Your Step-by-Step Guide

Virginia home inspector course packages vary based on the level of training and additional materials you want. Compare the package options above to find the one that fits your goals and budget. Every package from AHIT includes the Professional AHIT Home Inspector Course and exam prep tools built by AHIT experts, with higher-tier packages adding more study materials and specialty certifications.

Yes. AHIT is a Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation-approved pre-license education provider. The course covers the 70 hours of pre-license education DPOR requires for Virginia home inspector applicants, plus Virginia home inspector Standards of Practice and report writing.

Most Virginia candidates complete the 70-hour course in 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the schedule of the in-person training sessions you attend. Your total timeline depends on your study pace for the online portion, the schedule of the live training sessions, and how quickly you move through DPOR's licensing process after completing the course.

Yes. Virginia requires that at least 35 of your 70 hours of pre-license education be completed in person, not online. The remaining hours can be completed through AHIT's online interactive coursework, which is self-paced. AHIT pairs the online portion with scheduled live training sessions to meet Virginia's in-person requirement.

After completing your AHIT coursework, you'll register for and pass the National Home Inspector Examination, secure at least $250,000 in general liability insurance, and submit your application to DPOR. AHIT provides AHIT-built exam prep tools to help you prepare. For a full breakdown of the Virginia licensing process and salary information, see our How to Become a Home Inspector in Virginia guide.

Yes! Try the Virginia 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.

Virginia home inspectors earn around $61,459 per year on average (Salary.com, April 2026). Northern Virginia inspectors regularly outperform the state average, driven by proximity to the DC metro and a high-value residential market. Self-employed Virginia inspectors typically charge $400–$650 per standard inspection. Inspectors who add the NRS specialty designation can take on new construction work, and those who add radon testing, termite letters, and pool inspections to their core service routinely clear $90,000–$110,000 annually in Northern Virginia and Richmond markets.

Plan on $2,200 to $5,100 in total startup costs broken up as follows:

• Home inspector training course (35 or 70 hours): $400–$1,200

• NHIE exam: ~$225

• DPOR application + license fee: ~$130

• NRS specialty designation (optional): additional fee

• E&O + general liability insurance: $1,000–$2,000 annually

• Inspection tools and reporting software: $500–$1,500

Most Virginia candidates complete the full process in 3 to 6 months. Coursework runs 2 to 5 weeks. The supervised inspection requirement (25 inspections) is the longest variable — typically 1 to 4 months depending on your supervisor's schedule. NHIE and DPOR processing add another 4 to 8 weeks combined.

Yes. Virginia has required home inspector licensure since July 1, 2017. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) issues licenses through the Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors. Working unlicensed is illegal and can result in fines and disciplinary action.

Most VA candidates finish in 3 to 6 months. Coursework runs 2 to 5 weeks. The supervised inspection requirement (25 inspections) is the longest variable, typically 1 to 4 months. NHIE and DPOR processing add 4 to 8 weeks combined.

Plan for $2,200 to $5,100 total. That includes the home inspector training course ($400–$1,200), the NHIE (~$225), DPOR application and license fees (~$130), E&O and general liability insurance ($1,000–$2,000 annually), and basic tools and software.

Virginia is moderate. The 25 supervised inspection requirement is the biggest scheduling variable, depending on your supervisor's volume. The NHIE is standard and most candidates pass on the first attempt.

Virginia home inspectors earn around $61,459 per year on average (Salary.com, 2026). Northern Virginia inspectors run higher. Self-employed inspectors charge $400–$650 per inspection and often clear $90,000–$110,000 with specialty services like NRS new construction inspections, radon, and termite letters.

Renew through DPOR every 2 years. You'll need 16 contact hours of approved CE from board-approved providers, plus the renewal fee. DPOR sends renewal notices before expiration. If you hold the NRS specialty designation, separate renewal requirements apply.