Originally Posted By: Terry Porter This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
In preparation for my upcoming classes in Oct and Nov, I have been studying with the learning materials provided to me by ITA.
I plan to attempt (and pass) the TREC licensing exam in mid November, but was wondering what to prepare for. For obvious reasons, I have a good general idea of what topics the test will cover, but I was wondering about the details.
A lot of the building codes surrounding electrical and plumbing wouldn't be evident to an inspector as they are "hidden" features of a home (i.e. most plumbing vents are located within the wall structure). Should I still expect many code related questions?
In addition, should I expect and prepare for short answer and essay style questions. I've enrolled in a test prep course, but was wanting to start my test prep early.
Any insight y'all might be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.
Originally Posted By: Timothy Pope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Terry. I just passed the test this month. All questions are multiple choice and about 70% or so are code questions. Someone on this board suggested making flash cards from the Code Check series books. It helped me alot! Also, practice tests available at http://www.housensible.com/housensible/corner/index.htm
Originally Posted By: rwashington This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Be certain to study the Laws & Regulations. They are VERY tricky. Even though there are only 10, I made a 119 on the exam the first time so you know, in Texas, I was just one question shy.
Study pictures of roofs, HVAC systems for parts, and Water Heaters.
Glad the tip on flash cards helped you Tim.
Pass it before year end cause TREC is really jacking those hours up through the roof. Kinda like that T&P valve I saw today that was terminating in the attic. Scary!!!
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Taken from The Texas Real Estate Commission General Provisions Rules adopted at the April 19, 2004
The Real Estate Inspector Committee recommended that
the Commission increase the alternate education
requirements for applicants for a professional inspector
license that will require 320 additional education hours
for professional inspector applications submitted after
January 1, 2005.
As long as your application is in before Jan. 1, you only need the 188 hours.
Originally Posted By: Terry Porter This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Just got off the phone with TREC, and as long as the application is in their office by the close of businness 12/31, your grandfathered into the current requirements.
No "checks in the mail" will work.
I also learned another valuable piece of information. They asked me to submit a copy of my college transcript with the educational evaluation form. I will now have to contact my university for a copy, but was a little stunned as I had not read that piece of information. I never really considered it since my degree in advertising and marketing won't pertain as far as the educational requirements are concerned.
Just an FYI for anyone working towards the same goal as I am.
Originally Posted By: rwashington This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Checked the TREC site but did not see any reference for college transcript. I am emailing the licensing manager for TREC as we have corresponded before. I have REI now and am going for ProREI next month.
Terry, I would not accept a phone call as proof unless you have recorded it. Send em an email so it is in writing. I have gotten different answers depending on who I spoke to there.
Originally Posted By: Ron Dawes This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
You may take the test after Jan 1. But you will have 3 attempts and must complete it within 6 months of your application date. If you don’t pass by 3 attempts in 6 months then you must wait another 6 months to re-apply and you will then fall under the NEW rules.
I've taken the ITA correspondence course and my son just took the ITA in class course. We will both be taking the exam prep course this weekend.
You should strongly consider taking the 6 day advanced course as an in class course instead of correspondence. You will inspect 2 houses per day for 6 days and it really helps to have some practical experience. I would not want to start inspecting without it, no matter what I made on the exam. It will be offered in Dallas and Houston a few more times before the end of the year.
Originally Posted By: rwashington This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Terri,
Here is a respose I got today from the TREC licensing mgr. when asking about college transcripts.
"No, this is not true that you have to submit a college transcript showing
proof of the 180 classroom hours with your application. You must first have
your transcripts/certificates evaluated by TREC before you submit the
application to ensure that you have satisfied the education requirements. If
you have satisfied the requirements you do not need to resubmit your
transcripts/certificates. We would already have that information on file.
Also, not everyone will have a college transcript to submit. Once you have
been evaluated and informed by TREC that you have satisfied the education
requirements for a professional inspector license then you can submit the
application."
Michelle R. Bowens, Licensing Manager
TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION
1-800-250-8732 or (512) 459-6544
mbowens@trec.state.tx.us
