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AHIT by The CE Shop Live & Online Training with AHIT by The CE Shop

How to Become a Home Inspector in Illinois

Becoming a home inspector in Illinois means working with one of the cleaner regulatory systems in the Midwest. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), through its Division of Real Estate and the Home Inspector Advisory Board, sets education, exam, and field requirements. The path is straightforward: 60 hours of approved education, 5 supervised field events, the NHIE plus an Illinois-specific section, and your application to IDFPR.

Quick Facts

  • Required Exam: Home Inspector Examination for Illinois — NHIE + Illinois statutes/regulations section, administered by PSI

  • Field Experience: 5 Field Inspection Events under direct supervision of a licensed IL home inspector with 5+ years experience

  • Application Fee: $250

  • Background Check / Fingerprints: Not state-required (criminal disclosure on application)

  • Minimum Age: 18

  • Education Prerequisite: 60 hours of IDFPR-approved home inspector training + high school diploma or GED

  • License Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years

  • Continuing Education: 14 hours per renewal cycle

  • Regulatory Body: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Real Estate

1

Meet Illinois's Basic Qualifications

Illinois requires applicants to be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass character review through the application process. Find a licensed Illinois home inspector with at least 5 years of experience who can supervise your 5 field inspection events — this is the most common delay for IL candidates.

2

Complete 60 Hours of IDFPR-Approved Education

The Illinois home inspector training course is 60 hours from an IDFPR-DRE approved provider. Coursework covers home systems, Illinois inspector law, the Illinois Standards of Practice, and report writing. AHIT's Illinois Home Inspector Training Course is fully online, self-paced, and approved by IDFPR-DRE.

3

Complete an Approved Home Inspector Field Course

Illinois requires 5 Field Inspection Events under the direct supervision of a licensed Illinois home inspector with at least 5 years of experience. Only ONE inspection event can be completed per day. A Field Inspection Event involves examining and evaluating the exterior and interior components of an actual residential property under your supervisor's direct observation. Plan on 1 to 3 weeks to schedule and complete the 5 events.

4

Pass the Home Inspector Examination for Illinois

Illinois uses a combined exam: the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) PLUS an Illinois statutes and regulations section. PSI administers both portions. The NHIE is 200 questions over four hours; the Illinois section covers state-specific licensing law, regulations, and Standards of Practice. Visit PSI's Illinois inspector exam page for scheduling and fees.

5

Submit Your Application to IDFPR

Submit your application to IDFPR with the $250 fee, course completion certificate, field event documentation, exam score, and proof of general liability insurance. IDFPR processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Once approved, you can verify your active license at IDFPR's online license lookup.

Why choose AHIT by The CE Shop?

Industry-leading instruction

Home inspection training built and delivered by AHIT, a name inspectors have trusted for decades.

Live and online options

Choose hands-on live classes or self-paced online courses, whichever fits your schedule.

Built to get you licensed

Coursework mapped to your state's requirements so you're ready for the exam and the field.

Backed by The CE Shop

The same platform and support trusted across real estate, mortgage, and appraisal education.

How much does the Illinois home inspector course cost?

Illinois 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.

 Is the Illinois home inspector course state-approved?

Yes. AHIT is an Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation-approved pre-license education provider for home inspectors. The course covers the 60 hours of pre-license education IDFPR requires for Illinois home inspector applicants, plus Illinois home inspector Standards of Practice and report writing.

 How long does it take to complete the Illinois home inspector course?

Most Illinois candidates complete the online AHIT coursework in 3 to 6 weeks at a part-time pace. The five supervised field inspection events and final field exam are scheduled separately and typically add 2 to 4 weeks depending on availability. Your total timeline depends on your study schedule, field training availability, and how quickly you move through IDFPR's licensing process.

 Do I need to attend in-person classes for the Illinois home inspector course?

The 60 hours of pre-license education can be completed online and is self-paced. Illinois requires five supervised field inspection events and a final field exam, which must be completed in person under a licensed Illinois home inspector's supervision. AHIT pairs your online coursework with the supervised field training you need to meet IDFPR's full requirement.

 What happens after I complete the Illinois home inspector course?

After completing your AHIT coursework and supervised field training, you'll register for and pass the National Home Inspector Examination and the Illinois State Exam through PSI, then submit your application to IDFPR. AHIT provides AHIT-built exam prep tools to help you prepare for both exams. For a full breakdown of the Illinois licensing process and salary information, see our How to Become a Home Inspector in Illinois guide.

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