THE TRUTH ABOUT HOME INSPECTION ASSOCIATIONS

What does it mean to be a “Certified” home inspector?

The definitions vary.

Since there are no licensing or educational requirements for home inspectors in Idaho, it is the consumer's responsibility to ensure their home inspector is qualified. Do not be fooled by so-called “Certified” inspectors.  Depending on the certifying organization, it is possible that a “Certified” inspector has not performed a single inspection for a paying client.  It is also possible that a “Certified” inspector has had someone else complete an online, open-book test for his/her “Certification”.

The chart below provides a comparison of some of the requirements to attain Membership in the different national home inspection associations.*

		Minimum Number of Inspections	Minimum Number of Fee-Paid Inspections	Pass a Statistically Valid, Reliable, Defensible Exam**	Pass a Closed-Book Knowledge Exam
	ASHI American Society of Home Inspectors	250	250	YES	YES
	NAHI National Association of Home Inspectors	100	100	NO	YES
	NIBI National Institute of Building Inspectors	50	35	NO	NO
	AAHI American Association of Home Inspectors	4	0	NO	NO
	NACHI National Association of Certified Home Inspectors	4	0	NO	NO
	AAHI American Association of Home Inspectors	3	0	NO	YES
	HIF Housing Inspection Federation	0	0	NO	NO

Only ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors, requires a minimum of 250 inspections to become a Member, and ASHI is also the only home inspector association to require successful completion of the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE).  Unlike other organizations' exams, this exam is administered by professional testing facilities, does not permit the use of texts or notes, and requires personal identification, ensuring the inspector passes the test on his own. The NHIE is utilized by more than 18 states that have home inspector licensing laws.

ASHI Members are also required to adhere to a strict, nationally-recognized Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and must obtain 20 continuing education credits every year.

ASHI is the oldest home inspection association, and is over 6,000 members strong. It is the most respected association in the industry because only tested, experienced, and qualified inspectors are admitted as full Members.

Do not trust your investment with anyone else.

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*This is not a complete list of requirements, nor is it intended to be construed as such. Contact the respective association for complete membership requirements.
**The National Home Inspector Examination is a home inspection competence assessment tool developed in accordance with accepted psychometric standards, insuring an unbiased, valid and reliable assessment of skill, knowledge and experience. Proof of personal identification is required for a valid exam.
Logos and association names are trademarks of the respective associations.