How to Earn a Home Inspector Certification with Ease?
In United States, in order to be a certified home inspector, the very first step you need is to get yourself certified by American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). ASHI is widely recognized as the best credential in the home inspection profession. All ASHI members are recognized as the best inspectors through nation wide.
Based on the state licensing regulations, to get this certification, you will definitely need certain education, proper training and experience. Besides, you are also required to complete field work that includes performing a certain number of home inspections which are supported by proper written reports. Some of the states may require the candidates to sit for examination as an evaluation for their knowledge. After passing through the examination, you must submit the results in order to get your license.
The whole process may be very challenging before you can really become a qualified home inspector. Here are some practical ways you may follow to make the whole certification procedures easier.
Obtain accredited formal training
It is suggested that you should obtain either online or offline training courses from either American Society of Home Inspectors or American Home Inspector Training Institute. Through the training, you will be exposed to extensive detailed knowledge in many areas such as electrical systems, plumbing systems, roofing, heating and cooling systems.
It will be better if you are pursuing the classes through face to face lectures as you can grab the opportunities to ask more questions from your lecturers when you face difficulties in your study. On the other hand, you can also pursue online training if you have time constraint. You can still consult your lecturers through email or video conferencing for further information. The only drawback is the learning process may not be efficient as this training is more technical.
Get a job as an intern or trainee to gain experience
The most practical and effective way in making your certification procedure easier is through real world training. It is a must for you get professional mentoring with an experienced certified home inspector. While attending the training, get yourself some hands-on training by joining home inspection company as an intern or trainee.
You will be able to expose yourself to the real inspection work by watching the experienced inspectors when they carry out their duties on the spot. It is important for you to know that you will need to climb on ladders to inspect electrical system and roofing when you start to take this career. You are also reminded here that in most of the states, you need a permit to work as an intern.
Keep yourself updated with latest building information by attending conferences and seminar
You are encouraged to find available opportunities in your state by attending educational conferences and seminars to keep yourself updated with the latest standard home-building codes, building information and real estate practices. All this information will be a useful tool for references in the future.
The tips stated above would assist you to obtain certification in an easier manner. Working hard in gaining the certification would lead you to the profitable and long lasting career in home inspection industry which is full of golden opportunities.