Home Inspector Certification:  Most people don’t know anything about Home Inspector Certification.

Q: What do I NEED to become an inspector and own a home inspection business?

A: Nothing.  There is currently no nationwide or PEI requirement to become a home inspector.  Therefore choose an inspector wisely. 

Q: Do I need to be part of an association and which association is best?

A: No association is required.  Home inspection associations are governing bodies to help control, educate and validate individuals as home inspectors.  Therefore it is good practice to join one and keep in good standing or this could be a sign your inspection is lacking somewhere.  Each association has its own (normally similar) membership requirements, education requirements and code of ethics.  I have looked into many associations and the reason I am an InterNACHI Member is because they are one of the oldest, biggest, most recognized and have the best continuing education available.

So, as a member in good standing of InterNACHI I am a CPI (Certified Professional Inspector) working toward becoming a CMI (Certified Master Inspector).  Other Inspectors will have other initials like RHI (Registered Home Inspector) which is another associations version of a CPI and so on.

In conclusion, The Association doesn’t make the inspector but the Inspector you choose could make a big difference on a very important decision in your life.