How to Get Licensed

If you are applying for an LSBHI Home Inspection License, you must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED and you will also be required to:

1. Apply to the Louisiana State Police for a criminal background check, pay all costs associated therewith and submit the results to the board. If you have any concerns about the results of your criminal background check, please contact the LSBHI prior to beginning any education program.  
2. Complete a minimum of 90 hours of education with an LSBHI approved Education Provider. After completing step 2, steps 3-6 can be done in any order.
3. Pass NHIE Exam
4. Complete 30 hours of prelicensing platform training, as well as ten (10) live inspections with an approved in-field trainer
5. Attend Report Writing Seminar given by LSBHI approved providers
6. Obtain Insurance
7. Apply with the LSBHI- This step must be done last. All licensing requirements must be completed within 36 months of commencement.

1. Complete & Submit Background Check

The applicant must complete both the Right to Review Authorization and Right to Review Disclosure forms. Once the forms are completed the applicant can either:

• Bring the completed forms to the Louisiana State Police Headquarters (fingerprinting will be done at the LSP headquarters) If you go in person, you will receive your background check that day.
• Mail the completed forms to the Louisiana State Police Headquarters with fingerprints and fee. (contact LSP for more info on how to obtain fingerprints if you are mailing. See contact info below) Please note that if you mail the information it can take 4-6 weeks to process and return back to you. Louisiana State Police recommends applicants contact their local law enforcement agency to have fingerprints processed if they are unable to visit LSP Headquarters located in Baton Rouge.

Fingerprinting is mandatory.

The criminal background report will be signed in blue ink and sealed. The original SEALED background report must be submitted to the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors. 

The background check will expire 365 days after the issue date. If the background check is expired, a new one will be requested prior to licensure.

All fees are subject to change and are payable to the Louisiana State Police by money order, cashiers check or business check. ($10.00 fingerprint fee; $26.00 processing fee) No personal checks are accepted!!

Louisiana State Police Headquarters
7919 Independence Blvd
Baton Rouge LA 70806
For questions call the Louisiana State Police Headquarters: 225-925-6095

Mail the completed background check to the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors, 5211 Essen Lane, Suite 9, Baton Rouge LA 70809. If you wish to drop the background check off in person, please slide it under the door at the Essen Lane address. Be sure to include your email address and phone number with the paperwork.

2. Complete Initial 90 Hours of Training

If you are applying for an LSBHI Home Inspector License, you must go through a minimum of 90 hours of education with an LSBHI approved Education Provider.

3. Pass NHIE Exam

The applicant must pass the National Home Inspectors Examination given by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (PSI Exam). The cost for the exam is $225. You are responsible for making arrangements to take the exam. For instructions on how to register for the exam please click here.

For more information about the National Home Inspector Examination, visit their website or email or call 1.847.298.7750

4. Complete In-Field Training

The Trainee must complete 30 hours of prelicensing platform training, as well as ten (10) live inspections with an approved in-field trainer.

5. Report Writing Seminars / Standards Practice Review

As of January 1, 2007, all license applicants MUST attend the Standards of Practice and Report Writing Seminar before a Home Inspector License will be issued. Visit the calendar on the website for a list of scheduled classes. If there are no scheduled classes please check back as the calendar is updated daily. https://lsbhi.state.la.us/calendar/

6. Obtain Insurance

Licensed inspectors must also carry a minimum of $300,000 per year in Errors & Omissions with a maximum deductible of $5,000 and a minimum of $300,000 per year of General Liability Coverage with a maximum deductible of $5,000. The applicant must provide the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors a copy of the Certificate of Insurance at the time of applying. The LSBHI must be listed as the certificate holder.

• Inspector Pro Insurance Program
• PCIC, RRG Home Inspector Program Fort Baker Insurance Agency
• RISKPRO- 866-900-7475 ext. 120
• Organization of Real Estate Professionals (OREP)
• First Indemnity Insurance
• All Pro Coverage
• Any insurance provider licensed to provide insurance in Louisiana is acceptable.
• Property Inspectors – ALIA Riverton Insurance Agency Corp. (aliains.com)

7. Apply with LSBHI

$200 Application Fee

This fee is non-refundable. All licensing requirements must be completed with 36 months of commencement.

Reporting Fees

For every home inspection performed, you must remit to the LSBHI a $5 fee and must complete an Inspection Reporting Form at the end of each month with which to remit all fees due. As this $5 fee is a State mandated fee, this cost can be passed on to the client if you so choose, and you should inform the client of this.