The article below explores everything an aspiring home and building inspector in Indiana must know to begin their career journey and start on the best possible footing. Among other things, interested candidates will discover the key steps involved in the process, from basic requirements to securing employment.
Furthermore, they will also find an in-depth breakdown of the various licensing and certification options to consider for professional networking and career growth. Those looking for the most notable training programs in the state will also discover the best alternatives below.
Lastly, we round up the page by exploring the possible salary projections for home and building inspectors in Indiana and the factors that can increase or decrease these figures.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in Indiana
The following are the steps to becoming an Indiana home and building inspector.
Step 1: Complete 60 Hours of Classroom Training
The first step to becoming a home and building inspector in Indiana is to complete 60 hours of training in the classroom.
Of course, this doesn’t necessarily have to be an offline training room. In fact, many programs designed to help candidates meet this requirement are often set up as online programs.
At this point, candidates will learn key topics from electrical systems to roofs, interior and exterior, plumbing systems, and HVAC systems.
Candidates must ensure their training program of choice is approved by the state. We provide relevant options to consider in an upcoming list.
Step 2: Complete 12 Hours of Field Training
Along with 60 hours of classroom training, candidates looking to become home and building inspectors in Indiana must also complete 12 hours of field training. Typically, this is where they will practice what they have been taught during the classroom aspect of their training.
Additionally, it is common for training programs such as the ones listed below to provide both classroom training and the opportunity for students to fulfill the field training requirements.
Step 3: Pass the National Examination
The National Home Inspector Examination is a nationwide examination that all home and building inspectors must pass before practicing professionally and legally. In Indiana, candidates must complete this process after completing their training programs.
The exam must be completed in 4 hours. Candidates may retake if unsuccessful on the first attempt but must pay $225 for each retake.
Consider Other Trades With Similar Paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Home and building inspectors in Indiana are expected to obtain a state license before they can start working professionally. To do so, they have to complete the steps above and send in an official application.
They must also provide proof of general liability coverage, with a minimum of $100,000. They may then proceed to register on the Access Indiana page of the Professional Licensing Agency website.
The application fee is typically $50.
Lastly, candidates are expected to keep improving through 32 hours of continuing education every year, even after receiving their official license.
Top Home and Building Inspection Schools in Indiana
Below are some of Indiana’s most prominent home and building inspection schools.
Inspection Certification Associates
The ICA offers numerous top-quality home and building inspector training tailored to specific states. The school’s program in Indianapolis includes 62 training hours and 12 hours of real-world training.
Candidates may also participate in continuing education here.
University of Southern Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana offers an online, self-paced home and building inspector training program. To complete the program, candidates need only a laptop and a working internet connection.
Topics of focus include common defects, safety, protective equipment, methodologies, and more.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include:
- InterNACHI,
- Super Inspector
- Training Academy,
- Professional Home Inspection Institute and
- The ATI Training Institute.
Explore home and building inspector schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
A survey of home and building inspectors in Indiana carried out by Indeed showed that the annual average salary of a fresh home and building inspector in the state is typically around $134,770. It also showed that those among the top earners in the state can make up to $244,489 in average salary per year, while those among the bottom earners take home an annual average salary of around $74,290.
Candidates looking to move from the lower end of the salary spectrum to the top end may want to consider optimizing their location, credentials, and establishment of employment, among others. Time and more experience will also help.
As for the best locations within Indiana to work as a home and building inspector, they include Indianapolis, with an annual average salary of $78,658; Evansville, with an annual average salary of $77,325; South Bend with an annual average salary of $61,989; and Fort Wayne with an annual average salary of $60,654.
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