Trade Schools
The home inspector career continues to be in high demand due to the continued growth of the real estate market.
Home inspectors help homebuyers purchase new homes by uncovering current or potential issues that can cost them a significant amount of money in the future.
This is the ideal position for those who enjoy working with their hands and don’t want to be on the sales side of the real estate business.
Before you start pointing out the foundation cracks or loose roof shingles, you must complete a training program and earn a state license.
Finding the right school is the first step to becoming a home inspector.
If you want the flexibility of online training, then keep reading to learn more!
Best Online Home Inspector Programs
Mbition
Mbition offers an American Home Inspectors Training program that teaches students how to assess a home’s condition based on a number of components, how to explain the required work to agents and clients, and how to suggest options that remedy issues.
The curriculum is taught by industry professionals with over 100 years of combined experience.
The program is available in an interactive live classroom format or through self-paced study, depending on which option best fits the student.
McKissock Learning
McKissock Learning is a reputable site for continuing education programs.
Unlike other programs, McKissock Learning does not offer a single certification program, but offers other training and classes for different real estate professionals, including land surveyors, property appraisers, and home inspectors.
The classes were developed for existing home inspectors seeking to renew their certification or learn more about a specific area.
The coursework is also helpful for those in other real estate functions to add home inspection to their repertoire.
Online classes are available in 29 of 50 states with prices starting at $17 per class.
Kaplan
Kaplan is a well-known name within the real estate industry, and their training program has the same high-quality reputation.
The online curriculum was developed for independent learners who need the flexibility to study when it’s most convenient.
Students receive instruction from industry experts via interactive content and a video-based system.
Kaplan’s curriculum and learning systems are easy to navigate and include all the information necessary for success.
The school also includes exam preparation tools with each package, so students are ready for the certification exam.
The school offers two self-paced training options: home study, which costs $179 and is a textbook-based format, and online video for $799, which comprises multiple video segments from expert instructors.
ATI Training Home Inspection Institute
AT Training has a self-paced online program utilizing a virtual classroom for $695.
The school offers a comprehensive home inspection training program with the ability to add related certifications, like radon testing, to its curriculum.
During the program, students learn foundational topics like an introduction to the field, interior and exterior homes, structure, residential construction, roofing, electrical systems, insulation and ventilation, and HVAC.
These topics help students identify potential issues with the various systems in the home.
The program is accepted in all states except Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Nevada.
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
The U.S. Department of Education accredits InterNACHI’s Certified Professional Inspector program and covers a variety of topics.
InterNACHI is a renowned professional organization for home inspectors, offering education opportunities, networking events, lectures, and other industry-related activities.
The organization offers a primary home inspection course and state-specific continuing education courses that dive deeper into related topics like decks, HVAC systems, and chimneys.
One of the most intriguing features of InterNACHI’s online program is the House of Horrors, which is a model home with thousands of integrated defects.
There are three locations across the U.S. that students can choose to visit.
The program cost is integrated into the membership, which is $499 per year or $49 per month.
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA)
ICA’s home inspector training program appears highly ranked on all lists.
The school offers an abundance of educational materials and resources for those seeking a home inspection training program.
Students pay a one-time tuition fee of $795 and have lifetime access to all information and reporting software.
The school offers the general home inspector training program with add-on courses like mold and radon testing certification.
At the end of the self-paced program, students earn a certificate of completion and can earn other certifications.
American Home Inspection Training (AHIT)
Coming in at number one is AHIT, which is considered the gold standard in home inspection training.
Ranging in price from $595 to $795, the program is affordable compared to others and boasts high-quality training led by industry professionals.
Students will learn about their state’s requirements and how to establish a home inspection business.
The program is available for residents of all except New Jersey and Nevada.
The school also offers professional development courses and other types of continuing education.
Students must complete the self-paced online course within one year of starting or incur a $50 per month fee until completion.
What Courses Are in a Home Inspector Program?
The best home inspector program curriculum covers the following topics in detail:
Appliances
The primary goal of all home inspector training programs is to instruct students on current or future issues with laundry, kitchen, and other common built-in appliances.
Electrical Systems
Students learn about the various electrical systems around a home, including panels, wiring, and, most importantly, safety.
These systems are inspected for functionality, defects, wire fraying, and other potential issues.
Exterior
Topics surrounding the exterior part of the home include ensuring proper drainage off the roof, exterior doors and windows, siding, and decks or porches.
HVAC
HVAC covers heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, which also include furnaces and fireplaces.
Interior
The interior portion of the home includes attics, proper ventilation, insulation, and inspection of the various finishes throughout the home.
