Home Inspector Training

Home inspector training is made available to interested individuals through many different educational options. The majority of persons wanting to become a home inspector hold full or part time employment during home inspector training. Because of this, training programs are made available online, through weekend seminars or by DVD/CD Rom to permit students to study on their own schedule. Moreover, the intent of these programs is to obtain repeat students, meaning those students that will return time and again to their program to fulfill any continuing education requirements.

Home Inspector Training and Education required by State

Home inspectors are often required to be certified by the state in which they operate. Specific certification requirements are set by the state, but typically contain a minimum number of instruction hours and on-the-job internships. Some states may require individuals to pass a certification examination prior to becoming licensed as a home inspector. Even if a state has not set specific rules for home inspectors, there is no guarantee it will not do so in the future. Therefore, it's important for aspiring home inspectors to check not only their state’s rules but also those of surrounding states. Requirements that appear in more than one state or which appear to be generally required nationwide may be instituted in a state currently having no licensure requirements. Graduation from a program may result in a student receiving a certificate, diploma or degree in home inspection; one of these is usually required before a student can sit for licensure examination.

Home Inspector Training with an Association

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the International Association of Home Inspectors (Inter NACHI) and the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) are optional associations for home inspectors. These associations provide additional certifications, continuing education courses and other resources for home inspectors. Individuals interested in becoming home inspectors may want to determine whether any program they are considering conforms to one or more of these association’s guidelines. These associations also often provide guidance about the types of training programs available across the nation and the instruction that should be covered by any program.

Training Programs are Different

Training programs are often similar, but may be slightly different depending on the student’s location and intended state of employment. Therefore, while all programs contain similar basic instruction, a training program in a state with specific home inspector requirements might contain additional coursework. It is not unusual for home inspector training programs to require a student to complete internships in the field prior to graduation. The length of these internships varies in each program.

Home Inspector Training Options

Available home inspector training options include online work and DVD/CD Roms. These programs are the most flexible options, and often can be quite inexpensive. Students taking either training format are able to study on their own time and at their own pace. These programs often take the form of outlines, essays or PowerPoint presentations about home inspection basics. At the end of each lesson, students may be required to complete an examination about the topics covered. Potentially, these programs may contain a comprehensive examination that must be completed at the end of coursework for a certificate to be awarded. Usually, the examination must be submitted to a centralized grading office prior to a student being considered ready to graduate.

Self Study Training

Individuals seeking a different, but still flexible, option may consider studying on their own. The previously mentioned associations or your state may offer books and examinations for a small fee that can be used for individual study. However, this option requires that an individual be able to teach themselves a skill that can be quite difficult. As such, this option may not provide a student with a strong basis to pass any state required certification examination.

School and University Training

Of course, many schools also offer home inspector training programs. The length and time commitment for these programs vary. Programs can be offered on the weekends for one or more weekends in a row, in the evening, or during the daytime on a full or part-time basis. Students in these programs would receive live instruction and would most likely also be required to complete a number of in-person training hours with a certified home inspector.

Colleges and schools may also offer home inspector training programs through an associate’s degree. Associate’s degrees typically require two years of study and contain general education courses, such as English and math, in addition to courses in the student’s major, which in this instance would be home inspection. The benefit of associate’s degree programs is that they provide a wide berth of education. Earned credits may be transferable to a four year college or university, should an individual decide to later pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Typically, certificate, diploma, and associate’s degree programs are offered by community colleges or other small, local schools. The cost of these programs is often higher because of the school’s need to pay instructors and operate the facility. Despite the additional costs, however, they are perhaps the best option for students that do not study well individually or who appreciate learning from an experienced home inspector.

Trade Association Training

Finally, home inspector training can also be provided by a local chapter of a home inspector association. If offered, these training programs provide aspiring home inspectors with seminars in the field that are usually presided over by employed and experienced home inspectors in the state.

Home Inspector Training Summary

When choosing a home inspector training program, an individual should first identify whether the program conforms to any state home inspector requirements. Moreover, if the state requires licensure through an examination, the program should prepare students for that exam. Cost, the length of the program, any in-person internship requirements and the length of those requirements should also be considered when selecting a program. Additionally, many states, employers, and home inspector associations require home inspectors to complete continuing education courses every few years. It may be beneficial if the training program also provided continuing education programs because it would be easier to complete these requirements.