Top 11 Building Inspector Certifications

Certifications are important for building inspectors because they demonstrate a level of competence and expertise in the field. By having certifications, building inspectors can prove to potential employers that they have the necessary knowledge, experience, and qualifications to do the job well. Certifications also help building inspectors stand out from other applicants, as they can show that they are committed to their profession and have taken the time to gain additional skills and knowledge. Furthermore, certifications may be required by some employers or local governments in order to legally perform certain types of inspections. Ultimately, certifications give building inspectors an edge in the job market by showing their commitment to excellence and helping them stand out from other candidates.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Building Inspectors and explains how they can add value to a Building Inspector's career.

What are Building Inspector Certifications?

Building inspector certification is a process whereby an individual has been formally trained and accredited to inspect buildings for safety and compliance with local building codes and regulations. This certification provides assurance that the inspector has the knowledge and experience necessary to accurately evaluate a building’s structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing systems, fire protection systems, HVAC systems, energy efficiency, and other aspects of its construction.

Having a certified building inspector on staff or working with one can be incredibly beneficial for property owners. Not only does it provide peace of mind knowing that your property is up to code, but it also helps protect you from potential legal issues if an issue arises in the future. It also ensures that any renovations or additions are properly inspected for safety and compliance with local building codes. Additionally, having a certified inspector can help ensure that any repairs or renovations are done correctly the first time around. This can save money in the long-run by avoiding costly repairs or replacements due to shoddy workmanship or incorrect installation of materials.

Pro Tip: When considering building inspector certification, be sure to research the requirements and qualifications for the specific region or state in which you plan to work. Requirements and qualifications can vary greatly between states, so it is important to make sure you have the necessary information before beginning the certification process.

Related: What does a Building Inspector do?

Top 11 Building Inspector Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Building Inspectors today.

1. Certified Building Inspector (CBI)

A Certified Building Inspector (CBI) is a professional who has been certified by an accredited organization to inspect and evaluate the safety, integrity, and condition of buildings. CBIs are responsible for ensuring that buildings meet local building codes and regulations, as well as other applicable laws. They also provide advice on how to make repairs or modifications to improve the safety and efficiency of a building.

In order to become a Certified Building Inspector, individuals must complete a certification program from an accredited organization such as the International Code Council (ICC). The program typically consists of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and field experience. Upon completion of the program, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The length of time it takes to become a Certified Building Inspector varies depending on the individual's level of experience and commitment. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the necessary training and education requirements.

To get started on becoming a Certified Building Inspector, individuals should research accredited programs offered in their area. Once they have chosen a program that meets their needs they can then contact the organization directly for more information regarding enrollment requirements and fees.

The cost of becoming a Certified Building Inspector varies depending on the program chosen; however, most programs range from $500-$1000 USD for tuition alone. Additional costs may include materials fees, travel expenses for field trips or internships, and any other associated costs with completing the certification process.

2. Certified Commercial Building Inspector (CCBI)

A Certified Commercial Building Inspector (CCBI) is a professional who has been trained and certified to inspect commercial buildings for safety and compliance with applicable building codes. This certification is issued by the International Code Council (ICC). The CCBI certification is valid for three years, after which time it must be renewed.

To become a CCBI, an individual must meet certain requirements, such as having at least two years of experience in the construction industry or related field, passing a written exam, and completing 24 hours of continuing education every three years. The ICC also requires that all applicants complete a criminal background check prior to being certified.

The cost of becoming a CCBI varies depending on the state in which you are located. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$300 to take the exam, plus any additional fees associated with taking the continuing education courses.

3. Certified Residential Building Inspector (CRBI)

A Certified Residential Building Inspector (CRBI) is a professional who has been certified by the International Code Council (ICC) to inspect residential buildings for compliance with applicable building codes. The CRBI certification is designed to ensure that inspectors have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly assess residential structures.

It typically takes around two years of experience in the field before an individual can become certified as a CRBI. This includes completing an approved training program, passing an exam, and having a minimum of one year of experience in residential building inspection.

In order to get the CRBI certification, individuals must first complete an approved training program. These programs are offered by various organizations such as ICC-approved schools, community colleges, and universities. After completing the training program, individuals must pass the ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification Exam.

The cost of obtaining the CRBI certification varies depending on where you take your training and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 or more depending on the length of the program and any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

4. National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI)

The National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides professional certification for building inspectors. The NIBI certification is recognized by many states and jurisdictions as a sign of professional excellence in the field of building inspection.

