Apparently DLLR is being swamped with phone calls. In order to quell the tide, it has recently released the following document:
Rev.9, 2/2/07
Frequently Asked Questions
This section provides answers to some questions you may have about how the Home Inspector license application process and grandfather clause, for which you are eligible, will affect your application.
1. Why is the State of Maryland, Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation offering this program?
Effective October 1, 2006, funding was allocated by the Maryland Legislature to implement a Home Inspector licensing program under the direction of the Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers and Home Inspectors.
2. Who is eligible for the Grandfather Clause Home Inspector License Program?
In 2002, you were afforded the opportunity to file an application with the Commission under a “grandfathering” provision of the law, Business Occupations and Professions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, §16-3A-02. This section provides that an individual may be eligible for a home inspector license if he or she filed a license application prior to July 1, 2002 and met certain education, work experience and/or professional association membership requirements.
3. How do I qualify as a licensed home inspector under the grandfather clause?
Prior to July 1, 2002, to qualify for license as a home inspector, an applicant must be an individual who meets two (2) of the following conditions:
- Have completed a minimum of 48 hours of an on-site training course approved by the Commission only;
- Have completed a minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience, as determined by the Commission, immediately preceding the submission of an application;
- Have completed at least 100 home inspections for compensation; or
- Submit proof of full and current members in or certification by one of the following national home inspection organizations:
- American Society of Home Inspectors; or
- National Association of Home Inspectors
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- General liability insurance in the amount of not less than $50,000.
4. What is the process for following-up on my approved grandfather application or a request for additional information needed for further review?
You will receive an application form to be returned with a check for $450.00, which includes a $50.00 non-refundable application review fee and a $400.00 licensing fee required to renew your license for each additional two (2) year term.
5. Is the grandfather clause application processes an on-going program for all applications?
No, to qualify under the grandfather clause, you must have applied for a home inspector license and have met the requirements prior to July 1, 2002. After that date only the criteria as prescribed by law will be used to evaluate applications for home inspector licenses.
6. How often will I have to renew my license?
Licenses are renewed for a two (2) year term. At least one (1) month before the license expires, the Commission will send a notice to the licensee at the last known address of the licensee.
7. What is the timeline for applying for grandfather license approval?
The grandfather provision expired on June 30, 2002.
8. If I miss the grandfather period, what should I do?
You can apply during the announced licensing application period, based on the criteria under section, Annotated Code of Maryland, §16-3A-03 of the Business Occupations and Professional Article.
9. What are the application and licensing fees associated with grandfather licensing?
There is a $50 non refundable application fee and a $400 license fee, for a total of $450. There is a $400.00 fee required to renew the license for each additional 2-year term.
10. What are the home inspector education course requirements?
Applicants must have 48 hours of an on-site training course approved by the Commission (the topics covered with particular emphasis on home inspections will be determined by April 2007), a high school diploma and general liability insurance in an amount not less than $50,000.
11. Is there a required test for my home inspector license?
There is no examination required to obtain home inspector license at this time.
12. When will the Commission’s licensing website be functioning to apply on-line for my home inspection license?
The home inspector sector of the Commission electronic licensing program should be available by June 2007.
13. When is the day certain that all home inspectors have to be licensed?
It is the Commission’s intention to initially license those individual who qualified under the grandfather provisions, and then stagger all other applications before a mandatory deadline is announced. It is anticipated that required licensing will not occur before January 1, 2008.
14. Is grandfathering only good for a certain period of time – one year, two years, etc.?
The grandfather clause only applies to individuals whose applications were received prior to July1, 2002. All other individuals can apply through the open license application period.
15. Will I need to be tested sometime in the future to renew or apply for my inspection license?
At this time there is no examination requirement to apply for or renew a home inspector license.
16. How long will it take for me to receive my license after Commission of Real Estate Appraiser and Home Inspectors gets my application?
After a review of your application is completed and provided that no additional information ids needed, the typical processing time for a license is a 7 to 10 days.
17. When will I need to get a renewal license?
Your license is renewed for a two (2) year term based on the date of its original issuance and expiration.
18. When does the licensing enforcement date go into effect?
A future licensing enforcement will be determined shortly after the application process is opened to the general public. When the date is established, it will be illegal to provide home inspection services in the State of Maryland without a license. It is anticipated that mandatory licensing will not occur before January 1, 2008.
19. Will there be a state examination to obtain a first time license to become a home inspector?
There are no State examination requirements for existing home inspectors applying for licensure or first time home inspector candidates.
20. What are the educational and work requirements to become a licensed home inspector after July 1, 2002?
After July 1, 2002, an applicant for a home inspector license should have completed a minimum of 48 hours of on-site training, approved by the Commission of Real Estate Appraisers and Home Inspectors (the topics covered with particular emphasis on home inspections will be determined by April 2007), a high school diploma and general liability insurance.
21. Will the State provide a list of licensed home inspectors?
Once home inspectors are licensed, similar to home appraisers, the Commission will have a public “query option” available, so that a person can search active licensees who may practice in the State of Maryland.
22. Have others been notified of their grandfather approvals?
Everyone who was approved for licensing under the “grandfathering” provision received a letter requesting them to complete the licensing process. The Commission expects to begin issuing home inspector licenses after the application process is complete.
23. What type of insurance coverage is needed?
General liability insurance coverage in an amount not less than $50,000 is required.
24. Will the Commission recommend specific institutions that have an approved education program?
By July 2007, the Commission will have available the names of home inspector educational providers that are approved to offer 48 hours on-site training courses required for licensure.
25. What is the date when the licensing program begins?
The Commission expects to begin issuing Home Inspector licenses to non-grandfathered qualified candidates shortly after April 1, 2007.
26. What is the specific course content needed for the 48 hours of on-site training?
An applicant shall, at a minimum, have completed on-site training courses which meet the 48 hour requirement set forth in the Annotated Code of Maryland §16-3A-02 of Business Occupations Professions Article. The topics covered with particular emphasis on home inspections will be determined by the Commission.
27. Does an associate membership in either American Society of Home Inspectors or National Association of Home Inspectors satisfy the grandfather membership qualifications?
Prior to July 1, 2002 group of grandfather applicants can use a full membership in either the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors as a way of meeting one of their two conditions(see question # 3).
28. Will there be more than one level of licensure?
The State will issue one level of home inspector license.
29. What information will I receive when my application is approved for the licensing process or a request for additional information?
Beginning in January 2007, an applicant will get one of two packages – one which confirms his/her acceptance under the grandfather clause or one which requests additional information necessary to complete the processing of his/her licensing application.
• Contact information
• Return envelope
• Draft general liability insurance form
30. What are the requirements to display the Home Inspector License certificate or license number?
Each Licensee shall display the license certificate in their principal place of business in a manner that is visible or conspicuous to the public or provided to any one who request the license number.