Plumbing Systems
Plumbing systems comprise water heaters, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and pipes, to ensure they are intact for future use.
Roofing
The most common roofing topics include the condition of the roofing tiles or shingles, installation, and the various materials used on each home.
Structural Systems
Structural systems cover framing, foundation, and other load-bearing materials.
Home inspectors often look for cracks in the foundation, which can lead to greater issues in the future.
Additional Coursework
Many of the best schools offer additional business and marketing courses that teach students the business side of the trade.
Other practical courses include ethics, the role of an inspector, insurance, report writing, field training, and examination preparation to pass a licensing test.
Can You Earn an Online Home Inspector Certification Completely Online?
Yes, although it can be helpful to have a hands-on component that complements the coursework, a home inspector certification training program can be completed entirely online with instructor-led virtual classes or a self-paced curriculum.
Online programs cover the most essential topics like HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural components.
Many online programs are accredited and approved by professional organizations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors.
It is important to check state licensure requirements before enrolling in a program.
InterNACHI’s House of Horrors feature is a great option that blends online coursework with firsthand experience.
Although not required to complete the online curriculum, the House of Horrors has three locations around the U.S. that allow students to identify the most common defects of a home.
This house has thousands that can be identified and is a great hands-on experience for learners.
One of the best features of an online home inspector certification is the self-paced nature of the program.
This allows students to complete the required coursework at a pace that fits their lifestyle and learning comprehension.
Also, online students are privy to extensive learning material around the clock, with progress saved as they proceed through the work.
Furthermore, online home inspector programs cover the same topics as an in-person class and possibly more because of the available digital information.
Many of the best programs use videos, like GoPro footage of real inspections, along with an instructor’s presentation to provide the most realistic and comprehensive learning experience possible.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Home Inspector Certification Online?
With so many available training programs, earning a home inspector certification online can take from several weeks to a few months, depending on the program’s focus and the student.
There are plenty of self-paced online courses that were designed to be completed within two to three weeks for students who want to jump into their career with the basics.
Many comprehensive programs can take two to three months, including state-required field training.
The time for completion varies based on these three factors:
Course Structure
Self-paced online courses can be completed quickly for those who want to dedicate the time to their education.
On the other hand, for those with busy schedules, the self-paced course may take longer than the average student.
The benefit of a self-paced course is that it is up to the student to determine the amount of time they can dedicate to their education.
Personal Pace
Some students learn at a faster pace than others, which is why the self-paced system exists.
When taking shorter programs, it’s crucial to grasp and absorb as much information as possible to hit the ground running once in the field.
State Requirements
Some states require more firsthand training hours than others.
If you live in a state requiring lengthy field training or longer educational coursework, then it will take significantly longer to complete the material, but it will also likely be more comprehensive.
Most programs will list the amount of time it takes to complete the curriculum.
It’s also important to determine state requirements before enrolling so you can add that to the overall completion time.
Additionally, always factor in your personal schedule to understand how much time you can realistically dedicate to studying every week.
How Much Does an Online Home Inspector Certification Cost?
Students can expect to pay between $700 and $5,000 for an online home inspector certification training program.
Many factors determine the price, including:
- Bundled packages – many online programs are sold as bundled packages that include different materials and courses, with the cost dictated by the chosen package.
- Course content – course pricing varies based on the included materials and resources like exam preparation courses, home inspection software, instructor support, textbooks, and continuing education credits.
- Program length – many online home inspector training courses last only a few weeks and are subsequently less expensive than those that last up to six months. The shorter programs cover the basics of home inspection, while the longer programs are much more comprehensive and delve more deeply into the required topics.
- Program type – self-paced online classes tend to be less expensive than instructor-led since they’re a more independent learning option. Instructor-led live courses include the cost of the instructor, who is available immediately for questions and to cover any topics students don’t understand.
- School fees – if you join a professional organization that offers a certification, the cost can be higher than going through a trade school.
It’s also important to note that some professional organizations provide free training to members who pay monthly or annually.
One great home inspector program, offered by InterNACHI, gives students free training for membership.
Summary
With the continued growth of the real estate market, home inspectors are needed now more than ever.
There are countless training programs that can be completed entirely online through self-paced or instructor-led options.
The time commitment for online home inspector training programs ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the length, structure, pace, and state requirements.
Students should expect to pay a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for the program, with some professional organizations offering free training for paid members.
In the program, students will learn the basics of home inspection, including interior and exterior home components, HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, and structural systems.
Those who enroll in longer training programs will receive more comprehensive training in these various topics.