It typically takes about six months to complete the NIBI certification process, which consists of completing a series of online courses, passing a written exam, and completing an on-site practical exam. The online courses cover topics such as building codes, safety regulations, and construction materials. After completion of the online courses, applicants must pass a written exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to proceed to the practical exam. During the practical exam, applicants are required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in inspecting buildings and identifying potential hazards or deficiencies.

The cost of obtaining NIBI certification varies depending on the jurisdiction but typically ranges from $200-$500. This cost includes application fees, course materials, and examination fees.

In addition to the cost of obtaining NIBI certification, applicants may also need to pay additional fees for any required background checks or other necessary documents.

5. American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is a professional organization that sets standards for home inspections and certifies home inspectors. It was founded in 1976 and has over 5,000 members. ASHI's mission is to promote excellence in the home inspection profession through education and certification.

To become an ASHI Certified Inspector, individuals must meet certain requirements, including having at least 250 fee-paid home inspections under their belt and passing a rigorous exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as building systems, safety issues, report writing, legal considerations, and more. The practical portion requires the applicant to inspect an actual home and submit a report on it.

The entire process can take up to six months depending on the individual's experience level and availability for testing dates.

The cost of becoming an ASHI Certified Inspector varies by region but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This includes the application fee, exam fees, membership dues, background check fees, etc.

6. International Code Council Residential Combination Inspector Certification (ICC-RCI)

The International Code Council Residential Combination Inspector Certification (ICC-RCI) is a certification program that provides inspectors with the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect residential buildings for compliance with the International Building Codes. This certification is issued by the International Code Council (ICC) and is recognized in many states throughout the United States.

To obtain this certification, applicants must successfully complete an exam consisting of two parts: a written exam and a practical inspection. The written exam covers topics such as building codes, construction materials, inspection techniques, and safety regulations. The practical inspection requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to inspect residential structures in accordance with code requirements.

The ICC-RCI certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete, depending on how quickly the applicant can study for and take the exams. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and have at least three years of experience in home inspections or related fields.

The cost of obtaining an ICC-RCI certification varies from state to state but generally ranges from $300-$600 USD. This fee covers both the written exam and practical inspection fees as well as any other associated costs such as membership fees or application fees.

7. International Code Council Commercial Combination Inspector Certification (ICC-CCI)

The International Code Council Commercial Combination Inspector Certification (ICC-CCI) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform commercial building inspections. The ICC-CCI certification is a voluntary program that confirms an individual’s proficiency in performing commercial building inspections. This certification is especially important for those working in the construction industry, as it provides assurance of quality workmanship and adherence to safety standards.

In order to become certified, applicants must first pass an ICC-approved exam. This exam covers topics such as building codes, inspection methods, safety procedures, and other related topics. After passing the exam, applicants must complete a hands-on practical evaluation of their skills in order to receive their certification. The practical evaluation typically involves inspecting a real-world structure and demonstrating their ability to identify code violations and other issues with the structure.

The process of obtaining the ICC-CCI certification typically takes around 12 weeks from start to finish. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, most locations charge somewhere between $100 and $150 for the exam fee alone. Additionally, some locations may require additional fees for registration or materials needed for the practical evaluation portion of the certification process.

Overall, obtaining an ICC-CCI certification can be a valuable asset for anyone working in the construction industry. It demonstrates your commitment to safety and quality workmanship while also providing assurance that you are knowledgeable about current building codes and inspection methods.

8. International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) is a non-profit organization that provides education, training, and certification for home inspectors. It was founded in 2003 and is based in Colorado. InterNACHI is the world’s largest home inspection association with more than 20,000 members worldwide.

To become certified as a home inspector through InterNACHI, you must complete an online training course and pass an exam. The online training course consists of 25 hours of instruction on topics such as building systems, safety concerns, and reporting standards. After completing the online course and passing the exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from InterNACHI.

It typically takes about two weeks to complete the online training course and pass the exam. However, it can take longer if you need to review any material or if you are having difficulty understanding certain concepts.

The cost of becoming certified through InterNACHI is $399 USD for members or $599 USD for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the online training course and exam as well as access to additional resources such as webinars, forums, and discounts on tools and supplies.

In addition to becoming certified through InterNACHI, many states also require home inspectors to obtain a license in order to practice professionally. Licensing requirements vary by state so it’s important to check with your state’s licensing board before beginning any work as a home inspector.

9. National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP)

The National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) is a certification program administered by the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST). The NRPP is designed to ensure that individuals providing radon services have met the highest standards of knowledge, experience, and competency.

