A career as a home and building inspector in New Mexico can be quite fulfilling. These professionals ensure a high level of architectural excellence in houses and facilitate safety for their inhabitants. The following article analyzes every crucial consideration needed to start a successful career as a home and building inspector in the state.
We focus on the educational requirements and general options for candidates to acquire in-depth expertise in every major home and building inspection area. We also explore possible licensing and education requirements, salary projections, career outlooks, and other relevant information other relevant information.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in New Mexico
In New Mexico, the following steps are required to become a home and building inspector.
Completing a State-Accredited Program
The state of New Mexico expects prospective home and building inspectors to start their careers by completing a training program. Candidates are expected to complete only one that is approved by the state.
The best training programs help students obtain all the skills they need to secure employment and prepare them for possible professional and national examinations.
Taking the National Examination
As mentioned above, the best programs will prepare candidates for the national home inspection examination, as starting a career in this field is mandatory. The exam contains 200 questions, all of which are multiple-choice.
They must be completed in 4 hours.
Applicants for the NHIE must pay a $225 fee. If they do not pass the test the first time, they must wait 30 days and then pay the fee again to retake it.
The exam tests proficiency in key areas, including property and building inspection and site review, professional responsibilities, and finding/reporting analysis.
Field Training & Parallel Inspection
Lastly, to complete their education, prospective home and building inspectors in New Mexico must conduct parallel inspections in the real world. They must spend 80 hours in the field, developing valuable hands-on experience that builds upon the theoretical foundation laid during their training program.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department is responsible for setting licensing requirements for home and building inspectors in the state. To receive a license, you must complete relevant education, conduct field inspections, and pass the national exam.
Candidates also need to complete a national background check and a state background check with fingerprinting. A criminal record that does not fall under the disqualifying felony category won’t disqualify professionals.
Another important step in the process is insurance. In the state, home, and building inspectors must provide proof of errors and omissions insurance for at least $250,000 in aggregate.
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in New Mexico
Candidates may attend any of the following programs for their top-class home and building inspector training in New Mexico.
University of New Mexico
Online, NM Online Only
Aspiring home and building inspectors in New Mexico can start their careers conveniently at the University of New Mexico.
Tuition
$2,890 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Inspection Certification Associates
Online, NM Online Only
The Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) offers another convenient yet high-quality training option for future home inspectors in New Mexico.
Tuition
$495 - $1,395 per ProgramContact
(888) 807-1706
admissions@icaschool.com
American Home Inspectors Training
Online , NM Online Only
American Home Inspectors Training offers a three-week training program for future home inspectors.
Tuition
$449 - $1,399 per ProgramContact
(855) 493-0531
ahit@theceshop.com
Explore home and building inspector schools in New Mexico by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The following destinations are considered to be among the highest-paying home and building inspectors in the state of New Mexico:
- Tijeras, with an annual average salary of $60,986;
- Espanola, with an annual average salary of $60,985;
- Roswell, with an annual average salary of $59,740;
- Las Cruces, with an annual average salary of $59,671.
Naturally, as seen above, the specific location in the state where a professional works will have a major role to play in determining their annual returns. However, this is far from being the only major factor worthy of playing a role. Experience, for instance, also matters greatly, as do other criteria like credentials and employment capacity.
All of these work together to distinguish home and building inspectors in New Mexico into three broad categories, namely: the highest-paid with an annual average salary of $86,73, the lowest-paid with an annual average salary of $28,588, and the median earners with an annual average salary of $58,478.