Hello all, I am working on getting certified in Alabama (Huntsville / Madison County area) I just wanted to introduce myself and see if anyone has any pointers on licensing, I am working on my credit hours now and will be looking for an inspector in the area to take me on some home inspections to complete my required amount of inspections.
Thanks!
-Matt Moon
Welcome to our forum, Matt!..Enjoy! 
Also, take this exam until you score in the 90s on all subjects (It will help you in taking other exams).
InterNACHI practice exam: https://www.nachi.org/qa.htm
And then, contact some CMIs or CPIs within 40 to 50 miles, or closer, to your area and communicate with them. Maybe one, or more, will help you. Some inspectors feel as though they are training their competition by ride-alongs or mentoring.
Here is the link: https://certifiedmasterinspector.org/members
And the link for CPIs: https://www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors
And Mentors: https://www.nachi.org/mentoring
Thank you for the info sir! I really appreciate it… One question that I do have and I’m not sure if anyone can answer it other than the state but it says in the licensing requirements for Alabama that you need to pass two paid tests but it also says to Email the state about using the free InterNACHI tests instead, I guess my question is has anyone been successful in convincing the state to accept the InterNACHI testing instead?
Thanks!
Ask Ben Gromicko (He’s the eduction guy, in the know.) at Ben@InterNACHI.org and copy fastreply@InterNACHI.org
What is that all about?. Sounds like some kind of antiquated holdover from when a certain Alabama Official was (maybe) getting a kick-back from ASHI…and EBPHI (Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors)
But you are right about the Paid Tests
" Pass two exams. The state requires you to take ASHI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and EBPHI’s NHIE, which have exam fees. You may contact the state and request affordable alternative, equivalent exams such as the free, online exams provided by InterNACHI®." https://www.nachi.org/licensing-and-certification/us/alabama
Luckily InterNACHI has exposed the shenanigans.…and collusion in States (IMO), like Alabama that have been requiring those “Paid Tests” (only from) ASHI and EBPHI.
I would think that if they (Alabama) have allowed anyone to substitute InterNACHI’s Tests, they would have to allow you to also to opt for the same “Affordable Alternative” in meeting their requirements.
Good Luck Mathew and Welcome!
Does anyone have any resources to find a mentor for my 35 ride along inspections, I’ve reached out to many inspectors but no one has been able to help, please let me know anyone has any ideas, thank you
Nicholas Long
Nicholas, contact some CMIs or CPIs within 40 to 50 miles, or closer, to your area and communicate with them. Maybe one, or more, will help you. Some inspectors feel as though they are training their competition by ride-alongs or mentoring or hiring.
Here is the link for CMIs: Find a Certified Master Inspector®
And the link for CPIs: Find Certified Home Inspectors Near You - InterNACHI®
And Mentors: Home Inspector Mentoring - InterNACHI® and InterNACHI® - International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
Also, you may want to take advantage of your Education Team at education@internachi.org for specific questions e.g. 15 Steps to Become a Successful Home Inspector - InterNACHI® and InterNACHI® Master Class for Home Inspectors .
And there is the Helpful How-To Videos - InterNACHI® for many other things.
P.S. Welcome to our forum. Enjoy!
Helpful hints for New Inspectors.pdf (230.1 KB)
Here’s some tips for your new venture, good luck!