The NRPP certification process consists of three steps:

1. Completion of an approved course in radon measurement or mitigation.

2. Successful completion of a written examination covering basic radon science, measurement techniques, and mitigation principles.

3. Demonstration of proficiency in field measurements or mitigation installation through successful completion of an on-site evaluation conducted by an AARST-approved evaluator.

It typically takes around 4-6 months to complete the NRPP certification process from start to finish. In order to get certified, individuals must first register with the AARST website and pay the applicable fees for their chosen certification level (measurement or mitigation). They will then be provided with instructions for completing the required coursework, taking the written exam, and scheduling their on-site evaluation.

The cost for NRPP certification varies depending on which level you are applying for (measurement or mitigation), but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

10. Environmental Protection Agency Lead Renovator Certification

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Renovator Certification is a certification program designed to ensure that individuals performing renovation, repair, and painting activities on pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities are properly trained in the safe use of lead-based paint. This certification is required by law for anyone who performs such work in any of these areas.

To get certified as an EPA Lead Renovator, individuals must complete an 8-hour training course approved by the EPA. The course covers topics such as identifying lead-based paint hazards, proper containment and clean-up procedures, and how to protect yourself from exposure to lead. Once the training is completed, individuals must pass a written exam to demonstrate their knowledge of lead safety practices.

The cost of the training varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges between $150-$200. It typically takes one day to complete the training and pass the exam; however, some providers offer accelerated courses that can be completed in just a few hours.

Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every five years by completing additional refresher courses or exams approved by the EPA.

11. American Indoor Air Quality Council Mold Inspection Certification

The American Indoor Air Quality Council (AIAQC) Mold Inspection Certification is a certification program designed to provide mold inspectors with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct professional indoor air quality inspections. The program covers topics such as sampling techniques, identification of mold species, health effects of mold exposure, and remediation protocols.

To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam and complete a minimum of 40 hours of mold inspection-related training. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics from the AIAQC’s Mold Inspector Training Manual. Applicants must also submit documentation verifying their training hours.

The certification process typically takes about 6 weeks from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first register for the exam online or by mail. After registering, they will be sent an email with instructions on how to access the online study material and take the exam. Once they have successfully passed the exam, they will need to submit their documentation verifying their training hours in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the AIAQC Mold Inspection Certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or by mail. Online exams cost $150 while mailed exams cost $200 plus a $25 processing fee.

Do You Really Need a Building Inspector Certificate?

Building inspectors are an important part of any construction project, as they ensure that all safety regulations are met and that the project meets all applicable building codes. Having a certificate from a reputable inspection agency can give you peace of mind that the inspector is qualified to do the job.

The short answer is yes, you do need a building inspector certificate for any construction project you undertake. This is especially true if the building is new or has undergone major renovations. The certificate serves as proof that your inspector has been trained and certified to inspect buildings according to local building codes and regulations. It also shows that they have taken the time to learn about different types of construction materials and methods, so they can better assess safety issues on site.

In some cases, such as when hiring a contractor or subcontractor, having a building inspector certificate can be even more important. This is because it gives assurance that your contractor or subcontractor understands what needs to be done in order to meet local building codes and regulations, thus ensuring that your construction project will be safe and compliant with local laws.

Overall, having a building inspector certificate is essential for any construction project you undertake. Not only does it provide assurance of quality workmanship, but it also ensures that all safety regulations are met during the construction process. Having a valid certificate from an accredited inspection agency can give you peace of mind knowing that your inspector is qualified to do the job correctly and safely.

Related: Building Inspector Resume Examples

FAQs About Building Inspector Certifications

1. How do I become a certified building inspector?

Answer: To become a certified building inspector, you must complete an approved training program in the area of building inspection, pass an examination and meet any other requirements as set forth by the local governing body.

2. Is certification required to be a building inspector?

Answer: Yes, certification is typically required to be a building inspector. In some cases, state and local governments may require additional certifications or training beyond what is necessary for general certification.

3. What qualifications are needed to become a certified building inspector?

Answer: Generally speaking, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and experience in construction or a related field. In addition, many states require additional certifications such as ICC (International Code Council) certifications for certain areas of specialty inspection.

4. How long does it take to become a certified building inspector?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on your background and experience level as well as the type of certification you are seeking. Some certifications can be obtained in as little as one month while others can take up to several months depending on the requirements and available resources.

5. How much does it cost to become a certified building inspector?

Answer: The cost of obtaining certification varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking and your location. Generally speaking, costs can range anywhere from $500-$5000 depending on the type of certification and the number of courses required for completion.