Home inspector licensing is set by each state that regulates the work. This explainer covers Texas only, where inspectors are licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). It answers one practical question from TREC's own pages: what are the license levels, and how does an inspector move from one to the next? Nothing here describes a rule change, and nothing here applies to any other state.
The three levels
TREC's Become an Inspector page states: "TREC issues three levels of inspector licenses: Apprentice Inspector, Real Estate Inspector, and Professional Real Estate Inspector."
The same page describes each level:
- Apprentice Inspector. "An Apprentice Inspector is an entry level license." It adds: "An Apprentice Inspector is required to train under the direct supervision of a Professional Real Estate Inspector."
- Real Estate Inspector. "A Real Estate Inspector is also required to work under the indirect supervision of a Professional Real Estate Inspector."
- Professional Real Estate Inspector. TREC says this license holder does not need to be sponsored by another license holder to perform real estate inspections.
TREC's renewal page lists, among the requirements for an active renewal: "Apprentice Inspectors and Real Estate Inspectors must be sponsored by a Professional Inspector."
What TREC's licensing covers
TREC's pages say, in their FAQ: "TREC's jurisdiction over real estate inspections is limited to inspections performed for a buyer or seller of real property in connection with a transaction." Keep that scope in mind when reading the rest of this post.
Moving up: Apprentice to Real Estate Inspector
On TREC's Become a Real Estate Inspector page, the sponsored path for current apprentices lists, among its requirements:
- "Have at least 3 months of active experience as a licensed apprentice inspector sponsored by a Texas professional inspector during the 12-month period preceding the application date."
- "Complete 25 real estate inspections under direct supervision."
- Education: "40 hours in Property and Building Inspection Module I," "40 hours in Property and Building Inspection Module II" and "10 hours in Business Operations and Professional Responsibility Module."
On the exam, the page states: "The examination requirement for a real estate inspector license consists of a national exam and a state exam."
TREC's page also describes a substitute experience and education path for people who are not coming up through the apprentice route. Read that section on TREC's page for its full list.
Moving up: Real Estate Inspector to Professional
TREC's Become a Professional Real Estate Inspector page lists, for current real estate inspectors:
- "Have at least 12 months of active experience as a licensed real estate inspector sponsored by a Texas professional inspector during the 24-month period preceding the application date."
- "Complete 175 real estate inspections under indirect supervision."
That page states: "The examination requirement for a professional inspector license consists of a national exam and a state exam." Check the page for the education modules required at this level.
How long a Texas inspector license lasts
Two years. TREC's renewal page states: "All inspectors licensed by TREC, including Apprentice Inspectors, Real Estate Inspectors, and Professional Inspectors, must renew their license every two years."
For an active renewal, the page lists: "Complete 32 hours of inspector CE, including the 8-Hour Inspector Legal & Ethics and SOP Review course." It also says: "All inspector CE courses must be completed during your current license period." TREC's renewal page also describes renewing on inactive status, and states: "You cannot perform inspections with an inactive license."
Where to check before you act
These are TREC's requirements as shown on its pages on the date above. TREC's pages are the authority, so confirm the current requirements there before you enroll or apply. Home inspector licensing is a planned topic on goraedu; see all certifications for its status.
goraedu is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Texas Real Estate Commission or any government agency.