6 Best Home Inspector Training Schools in 2023
This article is part of a larger series on How to Become a Real Estate Agent.
Home inspector training requirements vary by state―in fact, some don’t require prelicensing education at all. However, if you want to start or grow your career as a home inspector, high-quality education is key. We compared dozens of options and identified the six best home inspector training schools based on cost, course availability and format, customer support, and student reviews.
The six best home inspector training schools include the following:
- American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT): Best for comprehensive online and in-person home inspector training
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI): Largest library of professional and business development resources for inspectors
- Inspection Certification Associates (ICA): Best for learners who prefer instructor-led courses
- ATI Training – Home Inspection Institute: Best home inspection training program and resources for solopreneurs
- Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII): Widest variety of individual courses for professional development or specialty certifications
- Kaplan: Ideal for those who prefer self-directed study
Best Home Inspector Training Schools at a Glance
Schools | Starting Price | Learning Formats | State Availability | Customer Support |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prelicensing: $699 CE: $15 Exam prep: $99 Certifications: $75 |
| 49 states | Phone, email, and live chat | |
Membership: $49 per month or $499 per year CE: Included with membership |
| 50 states | Phone and email | |
Prelicensing: $695 CE: $10 per hour |
| 47 states | Phone and email | |
Prelicensing: $695 |
| 38 states | Phone, email, and live chat | |
Prelicensing: $549 CE: $199 Certifications: $199 |
| 44 states | Phone and email | |
Prelicensing: $799 |
| 31 states | Phone, email, and live chat | |
Things you need to know before enrolling in a home inspection training program: Along with education requirements, there are additional steps to getting your home inspector license. Check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Home Inspector to learn what your state requires.
If you’re not sure where to start with your home inspector training, take our quiz for a quick glance at which school is right for you. Then, read through the descriptions below to learn more about each provider.
Which home inspector training school is right for you?
American Home Inspectors Training: Most Comprehensive Online Program
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors: Best Resource Library
Inspection Certification Associates (ICA): Best Instructor-led Courses
ATI Training Home Inspection Institute: Best Home Inspector Training for Solopreneurs
Professional Home Inspection Institute (PHII): Best Individual Certification Courses
Kaplan: Best Self-directed Courses
How We Evaluated the Best Home Inspector Training Schools
Since being a home inspector is an active, hands-on job that usually also requires business knowledge, the best training programs combine real-world examples with access to industry experts and the resources you need to succeed. We looked for state-approved and accredited programs that provide videos of actual home inspections or recorded in-field demonstrations. We also evaluated online courses that provide comprehensive resources on building mechanics and other aspects of a residential property inspection.
Based on the criteria above, we recommend American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT) as the best overall option for home inspection training. Not only does their platform offer a range of course types and lifetime support to students, but they are also the only school to offer a free trial and have a 99% student pass rate.
We evaluated each home inspector training program based on the following:
25% of Overall Score
Consists of various formatting and learning styles for each course to meet the specific needs of the student as well as ease of course accessibility.
20% of Overall Score
Pricing is based on the cost of prelicensing, continuing education, and exam prep for each online institution.
15% of Overall Score
The availability of courses throughout the country, measured by the number of states where each institution offers education.
15% of Overall Score
Criteria 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.
10% of Overall Score
Based on customer feedback for each program to certify the course meets user satisfaction, with particular attention given to reviews of the home inspection training program and the provider’s popularity.
10% of Overall Score
Expertise in the field and firsthand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate the standout features, value for the money, and ease of use for each training program.
5% of Overall Score
We looked into the convenience and attainability of customer service support for technical support and instructor assistance.
Bottom Line
In order to become a home inspector or grow in your career, finding the right home inspector training schools is key. To determine which home inspection certification is best for you, find one that fits your budget, learning style, and need for support.