The Short Answer
Yes—most of the time you must be licensed or certified by your state to complete and sign an NPMA-33 form.
The NPMA-33 Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Inspection Report is typically completed by a licensed pest control professional or a certified termite/WDI inspector, depending on the regulations of the state where the inspection occurs.
In addition, the form itself generally requires the inspector to provide a license, certification, or registration number issued by the state pest control regulatory agency when completing the report.
However, the exact requirement is not set by NPMA itself. Instead:
-
State laws determine who is legally allowed to perform WDI inspections and complete the form.
-
In many states this means a licensed pest control company or pesticide applicator.
-
In some states, specific termite inspection certifications are required.
-
In a few states with fewer regulations, requirements may be different.
Because of these variations, the authority on who may fill out the NPMA-33 form is the state pesticide or pest-control regulatory agency, not the National Pest Management Association.
What the NPMA-33 Form Is
The NPMA-33 form is officially called the Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Inspection Report.
It is a standardized document developed by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) to report the results of inspections for wood-destroying organisms such as:
-
Termites
-
Carpenter ants
-
Carpenter bees
-
Wood-boring beetles
The form is widely used in real estate transactions, especially when financing is involved.
Many lenders—including VA, FHA, and HUD-backed loans—require a WDI inspection report, and the NPMA-33 form is commonly used to document those inspection findings.
Why Licensing Is Usually Required
Even though NPMA created the form, it does not regulate who can perform the inspection.
Instead, pest inspections are considered part of pest management or pesticide regulation, which is controlled by state governments.
Most states regulate activities such as:
-
Identifying wood-destroying insects
-
Recommending treatment
-
Performing pest control services
-
Conducting official WDI inspections for real estate transactions
Because of this, many states require inspectors completing the NPMA-33 form to have one of the following:
-
A pest control operator license
-
A pesticide applicator license
-
A WDI or termite inspection certification
-
Registration as a licensed pest management professional
The NPMA-33 form itself typically includes fields asking for the inspector’s license, certification, or registration number, which reflects these state regulatory requirements.
Who Typically Completes the NPMA-33 Form
In most real estate transactions, the form is completed by professionals working in the pest control industry, including:
Pest Control Companies
Licensed pest management companies commonly perform WDI inspections as part of their termite inspection services.
Termite Inspectors
Some professionals specialize specifically in termite inspections and WDI reporting.
Licensed Pesticide Applicators
Many states require inspectors to hold pesticide applicator credentials related to termite or structural pest control.
Pest Control Technicians
Technicians working under a licensed pest control company may perform inspections depending on state rules.
The key point is that the inspection is usually conducted by someone authorized under state pest control regulations.
Why Home Inspectors Usually Cannot Fill Out the NPMA-33
One of the most common misconceptions in the home inspection industry is that a home inspector can simply fill out an NPMA-33 form after observing termite damage.
In most states, that is not allowed.
Home inspection licenses typically authorize inspectors to report on the condition of building systems, but they do not authorize them to:
-
Identify specific insect species
-
Diagnose pest infestations
-
Recommend pest treatment
-
Complete official pest inspection reports
Those activities usually fall under state pest control laws, not home inspection laws.
This is why many home inspectors refer WDI inspections to pest control professionals.
State Laws Control the Requirements
Because pest inspections are regulated at the state level, requirements vary significantly across the United States.
Examples of possible requirements include:
Pest Control Business License
Many states require inspections to be performed under a licensed pest control company.
Pesticide Applicator License
Some states require inspectors to hold a pesticide applicator license with a termite or structural pest category.
WDI Inspection Certification
Certain states require a specific certification for termite or wood-destroying insect inspections.
State-Specific Forms
Some states require their own WDI inspection forms instead of the NPMA-33.
In those states, inspectors must use the state-approved form rather than the NPMA-33.
Why Lenders Often Require the NPMA-33 Form
Even when not required by law, many lenders request the NPMA-33 because it provides a standardized way to report WDI inspection findings.
The form documents:
-
Visible evidence of wood-destroying insects
-
Visible damage caused by those insects
-
Areas that could not be inspected
-
Conditions conducive to infestation
-
Recommended corrective actions
Because the form is widely recognized across the real estate industry, it helps lenders evaluate potential structural risk before approving a mortgage.
What Information the NPMA-33 Form Includes
The NPMA-33 report contains several sections designed to standardize termite inspection reporting.
General Information
This section includes:
-
Property address
-
Inspection company
-
Inspection date
-
Inspector name and license number
Inspection Findings
The inspector reports whether there is:
-
Visible evidence of wood-destroying insects
-
Visible insect damage
-
Conditions conducive to infestation
Recommendations
The inspector may recommend actions such as:
-
Treatment for active infestations
-
Repairs to damaged wood
-
Correcting moisture or structural conditions
Obstructions and Inaccessible Areas
Areas that could not be inspected must be documented to clarify inspection limitations.
Why the NPMA-33 Form Requires Professional Accountability
The NPMA-33 is used in legal and financial transactions, which is why it requires professional identification and licensing information.
The form includes statements indicating that the inspection company:
-
Has no financial interest in the property
-
Is providing a report based on a visual inspection
-
Is reporting only visible evidence of wood-destroying insects
Because the report may influence lending decisions, it must be completed by someone legally authorized to perform that inspection.
The Bottom Line
Yes—most people must be licensed or certified to complete an NPMA-33 form.
While the NPMA created the form, state pest control laws determine who is allowed to perform the inspection and sign the report.
In most cases this means the form must be completed by:
-
A licensed pest control professional
-
A certified termite inspector
-
A licensed pesticide applicator or technician
Home inspectors usually cannot legally complete the NPMA-33 form unless they also hold the appropriate pest control licensing required by their state.
Before offering WDI inspections or completing the NPMA-33 form, inspectors should always verify requirements with their state pest control regulatory agency.