Kentucky Home inspector License: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply (2026)

Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors

Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors

KENTUCKY BOARD OF HOME INSPECTORS

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.bhi.ky.gov/new_docs.aspx?cat=40&menuid=40

Licensing

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.bhi.ky.gov/new_docs.aspx?cat=40&menuid=40

KBHI-1 Initial Application Form

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

18 years old

18

Is at least eighteen (18) years of age

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

High school diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma.

High school diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma.

Possesses a high school diploma or a High School Equivalency Diploma;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

64 hours

64

Sixty-four (64) credit hours of training

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Complete three unpaid inspections under direct supervision of a Kentucky licensee, with satisfactory written reports, in addition to the course's 16 hours of field training.

Complete three unpaid inspections under direct supervision of a Kentucky licensee, with satisfactory written reports, in addition to the course's 16 hours of field training.

The completion of three (3) unpaid home inspections under the direct supervision of a Kentucky licensed home inspector with satisfactory written reports submitted to the course provider in addition to the sixteen (16) hours of field training

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Pass a board-approved examination; a passing score is valid for three years.

Pass a board-approved examination; a passing score is valid for three years.

A passing score on the examination shall be valid for a period of three (3) years.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

At least $250,000 general liability insurance, naming the board as certificate holder.

At least $250,000 general liability insurance, naming the board as certificate holder.

documents liability coverage of a least Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000); and (ii) lists the certificate holder as the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$250

250

A nonrefundable fee of $250.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$400

400

a $200 fee, per licensure year. ($400 if for 2 years).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

2 years

2

a $200 fee, per licensure year. ($400 if for 2 years).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Initial licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month in the following year. Renewed licenses expire on the last day of the birth month of each even-numbered year after issuance.

Initial licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month in the following year. Renewed licenses expire on the last day of the birth month of each even-numbered year after issuance. Applies to: Kentucky home inspector licenses

The initial license for a home inspector issued in accordance with KRS 198B.700 to 198B.738, shall expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month in the following year. The board may reduce the license fee on a pro rata basis for initial licenses issued for less than twelve (12) months. (2) Renewed licenses shall expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month of each even numbered year after the date of issuance of the renewed license.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

28 hours

28

Each licensee who renews a license during an even year shall have at least twenty-eight (28) hours of continuing education during the license biennial period.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

28 hours for an even-year biennial renewal; 14 per license year for an odd-year renewal. The rule applies after at least 12 months of licensure.

28 hours for an even-year biennial renewal; 14 per license year for an odd-year renewal. The rule applies after at least 12 months of licensure.

The continuing education requirements of this section shall apply only to those licensees who will have been licensed at least twelve (12) months at license renewal. (2) (a) Each licensee who renews a license in an odd year shall have at least fourteen (14) hours of continuing education per license year. (b) Each licensee who renews a license during an even year shall have at least twenty-eight (28) hours of continuing education during the license biennial period.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Applicants may seek licensure through reciprocity under KRS 198B.714, submitting the application, required attachments and fee.

Applicants may seek licensure through reciprocity under KRS 198B.714, submitting the application, required attachments and fee.

An applicant seeking licensure through reciprocity in accordance with KRS 198B.714 shall:

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

An individual must be licensed before advertising or claiming to be a home inspector or conducting a home inspection for compensation.

An individual must be licensed before advertising or claiming to be a home inspector or conducting a home inspection for compensation.

An individual shall not advertise or claim to be a home inspector and shall not conduct a home inspection for compensation without first obtaining a license as a home inspector.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The $400 renewal fee shown is for two years; the board charges $200 per licensure year.

The $400 renewal fee shown is for two years; the board charges $200 per licensure year.

a $200 fee, per licensure year. ($400 if for 2 years).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Renew at https://oop.ky.gov/DPLServices/Login.aspx

Renew at https://oop.ky.gov/DPLServices/Login.aspx

Renew My License

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Initial applicants must submit state and FBI criminal background checks completed no more than 90 days before receipt of the application.

Initial applicants must submit state and FBI criminal background checks completed no more than 90 days before receipt of the application.

Two (2) criminal background checks, both completed no more than ninety (90) days prior to the date the board receives the application:

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

For a two-year renewal, the board's form requires 28 CE hours including 3 hours on Kentucky law and 3 on report writing.

For a two-year renewal, the board's form requires 28 CE hours including 3 hours on Kentucky law and 3 on report writing.

I am submitting proof of 28 hours of Continuing Education Credit, including 3 hours on Kentucky Laws and 3 hours on report writing for my 2-year renewal term.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026