Oregon ranks as one of the best states to work as a home and building inspector in terms of annual average salary. Professionals in the state also enjoy a lot of upward mobility regarding career advancement.
Adequate preparation is absolutely imperative when starting a career as a home and building inspector in Oregon. Candidates need to understand what is expected of them regarding training destination, duration, and experience.
Those who do usually have a better time achieving their goals with minimal inconveniences. Readers of the page will understand all of these requirements and more by the time they’re done reading.
How to Become a Home and Building Inspector in Oregon
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to become a home and building inspector in Oregon.
Training Approach
Residents of Oregon have to complete 60 hours of state-approved education before they can start a career as a home and building inspector.
There is a conventional educational program for those who don’t want to attend a training program. We will examine this later in the next section, but for candidates who want a straightforward approach, simply completing the required hours of approved education by attending any of the training programs listed in the guide should be enough.
The National Examination
The National Home Inspector Examination is important for aspiring home and building inspectors in Oregon because it gives them credibility and gets them a step closer to being licensed. The exam contains 200 questions covering findings analysis, site review, and professional responsibilities, among other areas.
Applicants must pay $225 to qualify for the examination, which must be done in 4 hours. Those who don’t pass the first time have to pay another $225 after waiting for 30 days to retake the exam.
Employment and Career Growth
After completing the two steps above, individuals may receive a license and secure employment in the field. The following section analyzes the licensing requirements and certification opportunities for career growth.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Candidates who have received the right level of education can go on to apply for a home and building inspector license in Oregon. However, those who would like to go in based on experience without attending a formal program can utilize the points system.
In this case, points are awarded for various activities, including completing ride-along inspections, getting recommendations from a certified home inspector, earning a building codes certification, and teaching at an accredited institution.
For the license itself, candidates must pay a $150 application fee. Once licensed, professionals will need 30 continuing education credits every other year to maintain their licenses.
Lastly, for professional credentials, the American Society of Home Inspectors and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors are two viable choices to consider
Top Home and Building Inspector Schools in Oregon
The following entries offer approved home inspection training for candidates in Oregon.
Portland Community College
Portland, OR Campus Only
Portland Community College has a Building Inspection Technology program that lets students secure employment as home inspectors. Graduates can work with government agencies and jurisdictions and also with private entities.
Tuition
$133 - $278 per CreditContact
(971) 722-7516
advising@pcc.edu
Chemeketa Community College
Salem, OR Campus Only
Chemeketa Community College's Building Inspection Technology program includes classroom work and hands-on training.
Tuition
$6,000 - $13,400 per ProgramContact
(503) 485-2131
admissions@chemeketa.edu
Inspection Certification Associates
Online, OR Online Only
Lastly, aspiring home inspectors in Oregon have another wonderful option to consider in the online program offered by the Inspection Certification Associates (ICA).
Tuition
$495 - $1,395 per ProgramContact
(888) 807-1706
admissions@icaschool.com
Explore home and building inspector schools in Oregon by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Home inspectors in Oregon can improve their annual average salary by focusing on factors like credentials, location, and specific employers. Typically, those just starting in this career can land among the low—to median-earning group.
The lowest-income earners earn an average annual salary of $31,190, while the median earners manage an annual salary of around $63,802. The highest-paid home and building inspectors have spent some time on the job and have found ways to optimize all the above factors.
In this category, candidates can manage an annual average salary of $94,627. When optimizing location, candidates may consider the highest-paying cities for the profession in the state, the highest of which is Hillsboro, with an annual average salary of $65,721.
Sherwood and Sheridan are also prominent, with annual average salaries of $65,103 and $65,072 respectively.