Florida Home Inspector Exam

Florida Home Inspector Exam

Passing a state-approved exam is a key step in becoming a licensed home inspector in Florida. The exam ensures you have the knowledge and competency required to provide accurate and reliable inspections. Below is everything you need to know about the Florida home inspector exam process.

Approved Exams in Florida

Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) recognizes several exams for licensing:

• National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE)
• InterNACHI Florida Exam (state-approved)
• FABI (Florida Association of Building Inspectors) Exam

Each of these exams meets the state’s licensing requirements. You only need to pass one approved exam to qualify.

Exam Format & Content

While the exact format may vary by provider, here’s what you can expect:

• Length: Typically 200 multiple-choice questions
• Time Limit: About 4 hours
• Passing Score: Around 70% (varies slightly by exam)
• Content Covered:
  • Building systems (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, structure)
  • Inspection standards of practice
  • Report writing and documentation
  • Professional ethics and legal responsibilities

How to Register

• NHIE: Register online through National Home Inspector Examination. The test is offered at PSI testing centers.
• InterNACHI Exam: Offered online for InterNACHI members and approved by Florida DBPR.
• FABI Exam: Administered by the Florida Association of Building Inspectors. Details available at FABI website.

Costs

• NHIE: $225 (testing fee at PSI centers)
• InterNACHI Exam: Free with membership (annual dues apply)
• FABI Exam: Fees vary depending on membership status

Prep Tips for Success

1. Review Pre-Licensing Coursework – Focus on the 120-hour DBPR-approved curriculum.
2. Use Practice Exams – NHIE and InterNACHI offer practice tests that mirror the real exam.
3. Join Study Groups – Local inspector associations often host prep sessions or study meetups.
4. Time Management – Practice answering questions under timed conditions.
5. Know Florida’s Requirements – Focus on topics like wind mitigation and Florida-specific building issues.

After the Exam

Once you pass an approved exam, you’ll receive proof of completion that can be submitted with your Florida DBPR home inspector license application.

👉 For more on applying, see our guide: How to Become a Home Inspector in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions – Florida Home Inspector Exam

Q: Which exams are approved for home inspector licensing in Florida?
A: Florida DBPR accepts several exams, including the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), the InterNACHI Florida exam, and the FABI exam. You only need to pass one of these approved exams.

Q: How much does the Florida home inspector exam cost?
A: Costs vary by exam:

• NHIE: $225 (via PSI testing centers)
• InterNACHI Exam: Free with InterNACHI membership (annual dues apply)
• FABI Exam: Fees vary based on membership status

Q: What topics are covered on the exam?
A: Exams generally cover building systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, structure), inspection standards, report writing, ethics, and state-specific topics such as wind mitigation.

Q: How long is the exam?
A: The NHIE consists of 200 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of about 4 hours. Other exams have similar formats.