- High school diploma or GED
- 72-hour on-site training certificate
- Passing NHIE score
- $150,000 general liability certificate
- Signed application and fees
Types
Maryland home inspector license types and classifications
Maryland issues one home inspector license. Every applicant meets the same education, training, exam and insurance requirements.
HI
Only license
Home Inspector
Objective inspections of homes, covering structure, electrical, plumbing and more, with a written report for the client.
Exam
NHIE
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Maryland home inspector license requirements, class by class
Here’s everything the Department asks for with your application.
| Requirement | Home Inspector |
|---|---|
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Training | 72 hours of on-site home inspector training approved by the Commission |
| Exam | Passing NHIE score (500 or above) |
| Insurance | $150,000 or more in general liability |
| Application | Completed, signed application and fees |
| Minimum age | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Maryland home inspector license, step by step
- Check the basicsBefore you start
You need a high school diploma or GED. - Complete 72 hours of trainingBefore you apply
Take 72 hours of on-site home inspector training approved by the Commission. The Department lists approved providers at its 72-hour provider page. - Pass the NHIEExam day
Schedule at nationalhomeinspectorexam.org or call 847-298-7750. You need pre-approval from the testing agency first. It’s 200 questions in 4 hours, closed book, and you need 500 or above. - Get liability insuranceBefore you apply
Get a certificate of insurance showing $150,000 or more in general liability coverage. - Apply to the Department of LaborFee not stated
Submit the signed application, training proof, NHIE score, insurance certificate and fees through the Department’s home inspector page. - Renew every 2 yearsBiennial
Your license expires every two years from the date it was issued. Finish 30 hours of CE, no more than 30% online.
Exam
What to expect on the Maryland home inspector exam
Maryland uses the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). It’s closed book, so you can’t bring the IRC, NEC or other references into the exam.
Format
Closed book
Questions
200
Passing score
500 or above
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- 200 questions in 240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing score is 500 points or above
- Closed book: no reference books allowed in the exam
- Topics: site conditions, exterior, roof, structure, electrical, ventilation, plumbing and fuel distribution, and interior components
Retake policy
- Retake rules and fees aren’t stated in the requirements we reviewed
- Check current retake rules when you register at nationalhomeinspectorexam.org
- You need pre-approval from the testing agency before you can schedule
- Questions about scheduling go to PSI at 833-333-4751 or the NHIE at 847-298-7750
Exam references · Closed book
The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is closed book, and the books below are not allowed in the exam room. They’re useful for studying the code topics the NHIE covers.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2021 | Study only |
| NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) | 2023 | Study only |
Prep
Best Maryland home inspector exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Maryland home inspector license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| License application fee | Fixed | Not stated |
| NHIE exam fee | Fixed | Not stated |
| 72-hour on-site training | Variable | Varies |
| General liability insurance ($150,000+) | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Fees aren’t stated in the requirements we reviewed | Not stated |
Ask the Department for its current fee schedule before you apply.
Reciprocity
Does Maryland accept out-of-state home inspector licenses?
The requirements we reviewed don’t describe any reciprocity agreements for home inspectors.
No reciprocity agreements listed
Plan to apply as a new applicant and meet every Maryland requirement. If you hold a license elsewhere, ask the Maryland Department of Labor whether any of your training or exam results can count.
Local
Do Maryland cities and counties have their own home inspector licensing rules?
Your home inspector license comes from the state and covers all of Maryland. Local governments don’t issue a separate home inspector license in the requirements we reviewed.
State handles
- Home inspector licenses and renewals
- Approval of 72-hour training providers
- Continuing education rules
- Complaints and discipline
City & county handle
- Local business licenses or tax registrations, where required
- Building permits and code inspections (separate from home inspections)
- Zoning and home-office rules for your business
Governance
Who regulates home inspectors in Maryland
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues and renews home inspector licenses
- Approves 72-hour training providers
- Sets continuing education rules
- Handles complaints and discipline
Maintenance
How to renew your Maryland home inspector license and keep it active
Maryland home inspector licenses expire every two years based on the date they were issued. You need 30 hours of continuing education each cycle, and no more than 30% of those hours can be online.
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
CE hours
30 (max 30% online)
Renewal fee
Not stated
Late penalty
Not stated
Renewing your license?
See the Maryland CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Maryland home inspector license FAQs
How many training hours do I need in Maryland?
72 hours of on-site home inspector training approved by the Commission. The Department of Labor lists approved providers.
What exam do Maryland home inspectors take?
The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). It’s 200 questions in 4 hours, closed book, and you need 500 or above to pass.
Do I need a degree?
No. You need a high school diploma or GED.
How much insurance does Maryland require?
$150,000 or more in general liability coverage, shown on a certificate of insurance.
How often do I renew?
Every two years from your issue date, with 30 hours of continuing education. No more than 30% can be online.
Is the NHIE open book?
No. It’s closed book, so code books like the IRC and NEC aren’t allowed.
Sources
Official sources for the Maryland home inspector license
- Maryland Department of Labor, Home Inspector licensing
- Maryland Department of Labor, 72-hour training providers
- Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors, NHIE registration
Last updated October 28, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Maryland Department of Labor.