FAQ
Q: Is the Canadian Institute of Home Inspectors an approved course?
A: Yes, the Canadian Institute of Home Inspectors is an approved home inspection training provider in both Alberta and British Columbia. At present, these are the only two provinces in Canada that regulate the home inspection profession.
Our training program is recognized by the regulatory authorities in both provinces, ensuring that students receive education that meets the required standards for licensing and professional practice. Whether you plan to work in a regulated province or elsewhere in Canada, our comprehensive curriculum provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to build a successful career as a home inspector.
Q: How long does your course take to complete?
A: This depends on the student. Some individuals are ferocious readers with a strong background in building trades and may be able to complete all the reading materials in under one month. This is done by spending uninterrupted hours in a day reading the material. Other students may take several months to complete should they have a full time job, busy family, or other commitments that may impede them from being able to dedicate more than a couple of hours a day to study the modules. We also have also have the virtual online direct training sessions for our students, free of charge, so that they can learn the "Coles" notes of the modules.
Q: How many modules does your course have?
A: Our training program currently includes seven comprehensive modules: Structural, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Exterior, Roofing, and Building Science.
We intentionally do not include a separate "Interior" module because interior inspection practices can vary significantly from one home inspector to another. For example, some inspectors choose to operate household appliances, while others do not. Similarly, some inspectors open every cabinet and closet, while others limit their inspection based on their own procedures and client expectations.
We believe these decisions are part of each inspector's unique inspection methodology—their own "secret inspection sauce." Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, our program focuses on teaching the core knowledge and best practices that every professional home inspector needs, while allowing graduates the flexibility to develop an inspection process that best suits their business and clients.
Q: Is your course online or printed?
A: Our program is designed as a hybrid learning experience to meet the diverse needs and preferences of our students. We are one of the few home inspector training schools that still provide comprehensive printed course materials, allowing students to take notes, highlight key concepts, and study comfortably without spending countless hours in front of a computer screen.
In addition to our self-paced learning materials, we regularly host live online training sessions that give students the opportunity to learn directly from experienced instructors, ask questions, and gain valuable industry insights. If you're unable to attend a live session, no problem—all sessions are recorded and made available to our students so they can watch them anytime, at their own pace.
As part of our training program, students receive access to our growing library of recorded sessions, filled with practical knowledge, real-world examples, and up-to-date industry information. With Canada's building industry continually evolving, we are committed to ensuring our students stay ahead of the curve by providing the latest knowledge, best practices, and regulatory updates.
Q: How is your course graded? Is there an exam?
A: Yes, our program includes a comprehensive final exam designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions, and students are given two hours to complete it. It is an open-book exam, allowing you to reference your course materials as needed.
However, don't let the open-book format fool you. Success still requires a solid understanding of the material. If you haven't taken the time to study and become familiar with the course content, passing the exam can be challenging. Our exam is designed to ensure that every graduate has the knowledge and competency expected of a well-trained home inspector.
A minimum score of 80% is required to pass. There is no additional fee to write the exam, and if needed, exam rewrites are also provided at no extra cost.
Q: What happens after I complete my training with the Canadian Institute of Home Inspectors?
A: This comes down to where you plan on being a home inspector. If you are reside and plan on operating outside of Alberta or British Columbia, you would choose whether you want to start your own company, join an established home inspections company, or purchase a franchise. We work with our students to help them get placed with a franchise or an established home inspections company as well as offering some start up guidance for those that prefer to create their own company.
If you reside in either Alberta or British Columbia: there are additional requirements in order to become a licensed home Inspector.
In Alberta: The first step is to complete your home inspections training from an approved provider. Once you complete your training, you must complete what is called a test inspection. This is where you are tested by an approved examiner at a mock residential inspection. The examiner will pretend to be your client who you are inspecting for. Once you pass this test you will need to obtain home inspection insurance. Every home inspector in Alberta must have insurance and be bonded. This $10,000 security bond can often can be purchased through your insurance provider or bank. You will need to provide the home inspections contract which you will be providing to your clients to sign before each inspection and this contract must also be approved by Service Alberta. Service Alberta requires a criminal background check which must be submitted with your application to the province. The last two items that will need to be submitted to Service Alberta for approval is the Home Inspections Application Form(s) and a License Fee. After your initial course training is complete, the remaining steps do not necessarily have to fall in the order written above but all need to be completed before your application is reviewed and approved by Service Alberta. Approval may take in as short of time as a few weeks to several months depending on the current backlog. To learn more, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/home-inspection-business-licence
For British Columbia: An individual must complete the educational training portion from an approved provider. They then must pass one of the 4 approved provincial exams. The individual must “shadow” an active practicing home inspector from the province for a minimum of 50 hours. Upon completing the practical home inspection mock test, a letter of recommendation to the Director has to be sent stating that you are competent to perform inspections and write home inspection reports. Following this; proof of incorporation and a municipal business license, criminal background check, and insurance are required before applying to the province for your license. To learn more, please visit: https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/get-keep-licence/home-inspections/
No additional requirements are currently required for all other provinces and territories.
