- 1). Figure out if you have the required skills. Many states require that you take approved formal training courses as well as have a G.E.D. or high school diploma. In addition, it is highly recommended that your background include the following: a college degree or college-level education, with course work in engineering, construction management and/or architecture; field work and hands-on experience in every level of residential construction and/or renovation; excellent written and communication skills; computer literacy; familiarity with home sales, the real estate market and the legal aspects of real estate.
- 2). Take a home inspection training course. There are many formal trainings schools and home inspection courses that you can take to help you become a certified training home inspector. For instance, places like the American Home Inspector Training Institute and the American Society of Home Inspectors offers online and off-line training courses. During these courses, you'll learn about evaluating gas lines, roof and door inspections, coding, property, structure, electrical, heating and plumbing systems and more. To find available opportunities, you can gather information at educational conferences held throughout the year by contacting the resources listed below.
- 3). Get professional mentoring with a certified home inspector. While you are taking classes, get some experience in home inspection too. Go along with local inspectors and watch what they do, or join a company as an intern or a trainee. In most states, you'll need a permit to work as an intern. For additional information about this requirement, please visit the American Society of Home Inspectors. http://www.homeinspector.org/stateregulations/default.aspx (see Resources below).
- 4). Meet certification requirements and get certified. To begin, you will need to be certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI certification). To get this certification, you'll need certain education and experience, plus proper training and field work that includes having performed a number of home inspections backed by proper written reports. The amount of experience will depend on state licensing. For instance, in Illinois, you must be 21 or older, complete 60 hours of approved education, have a GED or high school diploma and pass the Illinois certification test. Whereas, in Indiana, you must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or G.E.D., not have convicted any crimes, complete a Board approved training course, pass the state exam, and carry $100,000 worth of insurance. To view your state's requirements, please visit the American Society of Home Inspectors (see Resources below).