6 Best Home Inspector Training Schools

Home inspectors are in high demand right now. They provide expert analysis of homes and help ensure their safety, so they’re a popular career choice for people who want to build up their careers as an inspector or get into the real estate industry. However, many don’t know what it takes to become one–let alone which schools offer relevant training courses that give you the best chance at succeeding once you graduate.

This article will cover 6 of the most highly-rated home inspection school options.

Home inspector training standards vary by state, and some jurisdictions do not need any prelicensing education at all, but high-quality providers’ courses make it simpler to get started as a professional home inspector.

Based on characteristics including pricing, course availability and style, customer service, and student feedback, we examined hundreds of house inspection training programs and found the six top schools.

Before you participate in a home inspection training program, there are a few things you should know. There are other procedures to earning your home inspector license in addition to the schooling requirements.

How Did We Pick the Best Home Inspector Schools?

Because being a home inspector is a hands-on, active profession that also necessitates business knowledge, the best training program mixes real-world examples with access to industry experts to help you obtain the experience you’ll need to succeed. We sought home inspector courses that included videos of real house inspections or filmed in-field demonstrations. We also searched for online courses that covered building mechanics and other components of home inspection.

We suggest American House Inspectors Training (AHIT) as the best overall choice for home inspection training based on the criteria listed above. Not only does its platform provide students with a variety of course kinds and lifetime assistance, but it also has the highest possible customer review rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Each home inspector training program was assessed based on the following criteria:

15%

National footprint dimensions

25%

Each online institution’s pricing is dependent on the cost of prelicensing and ongoing education.

20%

For each course, there are several formats and learning methods to satisfy the student’s individual demands as well as convenience of course access.

15%

Customer input for each program is used to confirm that the course satisfies user satisfaction, with special emphasis paid to product evaluations and the provider’s popularity.

15%

We can assess the notable features, value for the money, and simplicity of use for each training program based on our expertise in the industry and practical experience with the providers.

10%

For technical support and teacher help, we looked at the ease and reachability of customer service.

American Home Inspectors Training

Overall Score: 4.07 OUT OF 5

Pros

• GoPro video footage of real inspections is included in several of the courses.
• 33 states have approved it.
• Physical texts and instruments are included in the courses.

Cons

• There is no Training in the field.

Features

• The platform is completely accessible over the internet.
• Instructor assistance
• Webinar and catalog are both free.
• GoPro video footage of real inspections is included in several of the courses.
• Includes a marketing guidebook as well as business practice instruction.
• Exercises and practice questions that are fun to do
• Preparation guide for national exams
• Inspect IT reports are available for a free trial.
• Basic instruments such as an inspection mirror, a two-prong tester, and a receptacle tester are included.

As one of the most affordable home inspector training programs in the country, the Home Inspectors Training in the United States (AHIT) licensing course offers remarkably comprehensive education and support. The course is completely online along with hard copies of textbooks, resources, and even includes basic tools like an inspection mirror, two-prong tester, GFCI receptacle tester, and a paper inspection report. There is also unlimited support from instructors via phone and email, which will help you when you have a real-world question.

You won’t find a better home inspector training program than AHIT, which has gotten the maximum possible customer rating of 5 out of 5. The only aspect of AHIT’s curriculum that is lacking is classroom or Training in the field experience.

Pricing

• The cost of a home inspection course is $695.
• Individual certification courses range in price from $75 to $999.
• Courses and memberships for professional development range from $35 to $400.
• A Guide to Home Inspections in Practice $185 for an e-book

Best Instructor-led Classes: Inspection Certification Associates

Overall Score: 4.05 OUT OF 5

Pros

• Courses are available both online and in person.
• 44 states have approved it.
• 14 extra courses

Cons

• Only 11 states provide classroom courses.
• Classroom training may be costly.

Features

• Online self-paced course
• There are 28 video home inspector training classes available to watch online.
• Access to an enormous library of e-books and other materials for the rest of your life
• Every state’s course materials
• Report writing software is offered for free.
• In 11 states, there are classroom courses.
• 14 extra courses
• InterNACHI membership for one month is free.
• Instructor assistance

Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) is approved for home inspection licensure in 44 states, making it the most approved home inspector training course in the U.S. It’s also an ideal choice for aspiring home inspectors who want to learn directly from an instructor, whether it’s in a physical classroom or online.

Along with your approved course, you’ll also receive 14 extra courses covering information like commercial property inspections, radon inspections, and wood-destroying organisms. Additionally, they offer individual courses on professional development topics, such as marketing for home inspectors.

Students are unable to ask questions during class, despite the fact that all ICA courses are presented by instructors. You may utilize a live chat or phone an instructor if you have any questions. Students gave ICA exceptionally good ratings, with just minor reservations regarding the instructor’s voice and the absence of financial information.

Pricing

Prelicensing:

• $695 for an online course
• $1,295 to $2,295 for classroom courses

Education Continuum:

• Florida:
  • $95 for a 14-hour renewal bundle
  • $50 for a five-hour renewal bundle
  • Individual lessons are $10 per hour.
• Illinois:
  • $99 for a 13-hour renewal package
  • $45 for a five-hour course
  • $36 for a four-hour course
• Online continuing education (CE) in North Carolina:
  • $299 for a 12-hour elective bundle
  • $139 for a four-hour live bundle.
  • Individual lessons are $20 per hour.
• CE in the classroom in North Carolina:
  • $299 for an eight-hour elective and a four-hour required bundle.

Best Resource Library: International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (IACHI)

3.65 OUT OF 5

Pros

• The cheapest monthly fee
• Every state has approved courses.