Q: What does the fee for your home inspections course include?
A: Our tuition includes far more than just course materials. Students receive comprehensive printed training modules, access to live online training sessions, and ongoing support throughout their learning journey and beyond.
We are also committed to helping our graduates launch successful careers. Through our extensive network of home inspection professionals, we can assist students with potential job placement opportunities, including connections with established inspectors who may be looking to sell their businesses. For those interested in a different career path, we also provide guidance on reputable home inspection franchise opportunities.
Our curriculum has been developed by a team of industry experts, including experienced home inspectors, post-secondary instructors, building code compliance officers, home inspection insurance professionals, and real estate industry stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures that our training reflects current industry standards, best practices, and the latest developments in residential construction and home inspection.
Our goal is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to become trusted, successful home inspectors and leaders in their communities.
Q: What kind of training is required to be a home inspector?
A: At present, only two provinces in Canada regulate and license the home inspection profession: Alberta and British Columbia. While each province has its own licensing requirements and regulatory framework, both require aspiring home inspectors to complete their education through a provincially approved training provider.
The Canadian Institute of Home Inspectors is an approved training provider in both Alberta and British Columbia, ensuring our graduates receive education that meets the standards established by each province. For more information about the specific licensing requirements in these provinces, please refer to the section above.
Q: How much does the training cost to be a home inspector?
A: The cost of home inspection training varies considerably depending on the course provider and the type of program offered. Online training programs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, with differences in curriculum, instructor support, and included resources.
If you live in a province that does not regulate the home inspection profession, there may be no formal educational or licensing requirements to begin offering home inspection services. However, obtaining comprehensive, professional training is essential to developing the knowledge, skills, and credibility needed to succeed in the industry.
We strongly recommend choosing a Canadian training provider that focuses on Canadian building practices, codes, standards, and inspection procedures. At the Canadian Institute of Home Inspectors, our curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the building industry, helping ensure our students graduate with current, practical knowledge that prepares them for a successful career.
Q: Do I need to pay for the entire course up front?
A: We offer flexible installment payment plans that allow you to spread your tuition over either 2 or 3 months, depending on your preference. Regardless of the payment plan you choose, you'll receive access to all of the course modules immediately, so you can complete your training at your own pace without having to wait for each installment.
Q: Would my residential construction experience correlate to home inspections?
A: Absolutely. Experience in the residential construction industry provides a strong foundation for a successful career as a home inspector. Knowledge of building systems, construction methods, and industry practices is highly transferable and can give you a valuable advantage as you begin your home inspection career.
In recognition of the skills and experience that construction professionals bring to the industry, the Canadian Institute of Home Inspectors offers a $500 Construction Industry Scholarship to eligible individuals with residential construction experience.
Q: Is there a demand for home inspectors in the workforce?
A: Yes. The vast majority of homebuyers either require or choose to have a home inspection before completing their purchase, including buyers of newly constructed homes and condominiums.
Demand for home inspections varies by location. Urban centers typically experience different levels of demand than rural communities, and areas with strong real estate markets generally generate more inspection activity than those experiencing slower market conditions. However, wherever homes are being bought and sold, there is an ongoing need for qualified home inspectors.
If you're considering a career in home inspection, one of the best ways to evaluate the demand in your area is to contact your local real estate board or association. The number of residential real estate transactions in your region can provide a good indication of the potential demand for home inspection services.
Q: How much money can I expect to make as a home inspector?
A: Income potential as a home inspector depends on many factors, including your geographic location, business model, experience, marketing efforts, and the local real estate market. As a result, earnings can vary significantly across different regions of Canada.
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), an established home inspector can typically earn approximately $100,000 per year. While the Canadian Institute of Home Inspectors does not guarantee income levels for our students or graduates from any training program, our experience and understanding of the industry indicate that this figure is a reasonable representation of the earning potential for successful inspectors.
Within our network of home inspection professionals, we are aware of independent, one-person inspection businesses generating gross revenues of $100,000, $200,000, and even $300,000 annually! Like any business venture, achieving these levels of success requires dedication, strong business practices, excellent customer service, and a commitment to building a trusted reputation in the marketplace.
Q: What are the physical demands of a home inspector?
A: The physical demands of being a home inspector are relatively moderate, especially when compared to many traditional skilled trades. A career in home inspection allows you to remain active by walking through homes, accessing different areas, and climbing as part of the inspection process.
While there are some sedentary aspects to the role, such as preparing inspection reports in an office setting and travelling between appointments, the day-to-day work generally provides a good balance between activity and desk-based tasks.
