Do You Need A High School Diploma or GED to Become A Home Inspector?

To make this short and sweet: yes.

A high school diploma, or the equivalent GED, is the minimum required level of education in order to be considered for a position as a home inspector.

This does not mean, however, that just because you have your high school diploma or your GED, you will be able to find a position as a home inspector.

What Qualifications do Companies Look For?

If you are looking to get work as a home inspector, whether you have previous experience or not, there are a few specific qualifications that companies are typically going to look for.

Education 

While it is true that the high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum education requirement for this line of work, that doesn’t mean all potential employers will be satisfied with that.

Some employers may require higher education, such as degrees in engineering, architecture, building inspection, etc.

It’s also good to note that even if a company doesn’t require a post secondary degree for the position, if they have a choice between two candidates – one with only a high school diploma and one with a relevant degree – the one with the degree will be more appealing for the position.

Training

Proper training is very important for the role of home inspector. Training is often completed through a combination of on-sight education of bohatala, hands-on instruction, and informative courses.

Some companies are willing to train new employees on the job, while other companies choose to hire candidates who are already aptly trained.

The levels and types of training employees will expect and/or require will vary based on which province or state you are going to be working in. This means it is a good idea to do a little research based on your location, so you are aware of what may be required. 

Licensing and Certification

Due to the technical nature of the job – searching for and recognizing potentially hazardous issues with construction, electrical, plumbing, or other aspects of a home, being aware of building codes, etc. – there are certain licenses and certifications you will need before being approved to work as a home inspector.

Like training requirements, these licenses and certifications will vary between each province and state.

Proper licensing and certification will require practical experience, education, and a passing grade on an approved examination. Certification can be done through a handful of different organizations.

It’s important to remember that certain licenses will need to be renewed regularly.

Personal Skills

As with any job that requires being in contact with a client, personal skills are going to be an asset.

As a home inspector, you need to be able to conduct yourself in a professional manner when dealing with clients, as well as having strong communication and problem solving skills.

Experience

Of course, potential employers are going to look for experience.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have prior experience as a home inspector specifically, but related experience is important due to the nature of the job.

Employers will commonly look for candidates with experience in the fields of construction, plumbing, electrical, or carpentry. Candidates with this type of experience are already familiar with and knowledgeable on many of the building aspects home inspectors are required to deal with.

Build Your Resume

Don’t let this seemingly long list of required qualifications put you off of trying to break into the home inspection industry.

As with any job, you need to start small. Find related work, obtain the necessary certifications, get some hands-on experience, study, train with professionals, and work on building that resume.

The more you build up your resume, the more likely you are to stand out to an employer amongst other candidates.

It is a tough job – one that requires extensive knowledge on a variety of topics, a detail-oriented eye, and hands-on experience that allows you to easily spot inconsistencies and trouble shoot.

It’s not a quick, in-and-out, fast cash type of job. However, if it’s something your passionate about, you can get there with a few years time and some solid dedication.