Many community colleges in Canada and the U.S. offer home inspection courses. Generally, these programs are available as part-time or distance-education options, allowing students to earn certification in the field while still being able to work full time in their day job. Many community colleges offer semestered courses, meaning students can take one portion of the course at a time, depending on what they can afford both financially and timewise. Community college home inspection programs are approved by their state or province's house inspection governing body.
Trade institutions across North America offer private home inspection courses, giving students an alternative to studying this field at the community college level. Like colleges, these institutions are approved by their local home inspection governing body and provide either in-class or distance/online training. Some of these institutions have branches in several locations, while others are simply run online.
Regardless of where you're studying to become a home inspector, you'll take courses on a variety of topics to become familiar with inspecting an entire house. Colleges and institutions typically instruct students about the inspection of such topics as air conditioning and heating, electrical systems, exterior, insulation, plumbing, roofing, windows and structure. Students also spend time learning about the ethics of the business and how to effectively communicate with their clients. Programs vary greatly, with some being conducted entirely online and others giving students hands-on experience in evaluating homes.
After you've graduated and are certified as a home inspector in your area, you are ready to work as an inspector. According to the Professional Home Inspection Institute, house inspectors can expect to charge between $275 and $375 per home inspection (as of 2011). A thorough inspection usually takes two to three hours, depending on the size and age of the house. If you can partner with a realtor who can recommend you to his clients, then you can turn home inspection into a busy and lucrative career.