How do I become a Home Inspector?
To qualify as a Home Inspector you will need to undertake an assessment process that will lead to a Level 4 qualification (degree level) in Home Inspection.
Your starting point in becoming a Home Inspector, and the length of time it will take, will depend on whether you already have relevant experience/qualifications in residential property surveying or construction technology and processes.
Approved assessment centres will help you to compare your existing skills with the requirements of the Diploma, so that you can identify gaps and undertake any training necessary to fill them. The length of time needed to achieve the diploma will depend on how closely you already meet the requirements and how many knowledge and skills gaps you need to fill.
QualificationsQualifications are offered by two awarding bodies - the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE) www.abbeqa.co.uk and City and Guilds www.cityandguilds.com. City and Guids additionally has an online search to find the nearest centre to your address. You can contact the awarding bodies directly for details of assessment centres and training providers they have approved.
To obtain a qualification, you'll need to:
- Provide a portfolio of work-based evidence that proves your competence (skills and knowledge) in all the units in the Diploma
- Pass an examination administered by the awarding body
If you have substantial knowledge and experience as a residential surveyor, it could take only a few weeks. If you've limited experience of surveying, or work in a property-related role such as estate agency or property management (but do not carry out surveys), the length of training you need will depend on your individual circumstances. If you have no experience, it could take from 18 to 36 months.
Some intensive courses, which last around 12 months, are available. You do not need to have any surveying knowledge, and the courses cover everything needed to complete the final examination and produce the portfolio of evidence for assessment.
Alternatively, you might need to gain a property-related qualification such as relevant BTEC HNCs/HNDs, foundation degrees or degrees before starting the Home Inspector Diploma.
For further details about training to be a Home Inspector, contact the Asset Skills/Learn Direct advice line on 08000 567160 or visit their website.
CertificationThe Secretary of State has approved three Home Inspector certification schemes:
| BRE (Buildings Research Establishment) | 01923 664 829 | |
| RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) | 0870 333 1600 | |
| SAVA (Surveyors and Valuers Accreditation Ltd) | 0870 837 6500 |
* Please note the RICS certification scheme is only available to members of RICS (including registered RICS students)
The schemes will guarantee that the work of the Home Inspectors can be trusted by sellers, buyers and lenders. They will:
- Ensure that all Home Inspectors are fit and proper people
- Check the background of Home Inspectors, including carrying out a Criminal Records Bureau check
- Ensure that the Home Inspectors are qualified to carry out their duties
- Ensure that the Home Inspectors have insurance cover to deal with any claims that might arise
- Check the quality of the work produced by Home Inspectors and ensure that there is no drop in standards
- Have the power to suspend and cancel the membership of any Home Inspector whose work falls below acceptable standards or who does not adhere to a strict code of conduct
- Ensure that Home Inspectors deal with any complaints in a fair, quick and transparent manner
- Keep a public register of their members.
