Moving to Rhode Island as a home inspector: every state's rule

1. 1Trade exam. Pass the destination's trade exam. The National Home Inspector Examination, the competency examination the Board approves for both the associate and the full license. Register and test with PSI, then submit proof of your passing result with the application. You may retake it as often as needed, waiting 30 days between attempts. There is no separate Rhode Island law-and-rules examination..
2. 2Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($225). NHIE fee per attempt, paid to PSI, as published in the candidate handbook the Board posts on its website. It is not refundable or transferable and is forfeited if you do not test within one year of PSI receiving it. The Board's rules say testing fees are posted on its website, so confirm the current amount with PSI when you register..
3. 3License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($200). License fee of $200 for two years, set by statute and the same for the Associate Home Inspector and the Home Inspector license. On the associate route you pay it for the associate license; converting to the full license while the associate license is current costs nothing. Pay by credit or debit card through OpenGov or by check payable to RICRLB; cash is not accepted..
4. 4Insurance. Carry the required insurance ($500,000). General liability insurance of at least $500,000 in the aggregate, required from associates and home inspectors alike. File the certificate with the Board naming RICRLB as certificate holder; it must stay valid for the whole license term and may not be canceled without 10 days' written notice to the Board. A policy carried by the company you work for counts if it specifically covers you. Letting the policy lapse means immediate loss of the license..
5. 5Insurance. Carry the required insurance ($500,000). Errors and omissions insurance of at least $500,000 in the aggregate, required in addition to general liability, with the same filing, cancellation-notice and lapse rules. No inspection contract may limit your liability below these limits..
6. 6Insurance. Carry the required insurance (if applicable). Workers' compensation insurance, only if you have employees. File the certificate with the Board naming RICRLB as certificate holder..
7. 7Business license. Obtain a business license (if applicable). If you trade through an LLC, corporation or other incorporated entity, register it with the Rhode Island Secretary of State and give its Business Identification Number on the application. The license itself is issued to you as an individual..
8. 8Other. If you live outside Rhode Island, appoint an agent for service of process with a Rhode Island street address before the license is issued. A post office box or a shipping or postal company address is not accepted. (if applicable).

Published fees on this path total $425, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.