"The Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act." in New York State.

Home Inspection: General Information http://www.dos.state.ny.us/LCNS/homeinspector.htm

Effective December 31, 2005, the real property law is amended by adding a new Article 12-B, "The Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act." While you are not currently required to be licensed as a home inspector to perform home inspections, licensure will be required effective December 31, 2005.

What is Home Inspection?

Home Inspection is defined as the process by which a home inspector observes and provides a written report of the systems and components of a residential building including but not limited to:
A. Heating System
B. Cooling System
C. Plumbing System
D. Electrical System
E. Structural Components - foundation, roof masonry structure, exterior and interior components or any other related residential building component recommended by the Home Inspection Council and implemented by the Department through the regulatory process.

Who must apply for a license?

Persons engaged in performing home inspections of residential buildings for compensation.

What do you mean by residential buildings?

A Residential Building means a structure consisting of 1 to 4 dwelling units and their garages and carports, but shall not include any such structure newly constructed or not previously occupied as a dwelling unit.

Who is excluded from licensure?

1. A person regulated by the state or a political subdivision thereof as an architect who is acting within the scope of his or her profession; or
2. A person regulated by the state or a political subdivision thereof as an engineer who is acting within the scope of his or her profession; or
3. A person who is employed as a code enforcement official by the state or a political subdivision thereof when acting within the scope of that government employment; or
4. A person making home inspections for the purpose of meeting the requirements of § 444-e (b)(i)&(ii) of this article to qualify for licensure as a home inspector. That is home inspections performed in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector, registered architect or licensed professional engineer, who oversees and takes full responsibility for the inspection and inspection report. The sole purpose of these inspections is to gain the experience necessary to qualify for a license as a home inspector.