Hello all! I find these extremely helpful so thanks in advance to anyone who can provide some advice.
I obtained my home inspectors license roughly about 5-6 years ago. I did several throughout the course of a year and life took an unexpected turn. However, I am back and I know this is something I want to do. My question is: without spending $$ or a ton of it, how should one get reacquainted with the material, process, etc. after taking a brief hiatus? Is there a course specifically to fast track, or would it be best to go back through all the old material? I got licensed through ICA and I’m sure there have been several changes and updates to both the course material along with everything else in the VA home inspection world. Thanks again for any help.
I don’t think I would say it’s like jumpin on and riding a bike after you haven’t for an extended period of time, but you certainly have a head start and know what’s expected, how to perform an inspection and write a report, how to run a business, insurance requirements, tools needed, and how to get business.
In saying that, if I were you I would start by taking many of the InterNACHI courses with a focus on any weak areas you feel you might have, and then doing some mock inspections until you feel comfortable heading out and doing real inspections for the public.
Joseph, as an FYI, ICA nor InterNACHI licenses home inspectors.
As @sfetty Dave says, if you are a member if InterNACHI, you can take all of the CE courses free. And as @kleonard Kevin offers, start by focusing on your weak areas and do mock inspections until comfortable as well as your business acumen.
You can also take the Ultimate Home Inspection Practice Tool and test yourself until you are feeling confident with high scores that will help with any real licensing required testing that may be required in Virginia. An internet search should solve the query whether licensing is required there.
Without spending a ton of $$…also depends on what a ton is to you. Lots of home inspection videos out there. (I did one).
As others have said, all the course work on our website is valuable.
For a few grand, you can go to the 5-day course in Boulder.
And maybe, you can find some local inspector that will let you tag-a-long.
ICA does not issue the license; they do the education part! But if you have maintained your license in VA in a retired status or something similar, it should not be an issue to reinstate it. If you just let your license lapse, I would contact the State to see what you need to do. You might need to retake some education, and in some states, you might be required to retake the NHIE due to the length of time since you took it before. There is information on VA…. Virginia - National Home Inspector Examination
Thanks to everyone who responded. Just to be clear, DPOR issued my license, but the classes (both online and in person) were through ICA. I didn’t think I needed to specify, just wanted some general info and advice from tenured inspectors. Again, appreciate the feedback.