Becoming a home inspector carries different location-based requirements—some states don’t even need you to complete prelicensing courses. But if you’re serious about this career, a solid education from a qualified home inspection school is a must. The best home inspection schools offer flexible learning, practice tests, and real-world training without breaking the bank. I’ve narrowed down the top six home inspector training schools based on price, course variety, support, and student feedback.
- American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT): Best for comprehensive online and in-person training
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI): Best for the largest library of resources
- ATI Training—Home Inspection Institute: Best for solopreneurs
- Inspection Certification Associates (ICA): Best for instructor-led courses
- Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII): Best for specialty certifications
- Kaplan: Best for self-directed study courses
The Close’s Top Picks for Home Inspection Training Schools
| American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT) | Comprehensive online and in-person training | ||
| International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) | The largest library of resources | (per month) | |
| ATI Training—Home Inspection Institute | Solopreneurs | ||
| Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) | Instructor-led courses | ||
| Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII) | Specialty certifications | ||
| Kaplan | Self-directed study courses |
American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT): Best for Online & In-person Training
Why I Chose American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT)
I chose American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT) as one of the best home inspection schools for its comprehensive online and in-person education. Its extensive licensing courses are available in 49 states, including Washington, D.C. What sets AHIT apart is its blend of affordability, comprehensive education, and strong student support. It offers flexible learning, online courses, e-textbooks, and access to live, in-classroom, or field training at over 80 locations in more than 30 states.
Additional Features
- Bonus courses: Advanced and Expert home inspection school packages include over 40 hours of additional courses on marketing and business topics, like sales and office management.
- Additional resources: This includes a national exam prep book, free trial of InspectIT reports, marketing manual and education on business practices, and basic tools like an inspection mirror, two-prong tester, and receptacle tester.
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI): Best for Largest Library of Resources
Why I Chose International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
I chose InterNACHI because it has the largest library of resources and an affordable membership plan, starting at just $49 monthly. The membership grants immediate access to thousands of home inspection training school courses. Easily search and filter for state-approved education on topics like plumbing, home energy, structure, or air quality. What stands out to me are the extra tools and resources, such as a message board, design services, insurance discounts, and business development courses.
Additional Features
- Free membership guide: Instantly download the digital membership guide for answers to all common questions and more details on the events, education, and specialty programs.
- InterNACHI certification: As a member, you can complete coursework for your Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) anytime.
ATI Training—Home Inspection Institute: Best for Solopreneurs
Why I Chose ATI Training—Home Inspection Institute
I chose ATI Training as the best option for solopreneurs because of its self-paced online and live classroom courses, paired with valuable business-building resources. ATI supports solo home inspectors by offering tools like website hosting, marketing assistance, and guidance on insurance options—all key to starting and growing a business. It also offers financing options and discounts for firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and military veterans.
Additional Features
- Additional resources: Courses include one year of Horizon home inspection software, e-books, audiobooks, and bonus courses.
- ATI Training Academy store with marketing products and services: The academy store offers unique marketing services designed for home inspectors, like a custom logo and business card, website hosting, and inspection toolkits.
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA): Best for Instructor-led Courses
Why I Chose Inspection Certification Associates (ICA)
I chose Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) as the best option for instructor-led courses because of its accreditation and approval in all 50 states, offering both online and in-person home inspection school training. This flexibility is especially valuable for inspectors in states that require field training. Another standout feature is that ICA includes 17 bonus courses covering specialized topics with every licensing course, giving students a comprehensive understanding to launch their careers.
Additional Features
- Certifications offered: Commercial Property Inspector, Mold Assessment Technician, Radon Measurement Technician are offered.
- Additional resources: 17 bonus courses, podcasts, reporting software, and one-month access to InterNACHI are provided.
Pro Tip: If you are looking to start working as a commercial real estate agent, adding certifications to your license can boost your career and increase your earning potential.
Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII): Best for Specialty Certifications
Why I Chose Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII)
I chose Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII) as the best option for specialty certifications because of its extensive range of courses that go beyond basic training, offering specialized certifications and noncredit topics to help inspectors advance their careers. PHII also stands out for its valuable resources, including report software, a business website, and a one-year membership with the North American Association of Home Inspectors (AHI).
