A Guide to Becoming a Licensed Home Inspector in Washington State

Rainy days make for great training.
Becoming a licensed home inspector in Washington State starts with high-quality training from a school that is fully licensed by the State of Washington to teach the fundamentals of home inspection.
Our comprehensive classroom program, tuition: $2,495, gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed on the state licensing exam and in real-world inspections.

With expert instructors, hands-on learning opportunities, and an industry-tested curriculum, you’re not just paying for a class—you’re investing in a career that provides flexibility, steady income, and professional growth for years to come.
- Expert instructors guiding each step
- Hands-on training to build real skills
- Industry-tested curriculum for exam success
Home inspectors in Washington State enjoy competitive pay, with many earning a solid living either independently or as part of a firm. As of January 2022, Indeed.com reports the average salary for a home inspector is $72,116 per year in Washington State.

Be sure to download this guide from the State of Washington. It’s the official roadmap to becoming a licensed home inspector. The Washington Home Inspector Candidate Handbook explains how to qualify, register, and prepare for the state exam. It covers exam topics, test-day procedures, and rules, and provides information on score reports, licensing steps, and retesting if necessary.

Your SOPHI certification is recognized by the State of Oregon for its state licensing requirements also.
Licensed home inspectors have multiple career opportunities. Whether starting your own business or joining a firm, these options provide avenues for professional growth and additional services.
What are the opportunities for a licensed home inspector?Many inspectors start their own businesses, while others join multi-inspector firms or franchises. If you’re considering joining a company, we recommend reviewing any offer carefully; consulting an attorney is a smart move.
Inspectors can work with the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assess properties in programs like Section 8 or as Certified 203(k) Consultants. These roles allow inspectors to contribute to community development and housing access.
This add-on service is in high demand. Most clients appreciate the chance to inspect a part of the home they can’t see yet could cost thousands if problems go unnoticed.
Energy audits help homeowners understand how their homes use energy and where improvements can be made. It’s a great value-added service that can generate more business.
Preparing for your Structural Pest Inspector license in Washington requires access to the right study materials. Below are trusted resources and bulletins to help you succeed.
Washington State University Structural Pest BulletinsClick the links below to explore WSU bulletins covering Pacific Northwest wood-destroying pests.
WSU Study Materials for WSDA License Exams
These resources cover the official study materials for the Structural Pest Inspector exam.