Cons

• There is no one-time cost; payments must be made regularly or yearly.
• No Instructor assistance

Features

• Every state has approved courses.
• Free design services, insurance savings, company development seminars, and other benefits are included with membership.
• Exams are available for free online.
• Course on how to pass the state test for free
• A video library of how-Tos.

InterNACHI membership comes with a slew of perks, including mugs, decals, logos, a Zoom backdrop, a Facebook page, and even a listing in their home inspector directory. You will also get immediate access to a vast collection of hundreds of home inspection training courses. You may also search and filter courses to obtain state-approved education or training on particular areas such as plumbing, home energy, structure, and air quality.

Since InterNACHI is an association (as opposed to a home inspector training school), there aren’t classroom courses or instructors to call with questions. However, they do have a Bulletin board and in-person events where you can network and learn from experienced home inspectors. Plus, they’re the only home inspector training resource accredited by ACCET, the accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you prefer a school that provides you with access to instructors, check out AHIT.

Pricing

• Membership in InterNACHI is $49 per month or $499 per year.

Best Self-Directed Courses: Kaplan

Overall Score: 3.52 OUT OF 5

Pros

• There are three different types of self-paced courses available.
• Videos and interactive exercises are included in online classes.
• There are 32 states that offer online courses.

Cons

• Courses may be costly.
• No Instructor assistance

Features

• Physical textbooks (home study), online, or on-demand video courses are all accessible.
• Instructional videos and images are included in the courses.
• Activities that are interactive
• There are around 100 videos available, including classroom presentations, location inspections, and software training.
• Home inspection software is available for a free trial.
• Courses for professional development
• 4.3 out of 5 stars from customers

Kaplan’s home inspector training lessons are incredibly in-depth and simple to follow since it is a well-known and trustworthy online education company. They provide the most self-paced course formats: you may purchase a textbook and study at home, learn online, or finish your needed hours using on-demand videos. Kaplan also offers a one-of-a-kind professional development course that outlines the specific steps to starting a successful home inspection company.

Similar to the other online home inspector training programs, Kaplan is only missing the option of in-person classes with hands-on instruction. The lack of instructor assistance could be difficult for some learners, so for classroom courses and unlimited Instructor assistance, try Inspection Certification Associates.

Pricing

• Home Inspection Principles: Systems and Standards $799 for an online course
• Home Inspection Principles: Systems and Standards $179 for a textbook
• OnDemand Course on How to Start a Home Inspection Business: $245

ATI Training: Best Home Inspector Training for Solopreneurs

3.51 OUT OF 5

Pros

• Courses are available both in-person and online.
• Courses are offered in 23 states.
• Guaranteed exam success

Cons

• Online pricing is not accessible for in-person purchases.
• In 12 states, online courses are not permitted.

Features

• A video library for inspection
• Thousands of practice questions are available.
• Instructor assistance
• The All American Association of Home Inspectors has pledged their support (AAAHI)
• Free software is included.
• Financing options are available.
• Military personnel gets a 40% discount.
• EMTs, firemen, and police officers are eligible for benefits.
• 4.2 out of 5 stars from customers

ATI Training offers home inspection training courses both online and in person. It also provides expert resources to assist solopreneurs in better understanding insurance alternatives, as well as tools like website hosting and marketing support. This is also the only institution that offers funds to all prospective home inspectors, as well as discounts for firemen, EMTs, police officers, and military personnel.

If you’re planning on starting a home inspection business, ATI Training is an ideal, all-in-one solution for you with a balance of online courses and Training in the field. However, pricing for Training in the field and classroom courses isn’t published online, which may indicate they are high-priced.

Pricing

• $695 for an online home inspector course

Professional Home Inspection Institute: The best option for low-cost training

3.47 OUT OF 5

Pros

• The cheapest course
• Courses are available both online and in person.
• Hundreds of add-on courses are available.

Cons

• Only five states provide classroom courses.
• The customer review rate is rather poor.

Features

• Pre-licensing education, one-year membership in the North American Association of Home Inspectors (NAAHI), and a company website are all included in the online licensure course.
• In 45 states, the online course has been authorized.
• Money-back guarantee for 30 days
• Tools like reporting software and an InspectHost company website are included.
• There are several extra add-on courses available.
• The course materials are available to you for the rest of your life.
• Live assistance is available. Six days a week, 12 hours a day
• Tests taken before and after the course are used to determine how far you’ve progressed.

The home inspection training course from The Professional Home Inspection Institute is the most affordable on our list and is approved for licensure in 45 states. In addition, there is a money-back guarantee for 30 days, lifetime access, and 12 hours of Instructor assistance available six days per week. All these factors combined mean you’ll receive useful knowledge from seasoned professionals that will advance your career.

PHII also provides a variety of add-on courses, ranging from mold training to weatherization contractor training. Even seasoned home inspectors may profit from these additional courses for years, if not their whole careers.

Pricing

• Online Home Inspection Licensing Course: $595 (90 to 120 hours)
• Classroom training for home inspectors starts at $1,995.
• $395 for an advanced home inspection
• Detection of Defects: $199
• Hazards to the Environment: $199
• $199 for a simple house to build
• Methods of House Framing: $299
• $299 for a manufactured home
• $199 for marketing and business.
• Mold Fundamentals: $199
• $199 for a pool and spa inspection
• $299 for a structural pest inspection
• $89 for wind mitigation
• $299 for radon testing
• $249 for a mold inspection
• Surveys in the infrared range from $499 to $1,295

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ICA a good school?

A: ICA is a great school, but not the best. It’s too expensive and it doesn’t offer an education that would be useful in the real world outside of academia.