Aspiring home and building inspectors in New Jersey will be ecstatic to know that the process involved in starting their careers is as direct as they come. Moreover, the career offers ample opportunities for growth and networking for an even higher compensation.
To make the process more enjoyable, we have broken down all the key requirements and considerations required to become a successful home and building inspector in New Jersey in the upcoming sections.
Candidates will discover the steps involved in the journey, the possible licensure and certification requirements, top schools and training courses, and the annual average salary projections.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in New Jersey
The following are the steps required to become a home building inspector in New Jersey.
Step 1: Complete an Approved Training Program
To start their home and building inspector career in New Jersey, candidates must enroll in a home inspector training program approved by the state. These programs should include a total training duration of at least 180 hours.
During their training, candidates should become familiar with key topics, including professional practices, exterior and interior inspection, HVAC, and electrical systems.
Step 2: Complete Field-based Inspections
Along with the theoretical skills picked up during their training programs, candidates must also receive real-world experience by completing field-based inspections.
This must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed home inspector in New Jersey and include 40 hours of inspections.
Naturally, this is meant to be an unpaid activity.
Step 3: Pass the State Exam
Lastly, before receiving their license and becoming full-fledged home and building inspectors in New Jersey, candidates must pass the state examination and apply through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website.
Step 4: Secure Employment and Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities
Once all of the above steps are complete, candidates may proceed to put together their resumes and start applying for open positions in home inspection firms across the state. Those willing may also start their own business by registering their LLC.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Home and building inspectors in New Jersey must register with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs before securing employment.
To renew their license, they must also complete 40 hours of continuing education credits every two years.
Approved continuing education programs must include units on report writing, ethics, and rules governing home inspection in the state.
Additionally, candidates looking to join professional organizations to take advantage of networking opportunities may consider the InterNACHI - International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, or ASHI - American Society of Home Inspectors.
Those seeking professional credentials may consider the Certified Home Energy Inspector credential, the Certified Commercial Property Inspector credential, or the Certified Wood-Destroying Organism Inspector credential.
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in New Jersey
Prospective home and building inspectors in New Jersey may consider any of the destinations below for high-quality, approved training.
New Jersey Academy of Home Inspectors
The New Jersey Academy of Home Inspectors is a popular destination to receive home inspector training in New Jersey. The school is a partner of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and offers rigorous hands-on training.
Home Inspection School of New Jersey
The Home Inspection School of New Jersey offers top-class training spanning various home inspection topics, including heating and ventilation, plumbing, electricity, and more. Candidates enjoy numerous learning resources, including workshops, online materials, mentorship, and business guidance.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include the Uniform Construction Code training program at Brookdale Community College, the same program at Camden Community College, and the online, self-paced program at Hudson County Community College, among others.
Explore home and building inspector schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
An aspiring home and building inspector in New Jersey may look forward to starting with an annual salary of around $71,325, the figure for the average home and building inspector in the state. This figure is also above the national average.
For those among the bottom 10%, the annual average salary is closer to $52,220, while for those among the top 10%, the annual average salary to expect is $97,420.
Those interested in the highest paying cities to practice as a home and building inspector in New Jersey include Cherry Hill, with an annual average salary of $52,774, and Newark, with an annual average salary of $49,424. Home and building inspectors in Jersey City earn an annual average salary of $46,473.
Concerning the factors influencing how much to expect as a home and building inspector in New Jersey, they include experience, location, specialization, and company of employment.
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