In 2010, the Board of the Department of Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspection modified its requirements to match those of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Any person wishing to be licensed as a home inspector in Virginia must have at least 35 hours of classroom instruction and completed 100 home inspections. Alternatively, students can take 70 hours of classroom instruction and perform 50 home inspections. All home inspections must be done under the supervision of a state-certified home inspector.
As determined by the Board of the Department of Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspection, online and distance learning home inspection courses are invalid in Virginia. Applicants must attend an in-person course for a minimum of 35 hours, and this course must cover all topics on the National Home Inspectors Examination. As long as the course meets these requirements, it will be considered appropriate and valid under the board's regulations.
The National Home Inspectors Examination is broken into five sections: Inspection methods, building systems, reporting, and professional practice. Inspection methods accounts for 27 percent of the exam and deals with sensory observations and measurement methods. Building systems makes up the bulk of the test, about 42 percent, and includes inspecting site conditions, building exteriors, interiors, driveways, roofs, patios, drainage, wiring, flooring, electrical and heating. Reporting accounts for 26 percent of the exam, and professional practice accounts for the final 5 percent.
It's imperative to read and re-read the guidelines and regulations set in place by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Rule out any online or distance learning options. Make sure the school you're considering meets the minimum classroom hours of instruction and can assist you in finding a home inspector to train with to meet the work experience requirement. The Home Inspector Training Academy has a campus in Northern Virginia and offers two-week programs, Saturday and evening classes. The American Home Inspectors Training Institute offers courses in Northern and Southern Virginia.