State guide
West Virginia
West Virginia does regulate home inspectors through the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The current home-inspector rule is Title 103, Series 7, effective May 1, 2024, and it replaced an earlier rule that had been effective July 1, 2014.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Licenses home inspectors?
- yes
- Regulator
- West Virginia Office of the State Fire Marshal, Regulatory and Licensing Division
- License lookup
- Official page →
- File a complaint
- Official page →
Official resources in West Virginia
State Fire Marshal page for home-inspector applications, license search, forms, and division contacts.
Official application packet listing required documents for West Virginia home inspector certification.
Current legislative rule governing certification, practice standards, renewals, complaints, and discipline.
Official State Fire Marshal lookup to verify a West Virginia licensee.
Official State Fire Marshal list of the approved national exam and approved West Virginia 80+ hour courses.
Key facts for West Virginia
- West Virginia certifies home inspectors through the State Fire Marshal; current rule 103 CSR 7 took effect May 1, 2024.
- The 2024 rule replaced prior home-inspector rule 87 CSR 5, which had been effective July 1, 2014.
- Applicants need an approved 80-hour West Virginia course, EBPHI National Home Inspector Examination passage, fingerprints, and a West Virginia business license.
- Applicants and certificants must maintain at least $250,000 general liability insurance.
- Renewal requires 16 continuing-education units annually.
What to do next
- Verify the inspector in the State Fire Marshal license search and match the certification number to the report or contract.
- Ask for proof of the required liability insurance before hiring.
- To complain, send a written complaint with supporting documents to the State Fire Marshal under 103 CSR 7 complaint procedures.
Helpful guides
- How to check if a home inspector is licensed
- Which states license home inspectors (and which do not)
- How to look up disciplinary actions against a home inspector
- How to file a complaint against a home inspector