Structural Pest Inspectors
Getting Licensed
The two SPI types have unique abilities and requirements.
Complete Inspections | Specific Inspections | |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Determine evidence of infestation, damage, or conducive conditions as part of a real estate transaction. | Identify/verify evidence of WDO's prior to pest management activities |
Exams Needed | SPI General SPI Practical |
PCO Structural |
Example | Inspector hired to inspect a home that is being purchased. Many are licensed Home Inspectors as well. | PCO company who inspects a residence before treatment. Many are licensed Commercial Operators as well |
Insurance Needed | SPI Insurance (see below) | Commercial Applicator Insurance |
Inspection Control Number (ICN) Needed |
Yes* | No |
For further guidance, please contact Licensing staff at license@agr.wa.gov or 877-301-4555. |
Additional information on the SPI license:
- To conduct complete WDO inspections (WAC 16-228-2035), you must:
- Hold the Structural Pest Inspector endorsement and
- Work for a licensed Structural Pest Inspection Company with current insurance.
- To conduct specific WDO inspections (WAC 16-228-2050), you must:
- Hold either the PCO Structural or Structural Pest Inspector endorsement and
- Work for either a licensed Commercial Applicator or Structural Pest Inspection company with current insurance.
Information for Insurance Bonding Agents
Complete Inspections: Must meet one of the following insurance requirements:
-
Option 1: $25,000 errors and omissions insurance policy that provides coverage two years from the date of any inspection. Use the Structural Pest Inspector Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate - Option 1 [PDF].
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Option 2: $25,000 surety bond that allows suit to be brought against it for damages as a result of the actions of the structural pest inspector for up to two years after the inspection. Use the Structural Pest Inspector Bond Form [PDF] to report coverage. Be sure that Option 2 is checked on the bond form.
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Option 3: $12,500 surety bond with the same conditions as above plus a $25,000 nonoccurrence based errors and omissions insurance policy. Use both the Structural Pest Inspector Bond Form [PDF] and the Structural Pest Inspector Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate - Option 3 [PDF] to report coverage. Be sure that Option 3 is checked on the bond form.
- Option 4: $25,000 assigned account, held by the department to satisfy any judgment for damages resulting from errors and/or omissions in an inspection. Use the Structural Pest Inspector Assigned Account Form [PDF] to report coverage.
Update SPI Company Information
- Changes to company-employed SPIs
- Updating the company's "responsible person"
- Updating the company name, address, UBI and/or phone number.
Resources
  Get Inspection Control Numbers (ICN's)
ICN Online Request Portal
If you have any questions, contact Licensing staff at 877-301-4555 or license@agr.wa.gov.
  WSU Structural Pest IPM
Learn more at WSU Entomology Extension Structural Pest IPM
  Guidance for SPIs
- What Home Inspectors Can Say About Wood Destroying Insects [PDF]
- Interpretive Statement on Inspection Contracts and Insurance Policies [PDF]
- WSDA Guidance on Complete Wood Destroying Organism Inspections [PDF]
- Reporting Requirements for "Re-Inspections" [PDF]
- Mold Reporting Requirements [PDF]
- Composition Siding Reporting Requirements [PDF]
  List of Licensed SPIs
  Preparing for and Taking Exams
Preparing for and Taking Exams