Education · 1 of 4
The path
Short formal training, then a long apprenticeship in reputation.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Grade 12. A construction background helps more than marks.
- 2
Learn buildings
1 to 5 years, optional but valuable
Most successful inspectors first spend years in a trade, in construction, or in a technology diploma. Buyers trust someone who has built or repaired houses.
- 3
Home inspection course
A few months
College certificate programs, for example at NAIT and SAIT (the Northern and Southern Alberta Institutes of Technology), or private schools. Covers structure, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating and report writing.
- 4
Licence or designation
Months to 2 years
A provincial licence in BC or Alberta. Elsewhere, a voluntary designation such as RHI (Registered Home Inspector) through CAHPI (the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors), which needs a national exam, mentoring and a review of your reports.
- 5
Build the business
1 to 2 years to full time
Ride along with an experienced inspector, then market yourself to real estate agents and buyers.