A construction inspector certification opens the door to a variety of career paths. Keep reading to learn more about construction inspection certifications, how one can obtain them, and many other things you may find helpful.
Table of Contents
An overview of construction inspector certifications
A construction inspector certification demonstrates the bearer has the knowledge required to conduct inspections of job sites and structures. Construction inspector requirements typically vary by jurisdiction (more on this shortly) but may include:
- educational requirements
- the completion of coursework
- written and/or practical examinations
- experience in the field
Some certifications are mandatory for construction inspectors to apply their trade in certain jurisdictions whereas others simply communicate a level of expertise beyond the minimum requirements.
As with most construction certifications, there are many benefits beyond qualifying for work one can receive by getting a construction inspector certification. We’ll explore those additional benefits shortly.
Types of construction and building inspector certifications
Next, let’s discuss the various types of construction inspector certifications, what they’re useful for, and how you can obtain them.
Certified Professional Inspector
The Certified Professional Inspector certification is offered by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and more than 100 government and non-governmental organizations.
To receive the Certified Professional Inspector certification, one must:
- Pass a free online examination
- Join the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
- Complete a course dedicated to ethics as they relate to building inspections
- Complete a course dedicated to construction inspection standards of practice
- Submit four mock construction inspection reports
- Complete an enrollment agreement
Within 12 months of completing the sixth step, one must also complete additional courses relating to a variety of inspection topics, such as:
- residential plumbing inspections
- how to inspect for moisture leakage
- how to inspect attics, ventilation, and interiors
- protocols for inspecting decks
Commercial Building Inspector certifications
The International Code Council offers several construction inspection certifications, including:
- B1: Residential Building Inspector
- B2: Commercial Building Inspector
- B3: Building Plans Examiner
- CS: Code Specialist Module
The International Code Council also offers several of what it describes as combination designations, which are certifications granted to personnel that receives a specified combination of certifications.
For example, completing the B1 and B2 certifications will earn you the designation of B5 Building Inspector. An R5 Residential Combination Inspector, meanwhile, is someone who has completed these specifications:
- B1: Residential Building Inspector
- E1: Residential Electrical Inspector
- M1: Residential Mechanical Inspector
- P1: Residential Plumbing Inspector
Certified Electrical Inspector
Given how critical and specialized electrical systems are, it should come as no surprise that there are many dedicated electrical inspector certifications out there.
The International Association of Electrical Inspectors offers a Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification. To receive the certification, one must already be a licensed electrician. They can subsequently apply for the certification and take an examination (the passing score of which is 75%).
The Certified Electrical Inspector certification remains valid for three years, at which point one must complete 22 hours of training that includes accruing:
- 18 technical credits related to codes, hazards, etc
- four non-technical credits related to safety, communication, etc
Canadian construction inspector training and certifications
Canadian provinces have unique construction inspector training requirements that depend on one’s job title. Here are some examples, according to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank:
- Alberta: Home inspectors must be certified by Service Alberta
- Alberta: Safety codes officers must be certified by the Safety Codes Council
- British Columbia: Electrical field safety representatives must be certified by the British Columbia Safety Authority
- British Columbia: Home inspectors must be certified by Consumer Protection British Columbia
- Quebec: Safety officers must be certified by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail
- Saskatchewan: Building officials must be certified by the Building Standards and Licensing Branch, Ministry of Government Relations
Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors
The Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors offers a National Certificate. To receive this certification, one must:
- pass the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors’ national examination
- complete 10 inspections under the observation of a mentor
- complete a mentor-led report verification
American Construction Inspectors Association certification
The American Construction Inspectors Association offers a Registered Construction Inspectors certification. To obtain it, one must have prior construction experience, demonstrate proof of relevant employment, and complete an ACIA Administration & Fundamentals Assessment Exam.
Upon passing the exam, applicants have 14 days to complete a technical examination specific to the specialty they selected during the application process. Once an applicant receives the Registered Construction Inspectors certification, they must renew it every three years by completing additional educational casework.
Specialties applicants can choose include:
- engineering
- building
- public works
- electrical
- fire door assembly
- firestop inspection
Benefits of completing construction inspector training and becoming certified
More career opportunities
In some jurisdictions, one cannot become a construction inspector without being certified. Even in regions where this isn’t the case, however, many employers require that inspectors be certified as proof of their expertise and qualifications. Consequently, having a construction inspector certification can greatly improve your chances of finding employment in the sector.
More career paths
In addition to having an easier time finding specific jobs, certified construction inspectors have more options in regards to the types of roles they can take on.
Paths certified construction inspectors can take include:
- home inspector
- highway inspector
- electrical inspector
- building code inspector
- public project inspector
- plumbing inspector
- architecture inspector
Professionals without certifications may have fewer transferable qualifications (at least demonstrable ones) and therefore be less mobile career-wise.
Better project outcomes
Construction and building inspector certifications are about more than just receiving a piece of paper indicating you understand certain codes and concepts. It’s also about being better equipped to conduct inspections that meet the needs of stakeholders.
Consequently, construction inspector training and certifications will help you establish and maintain a more successful career.
Improved relationships with stakeholders
Trust is a very important element when it comes to building inspections. Inspectors with certifications often instill more trust in stakeholders and are therefore able to build better relationships, which leads to more work.
Construction inspection certification: Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the construction inspection certification landscape and the different options available for inspectors looking to expand their knowledge and professional opportunities.For more of our articles related to construction management and the industry at large, visit the Bridgit blog.
Brandon-Richard Austin
Brandon-Richard Austin is a writer and content strategist focused on the construction sector. He’s passionate about educating readers on construction management techniques and best practices.
