Earning a home inspector license can be the start of a very rewarding career, or just a way to make some extra money. Home inspection is now required in the home-buying process, and the home inspection industry has seen immense growth over the past decade. This growth has created a number of opportunities for earning a home inspector license.
Typically, home inspectors first become licensed, then affiliate with a professional association such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or other. The license may be obtained through that association as well. Home inspector licensing requirements, however, can vary greatly depending in the group.
While some certifications can be obtained simply by filling in an application then paying a fee to a company, other professional organizations have much more stringent licensing requirements. Generally, companies that offer home inspection licenses in just one day or one week most likely don’t provide a quality education. To obtain a home inspector license that is credible and respected in the home inspection industry, many hours of study and field work are necessary.
In the U.S., the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is recognized by professionals and legislators as highly credible. ASHI licensing requirements include completing a certain number of paid inspections under the supervision of a certified home inspector and passing two exams. Home inspectors can also pursue certification at community colleges or real estate schools. For those who learn best in a classroom setting, this may be the perfect solution. Meanwhile, learners who prefer self-paced home study may pursue online courses with a distance training company or career school. Quality self-study courses may take over 400 hours to complete. Moreover, note that local or regional laws may require home inspectors to complete continuing education courses throughout their career.
Home Inspection Training – Areas of Study
Areas of study typically include construction methods and regulations. There are certain building codes that residential buildings must meet. These building codes vary depending on the community, and they are constantly changing. Home inspector licensing requirements also include knowledge of home interiors and exteriors, and a qualified home inspector should have a good understanding of major home systems. Courses generally cover electric, heating and air conditioning and plumbing systems.
Earning a license and membership in some association is just the start, but requirements to remain a member must be taken into account as well. For instance, ASHI home inspectors are required to complete continuing education hours every two years in order to keep their certification. Many who gain licensing choose to work as independent home inspectors. In this case, knowledge of local self-employment guidelines can be very helpful in running a home inspection business.
State Home Inspector Licensing/Certification
First of all, certification is the prerogative of the states, but there is no national licensing. Less than half the states license or certify home inspectors, but if you live in one of those states, you must complete their state requirements concerning home inspector training/education. For exact requirements, be sure to consult your state specifications. Moreover, some states are currently considering passing home inspection legislation to regulate their home inspectors.
Most states that do not license or certificate home inspectors prefer to let the profession self-regulate, requiring home inspectors to gain membership with some professional organization. Such organizations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors, have strict standards of practice, code of ethics, quality prelicensing education and home inspection training, as well as certain membership requirements. Consult the association’s website for the complete ASHI standards list.