The most physically demanding part of the job is often carrying and setting up a ladder, which is an essential tool for many inspectors. We recommend that students carefully consider their ladder selection and invest in one that is safe, durable, and suitable for their inspection needs.
Q: What are the time commitments of a home inspector?
A: The time commitment required for a home inspector can vary significantly depending on individual goals, business structure, and workload preferences. Some inspectors choose a more flexible schedule, completing one inspection per day during regular weekdays. Since inspections typically take between two and four hours to complete, this approach can provide a balanced work-life schedule.
Other inspectors choose to maximize their business opportunities by completing two or even three inspections per day and working additional days throughout the week. As a result, some home inspectors may work approximately 30 hours per week, while others may work 90 hours or more.
One of the advantages of a career in home inspection is the flexibility it offers. Each inspector has the ability to determine their own schedule and build a business model that aligns with their personal and professional goals.
Q: What type of equipment is needed?
A: The initial investment required to become a home inspector can vary significantly depending on the tools, technology, and equipment you choose to purchase. Some inspectors may invest in advanced equipment, such as a $20,000 thermal imaging camera, while others may begin with basic essentials such as a flashlight, moisture meter, and clipboard.
For most new inspectors, a starter package of professional tools, excluding the cost of a vehicle, typically ranges from approximately $5,000 to $7,000 when including an entry-level thermal imaging camera. The total investment will depend on factors such as the quality of your inspection tools, whether you use a dedicated digital camera or a mobile phone for photos, and whether you require a laptop for digital report-writing software.
Inspection tools are a long-term investment that will often serve you for many years. Choosing reliable, high-quality equipment can help improve the efficiency, accuracy, and professionalism of your inspections. Quality tools support quality inspections and help build trust with your clients.
Download our recommended tool list HERE.
Q: Do you need to have your own company in order to be an inspector?
A: Not necessarily. There are several career paths available within the home inspection industry, and the right choice depends on each individual's goals, skills, and preferred work style.
Some inspectors choose to become employees of an established home inspection company. This option can be ideal for individuals who prefer to focus primarily on performing inspections rather than managing the business responsibilities that come with ownership, such as tracking expenses, building professional relationships, developing marketing strategies, and managing branding efforts.
Other inspectors prefer the independence and flexibility of owning their own inspection company, allowing them to create their own brand, set their own schedule, and operate their business according to their own goals and vision. Some individuals may also choose to purchase a home inspection franchise, which can provide additional support, systems, and brand recognition.
Ultimately, the home inspection industry offers a variety of opportunities, allowing inspectors to choose the career path that best aligns with their personal preferences and professional ambitions.
Q: What is involved when starting you own home inspection company?
A: The requirements to start a home inspection business can vary depending on the municipality and province where you operate. Some jurisdictions may require a business license, while certain provinces have additional requirements such as insurance coverage, approved training, or membership with recognized industry associations.
These requirements are discussed in greater detail in the sections above. Beyond meeting any regulatory obligations, successfully starting and growing a home inspection business requires sufficient start-up capital, a well-developed marketing plan, strong business practices, and the perseverance needed to build a trusted reputation within your community.
With the right preparation, training, and commitment, a career in home inspection can provide a rewarding opportunity for individuals looking to build their own business.
Q: What could the start up costs of running your own inspections company look like?
A: The start-up costs for launching a home inspection company can vary significantly, ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The total investment depends largely on the assets, equipment, and resources you already have available.
Several factors will influence your start-up costs, including whether you already own a reliable vehicle capable of transporting your inspection equipment, whether you plan to use advanced tools such as a thermal imaging camera, and whether you already have essential items such as flashlights, ladders, a laptop, or a digital camera.
The quality and type of tools you choose will also impact your overall investment. We recommend starting with reliable, professional-grade entry-level equipment to help control costs while allowing you to determine which tools and technologies best suit your inspection style and business needs.
In addition to equipment costs, you should also consider the expenses associated with building and promoting your business. Branding elements such as logo design, website development, business cards, social media marketing, and other advertising efforts will all contribute to the overall cost of establishing and growing your home inspection company.
Q: Does the Institute provide inspection software for writing reports?
A: We do not. There are two reasons for this.
First, we are an education provider. Our team’s sole focus is on delivering the highest quality education and training to our students. Operating a software platform or technology company requires a completely different set of skills, expertise, and business objectives. It would be similar to a construction company attempting to operate a digital marketing firm. Both may be successful industries, but they require entirely different areas of specialization.
Second, there are many outstanding companies whose sole focus is developing, maintaining, and continuously improving software systems. These organizations dedicate their resources to writing, updating, and supporting the technology, allowing us to remain focused on what we do best: providing exceptional education and training. Below is a list of 18 software providers and there are likely dozen more.