Illinois Home Inspector Course

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Illinois home inspectors earn around $62,210 per year on average (Salary.com, April 2026), with Chicago metro inspectors regularly outperforming that figure. Self-employed Illinois inspectors typically charge $375–$575 per inspection. Established inspectors who add radon testing (Illinois has high radon zones), sewer scope, and termite work to their core service routinely clear $90,000 annually, especially in the Chicago-North Shore, DuPage County, and Lake County markets.

Plan on $1,800 to $4,200 in total startup costs.

• Home inspector training course (60 hours, IDFPR-approved): $500–$1,200

• NHIE + Illinois state exam (PSI): ~$235

• IDFPR application fee: $250

• General liability insurance: $400–$1,000 annually

• Inspection tools and reporting software: $500–$1,500

Most Illinois candidates complete the full process in 10 to 16 weeks. The 60-hour course runs 3 to 5 weeks. The 5 Field Inspection Events take 1 to 3 weeks depending on scheduling with your supervisor (remember: only one event per day). The combined NHIE/IL exam takes 2 to 4 weeks to schedule. IDFPR application processing typically runs 4 to 8 weeks once your file is complete.

Yes. Illinois requires every home inspector performing inspections for compensation to be licensed by IDFPR. Operating without a license is illegal and can result in fines and penalties.

Most IL candidates finish in 10 to 16 weeks. The 60-hour course runs 3 to 5 weeks. The 5 Field Inspection Events take 1 to 3 weeks (only one event allowed per day). NHIE/IL exam scheduling adds 2 to 4 weeks, and IDFPR processing runs 4 to 8 weeks.

Plan for $1,800 to $4,200 total. That includes the 60-hour home inspector training course ($500–$1,200), the combined NHIE/Illinois exam (~$235), IDFPR application fee ($250), general liability insurance ($400–$1,000 annually), and basic tools and software.

Illinois is moderate. The 60-hour course is one of the shorter requirements nationally, but the 5 Field Inspection Events (only one per day, supervised by a 5+ year licensed inspector) and the combined NHIE/IL exam add some complexity. Most candidates pass on the first attempt with structured prep.

Illinois home inspectors earn around $62,210 per year on average (Salary.com, 2026). Chicago metro inspectors run higher. Self-employed inspectors charge $375–$575 per inspection and often clear $90,000+ with ancillary services like radon and sewer scope work.

Renew through IDFPR every 2 years. You'll need 14 hours of approved CE, current proof of general liability insurance, and the renewal fee. IDFPR sends renewal notices before expiration, and you can renew through the IDFPR online portal.