Additional Features
- Certifications offered: Certified Energy Auditor, Certified Weatherization Contractor, Infrared Thermographer, Certified Residential Mold Inspector, and Certified Commercial Mold Inspector are included.
- Instructor access: Online and in-person courses give you access to instructors for questions and support.
Kaplan: Best for Self-directed Study Courses
Why I Chose Kaplan
I chose Kaplan as the best option for self-directed study courses because of its variety of flexible learning formats, allowing students to study at their own pace. Whether you prefer a textbook and home study, online courses, or on-demand videos, Kaplan offers the most self-paced options to meet different learning preferences. This makes it an excellent choice for completing training on your own schedule. While Kaplan excels in self-paced education, adding live webinar classes and a mobile app could enhance the overall learning experience.
Additional Features
- Engaging course format options: Courses are available via physical textbook (home study), online, or on-demand courses, including instructional videos and graphics and interactive activities.
- Professional development course: This is an on-demand course about starting and establishing a successful home inspection business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to become a home inspector?
Becoming a home inspector usually takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the state you live in and the type of training you choose. Some states have more extensive licensing requirements, like a set number of training hours or field inspections. If you’re doing online, self-paced courses, it can go as fast as you’re able to complete the material. Typically, though, most people can become licensed home inspectors within three to six months.
How do you start a home inspection business?
Starting a home inspection business involves a few key steps. First, you’ll need to get the necessary education and licensing, which varies by state. You may also want to ask a current home inspector questions about the field so you have a good understanding of the job itself.
Once certified, you’ll want to invest in essential tools like moisture meters, electrical testers, and ladders. Then, consider setting up your business structure, whether a sole proprietorship or LLC, and get the appropriate insurance. After that, create a marketing plan—building a website, networking with real estate agents, and setting up social media profiles are great ways to get your name out there. It’s also smart to use home inspection software to manage reports and schedule efficiently.
How much do home inspectors make?
Home inspectors can make a pretty good living, though it varies by location and experience. On average, home inspectors in the US earn between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. If you’re just starting out, you might make a little less, but as you gain experience and build your client base, your earnings can grow.
Some inspectors, especially those who run their own business, can make even more, particularly if they take on extra services like radon or mold inspections. A career as a home inspector can be extremely rewarding, especially working with first-time homebuyers who rely on your expertise.
Methodology: How I Chose the Best Home Inspection Training Schools
In terms of our methodology at The Close, our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors created a weighted rubric that involves evaluating the best home inspection schools. Our experts have done hours of research to analyze dozens of home inspector schools to determine the best for our readers. The features we explored are essential for students to become successful home inspectors in the real estate industry.
Our detailed criteria included the following:
- Course Features (25%)
- This comprises items that assist home inspectors in completing their education, like pass and refund guarantees, career and instructor support, coaching, training, interactive study groups, and course extensions.
- Value (20%)
- Pricing and availability of coursework are important factors to assess. This accounts for home inspector training school offerings in prelicensing, post-licensing, continuing education, broker prelicensing, and exam prep.
- Learning Format & Accessibility (15%)
- Home inspectors must consider the best format for their learning, which includes self-paced, on-demand video, live stream, and in-person classes. Also, accessibility via multiple devices, like computers, tablets, and mobile devices, determines the convenience for users.
- Additional Features (15%)
- This criterion is based on the additional features each institution provides to students to enhance their learning. These include career assistance, coaching and training, pass and refund guarantees, interactive study groups, and course extension options.
- Expert Score (10%)
- The Close closely reviews each course for standout features, details, ease of use, and the value for money spent from a real estate expert’s perspective.
- Reputation (10%)
- This examines the reputation of each home inspector training school through the lens of current and past students, reviewing the customer reviews and popularity of each provider.
- Help & Support (5%)
- If students need additional support, knowing the customer service options through phone, email, live chat, and ticket system is necessary.
Your Take
Picking the right home inspection training school can make all the difference in kicking off or leveling up your career. Whether you’re into hands-on learning, self-paced online courses, or want to dive into specialty certifications, there’s a program that’ll suit your style. Just think about what works best for you in terms of flexibility, support, and the resources you’ll need. With the right choice, you’ll be all set to build a successful career as a home inspector.
Have you taken courses at any of these home inspection schools? We’d love to hear your experiences!
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