Job Outlook | FAQs | Course Objectives | Curriculum | Instructors

Become a Certified Home Inspector

In any housing market, homebuyers need a qualified home inspector to identify issues that can affect their purchase. This 100% online course covers all the information you need to earn your Certificate in Home Inspection and launch your career as a home inspector. Key topics include assessing electrical, heating, plumbing and structural systems; documentation and more.

Job Outlook for Home Inspectors

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) home inspectors in California earn a median annual salary of about $97,000 as opposed to the national average of almost $68,000.
• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that job demand for building and construction inspectors, which includes home inspectors, will grow by approximately 7% nationwide through 2028.
• The BLS also estimates that California is one of the top states with the highest employment level in this occupation.

Home Inspector FAQs

What is a Home Inspection?

Home inspectors are an important part of the home sale process. Typically, after a home goes into escrow, the buyer hires a home inspector (either independent or part of a company) to check the home and identifies any major issues guided by state standards.

What do Home Inspectors look for?

Home inspectors are tasked with finding defects that can impact the home buyer’s health and safety. For example, home inspectors will look for:

• Water damage
• Structural damage
• Electrical system issues
• Plumbing issues
• HVAC systems

Are Home Inspectors in demand?

On a national level, demand for home inspectors fluctuates with the housing market. However, high density states like California, Texas and New York have some the most populous housing markets in the country, so the need for home inspectors is high regardless of the national housing market.

Do Home Inspectors need a license?

Regulation for home inspectors varies by state. However, Consumer Reports, Forbes and most established realty organizations recommend using home inspectors with credentials from nationally-recognized organizations like ASHI, National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), especially in deregulated states.

Does this course align with the ASHI Standards of Practice?

Yes. This course has been approved by the American Society of Home Inspectors, and also counts for membership renewal credits. It also aligns with educational requirements required for certification by the National Institute of Building Inspectors.

About the Online Training Course

Course Objectives

• Understand the purpose, scope, procedures and standards of practice of a home inspection
• Learn the methodologies involved in creating a home inspection report
• Recognize common defects found in residential construction
• Understand types of home inspection and personal protective equipment used by home inspectors
• Appropriate reporting methodologies for creating a home inspection report

Prerequisites & Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Curriculum

Key course topics include:

• Introduction
• Roof Systems
• Exterior Elements
• Structural Systems
• Insulation and Ventilation
• Interior Elements
• Electric Systems Lesson
• Plumbing Systems
• Heating Systems
• Cooling Systems
• Hot-water Supply Systems

Instructors

Joseph Cummins

Joseph Cummins has worked in the home inspection industry since 1977. As Vice President of Technical Services for HouseMaster, a leading home inspection franchisor, he has been responsible for inspector training, risk management, reporting program development and technical support. He is the principal author of the NIBI Online Learning Program and numerous technical publications and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of technical training programs. Cummins is a graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Joe Tangradi

Joe Tangradi started his career as a home inspector for HouseMaster's Central New Jersey franchise in 1993. From 2000 to 2007, he filled a position at HouseMaster providing training and support for HouseMaster franchisees and their inspectors. From 2007 to 2015, Joe held various roles for companies providing both commercial and residential construction and project management.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.