REQUIREMENTS FOR NIBI CERTIFIED INSPECTOR STATUS*

For approval as a NIBI Certified Inspector¹, an application form must be submitted and educational, inspection, reporting, testing, and insurance requirements must be satisfactorily completed or attained.  The specific details are listed below: 

1.          Application.  A completed application must be submitted.  Individual submitting an application will be formally known as an “Applicant”.  All certification requirements must be completed within one year of the application submission.

2.          Educational Programs.  Applicants must complete one of the following: (a) a NIBI Residential Home Inspection Course, (b) the NIBI Online Learning Program, or (c) a NIBI equivalent recognized home inspection training program (minimum 40 classroom hours).  Participants in NIBI Residential Home Inspection Courses must also submit a signed copy of the NIBI Trainee Agreement.  An Applicant that has completed an approved educational program will be considered a "Candidate."   

3.          Probation Period.  Applicants must wait a two-month probationary period following educational program completion.  This requirement will be waived for Applicants with suitable home inspection experience.²  

4.          Comprehensive Exam.  Applicants must satisfactorily complete the NIBI Comprehensive Exam with a grade of 75% or higher. This requirement may be waived for Applicants with suitable home inspection experience that have passed the National Home Inspectors Exam (NHIE).  Inspection experience does not negate the need to comply with testing requirements. 

5.          Field Inspections.  Applicant must complete a minimum of 50 full home inspections³ and submit list of property addresses inspected.   

6.          Report Review.  A minimum of two (2) completed home inspection reports must be submitted by Applicant for review by the NIBI staff or an assigned NIBI Certified Inspector.  Reports will be randomly chosen from list submitted.  

7.          Professional Liability Insurance.  Applicant must submit proof of Errors and Omissions insurance to cover services provided.  Minimum coverage limits are $250,000 per claim and at least $500,000 in the aggregate with a deductible of no more than $10,000.  The policy must also include coverage for bodily injury and all ancillary services offered, and name NIBI named as an additional insured.  

8.          Licensing Issues.  In states or provinces where laws regulating home inspectors exist, applicants must maintain such licenses to maintain NIBI Certified Inspector status after the first year.  Certain NIBI Certification requirements may be waived at NIBI’s discretion when an inspector has met stringent governmental requirements equivalent to requirements listed herein. 

9.          NIBI Continuing Education and Support Program.⁴  Applicant must participate in the NIBI Continuing Education Program.  This program will provide access to the NIBI Tech Exchange and relevant home inspection and construction industry information.  Annual testing is required for certification and continued participation in this program. 

(1) Only individuals who have successfully fulfilled the following requirements can promote themselves as a NIBI Certified Inspector.  

(2) For waiver provisions under requirements No. 3 and 4, an Applicant must have completed at least 50 fee-paid inspections or as otherwise dictated by law.  

(3) To meet minimum inspection requirements, Applicant can complete any combination of trial, observation, supervised, or fee-charged  field inspections totaling 50.  Credit will be given for up to a maximum of fifteen (15) trial inspections.  Applicants must prepare a field report for all inspections. The NIBI staff or a NIBI Certified Inspector must verify documentation. 

(4) Fees for groups or members of organizations will be collected through the organization.  Fees will be pro-rated on a quarterly basis for mid-year certification.  For independent inspectors the cost of this program is $300 per year, payable in advance.