FLORIDA LICENSING GUIDE
Florida Home Inspector Exam:
Your 4 Approved Options
Florida’s DBPR accepts four written exams for home inspector licensure. Here’s how each one works, what it covers, and how to choose the right one for you.
Where the Exam Fits in Your Licensing Path
Passing a DBPR-approved written exam is Step 2 of the Florida home inspector licensing process. You must complete your 120-hour pre-license course first — then schedule and pass one of the four approved exams before submitting your DBPR application.
STEP 1 — BEFORE THE EXAM
Complete a 120-hour DBPR pre-license course. No exam provider will accept your application without proof of course completion.
STEP 2 — THE EXAM
Choose one of the four DBPR-approved exams, register directly with the provider, and pass. Your score report goes into your DBPR license application.
STEPS 3–5 — AFTER THE EXAM
Submit fingerprints, obtain $300,000 liability insurance, and file your DBPR application with the $230 fee. See the full licensing guide.
The 4 DBPR-Approved Exams
You only need to pass one. All four are accepted equally by the DBPR.
EXAM 1
National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE)
The NHIE is the most widely recognized home inspector exam in the country, developed by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). It is accepted in Florida and more than 30 other states, making it a strong choice if you might practice in multiple states.
Format: 200 questions, computer-based, multiple choice
Time: 4 hours
Topics: Site and structural systems, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, interiors, insulation
Register: homeinspectionexam.org
Best if you want:
- Multi-state portability
- Widest industry recognition
- A nationally standardized benchmark
EXAM 2
FABI Florida Home Inspector Exam
Administered by the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI), this exam is Florida-specific and includes content tailored to Florida’s climate, construction styles, and DBPR standards. It is a strong choice for those planning to practice exclusively in Florida.
Format: Multiple choice, computer-based
Topics: Florida-specific residential inspection standards, DBPR rules, report writing
Register: fabifl.org
Best if you want:
- Florida-focused content
- FABI membership benefits
- A Florida-specific credential
EXAM 3
InterNACHI Florida Home Inspector Exam
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) offers a Florida-specific exam accepted by the DBPR. InterNACHI is the world’s largest home inspector association, and membership comes with extensive free continuing education, tools, and resources.
Format: Online, open-book exam (InterNACHI members)
Note: Must be an InterNACHI member to take this exam
Register: nachi.org
Best if you want:
- InterNACHI membership perks
- Access to free CE after licensing
- Open-book format
EXAM 4
CI-HPI Home Inspector Exam
The CI-HPI exam is offered by the Certification for Home Performance Inspectors and is one of the four written exams accepted by Florida’s DBPR. It is a less commonly chosen option but fully valid for Florida licensure.
Format: Written exam, multiple choice
Register: Contact CI-HPI directly for current registration details
Best if you want:
- A fourth alternative option
- CI-HPI association membership
How to Choose
CHOOSE NHIE IF
You want the most portable credential — especially if you might ever work or relocate outside of Florida. The NHIE is accepted in more states than any other home inspector exam.
CHOOSE FABI IF
You plan to work exclusively in Florida and want content closely matched to Florida’s climate, construction, and DBPR licensing standards — plus access to FABI’s Florida inspector network.
CHOOSE INTERNACHI IF
You want access to InterNACHI’s large library of free continuing education, business tools, and inspector community — and you’re comfortable joining as a member first.
Your 120-Hour Course Prepares You for All Four
Our upcoming 120-hour pre-license course is built around the DBPR curriculum requirements and aligned with the content domains covered by all four approved exams — so whichever exam you choose, your coursework will have prepared you for it.
DBPR course approval is in progress. Join the interest list to be notified the moment enrollment opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the exam in person?
It depends on the exam. The NHIE and FABI exams are typically taken at a proctored testing center. The InterNACHI Florida exam can be taken online. Check directly with each provider for current testing options.
What score do I need to pass?
Each exam sets its own passing score. The NHIE uses a scaled scoring system with a passing score of 500 (on a 200–800 scale). Check with FABI, InterNACHI, and CI-HPI directly for their current passing requirements.
Can I retake the exam if I don’t pass?
Yes — all four exams allow retakes, though waiting periods and retake fees vary by provider. The NHIE requires a 30-day wait between attempts. Check each provider’s retake policy before registering.
Do I need to complete the 120-hour course before scheduling the exam?
Yes. Florida requires completion of a DBPR-approved 120-hour pre-license course before you can sit for the exam. Most exam providers will ask for proof of course completion when you register.
Is the exam the last step before getting my license?
No. After passing the exam you still need to submit fingerprints for a background check, obtain $300,000 in commercial general liability insurance, and submit your DBPR license application with the $230 fee. See our complete licensing guide for the full path.
Ready to Start the Path to Your Florida License?
The exam is step two. Step one is completing the 120-hour pre-license course. Our course is in development — join the interest list and we’ll notify you the moment enrollment opens.
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