I’ve had this come up a few times recently and wondering if anyone else has had similar instances and or thoughts on the subject. I am a member of InterNachi, CPI accredited, and operate in a province that currently has no licensing requirement’s for home inspectors (Manitoba, Canada). It’s come up a few times when I reach out to real estate agents to introduce myself, they are quick to inform that they already have an inspector who is “Licensed” and rather not use someone who isn’t. There also are various agents who seem to think there are only two individuals who are “Licensed” to do home inspections in the area which leaves me scratching my head knowing there aren’t any provincial licensing requirements and it’s in a way a false statement. When trying to explain that there currently is no specific provincial licensing in place it seems as if some disagree. Has anyone else ran into this sort of misinformation? Should one be doubling up on associations and or certifications? (CAHPI, ICA, Etc.) Any and all input welcomed, thanks in advance!
You can’t be licensed if there isn’t one to issue.
If they felt like they were put on the spot, they might have just said the first thing that came to their mind. More than likely, they like the inspectors that they use and have no desire to refer you to their clients.
Yes, often. I’m in a state that does not require a state mandated license to perform home inspections. I get calls from prospective clients that ask if I’m “licensed” to perform home inspections in my state. Anytime I’ve attempted to educate them that there are no “licensed home inspectors” in my state, I don’t hear back from them.
This reminds me of a conversation that me and my buddy had pertaining to my Handyman business many years ago. In my state, there are also no “licensing” requirements to perform “Handyman” services. I told my buddy that people are asking if I’m licensed. He asked me if I have a business license in my town/county/state to which I replied I do. He then asked my why I wouldn’t state that I am licensed to perform Handyman services in my area. If there are no licensing requirements other than the appropriate business license, then I AM licensed to perform this service. I now apply this logic to my home inspection business since I AM licensed to perform this service in my area.
If you’re in a state/province/area that does not require a mandated “home inspection” license but you have an appropriate business license in your jurisdiction, then I believe that you ARE licensed to perform home inspections in your area.
**Disclosure: This is just my opinion and experience and is meant for REFERENCE only. Use this information at YOUR OWN RISK 
Licensed or unlicensed in an unregulated province is the same thing. Ask the agent, “How can someone called themselves Licensed in an unregulated province?” Be realistic.
Introduce yourself as a certified professional inspector. You are insured and abide by the provincial regulations which are none!
This^^^^^^^^^^^
The public is great for believing misinformation. Realtors are very good at perpetuating narratives (true or false) that benefit them. So the blame for this misconception of licensing falls squarely at the Realtors feet. These are the first people in (to the Home sale) and the last people out. They start and end with all kinds of myths that put them in a good light and detracts from others.
I recently needed some work done at my home, and insurance requires a “licensed general contractor” to do the work. It’s amazing how many respond as a “licensed contractor” showing just the county business license as proof. When I ask for their state contractor license, they get really defensive.
In Maryland you can look online to determine who is licensed by the state. If you are not willing to jump through all the hoops to get licensed then you probably won’t warranty your work either. If you do jump through all the hoops you won’t want your licensed “pulled.” It does happen!
We’re in a non-licensed state. However we are a licensed general contractor and certified by InterNACHI and that’s how we present ourselves.
Most of the realtors that we work with are more concerned about the thoroughness of our inspection.
The good realtors, the ones who truly care about their/our clients, like us.
The realtors who just it in for the money… we generally never hear from them after we “kill” a deal for them.
Being in Georgia, a unregulated state, I have never had an issue with being a “certified” inspector. Being on the border with Western NC, which is a “licensed” state, I don’t do inspections there, even though I know of a few unlicensed inspectors that do.
I have always told realtors and potential clients that I can’t or don’t do inspections in NC.
Thanks everyone for the replies and input on this! Much appreciated. I Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season!!!