NH inspectors

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by ppunturieri

I'm not real comfortable with this response. Someone needs to have an answer as to whether the NACHI exam is an "equivalent". I sent an email to the board to clarify. As to "There is more to it than just passing of an exam and each individual's complete application submitted with the required documentation will be reviewed individually." There can be no subjectivity in this process. I am licensed in NH in another profession and it's black and white. You either meet the qualifications for licensure or you don't. Yes each application is reviewed individually, but according to the statute. These interpretations and questions need to be made crystal clear by the board so applicants can properly apply and all are treated fairly and in the same manner.

Paul Punturieri
Certified Home Inspections of NH

The ICC certifies you to inspect with an on-line, open book proctored timed test.

NACHI, too, has an on-line, open book proctored time test. Much of what is on the NACHI test comes from the various ICC code books.

The NHIE is a cash cow for the carpetbaggers that follow the various state licensing attempts like camp whores.

[Devin Bolduc]

"III. The board shall approve all education programs under subparagraph I(a) of organizations or education institutions providing acceptable education and training."

It appears that the NH law makes it clear with the word "shall" which means there is no work around, it is a mandated obligation to be followed. This is part of an RSA which is statute thus law of the land. This means nobody is allowed to circumvent this line. This we know.

There is an application that has been made available for such programs and testing. I would find it extremely hard to believe that INACHI doesn't fill the bill beyond expectations therefore quite acceptable. ASHI, NHIE will also have to have an application and approval on file for public viewing as will any other organization if they are to be used. The playing is to be level by law. The burden of proof would be upon the board to show an educational program and testing does not meet criteria.

IMHO Frank is correct that there is no apparent independant test out there which is publicly available. It is not practical for many to invest time and effort into a testing program and not recoup compensation for time and labor invested. Either a test must be written and free license given to the State of NH and all who take it or the wording of the law changed to fit circumstances. On the other hand, INACHI does have a free test for entrance into the organization. Such a test should meet the criteria as there is no guaranteed benefit to INACHI from those who take it. The test is taken then a request for membership is made by those who make a certain test score or above if and only if they desire to do so.

[Joe Farsetta]

A first step for inclusion of the NACHI exam is to have it given at a protored site within the state of NH.

Aside from semantics and a "mine is better than yours" argument, the sole significant differences are that NACHI is open book, while NHIE is not, and NHIE is proctored, while NACHI is not.

Open and closed book tests are laughable. Since we do not perform calculations in our work, there is no need to memorize anything. Therefore, there is nothing contained within a book whereby we can "cheat".

The only thinhg proctoring does is ensure that you are, in fact, the person taking the test and seeking credit for it.

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Originally Posted by farsetta

A first step for inclusion of the NACHI exam is to have it given at a protored site within the state of NH.

Aside from semantics and a "mine is better than yours" argument, the sole significant differences are that NACHI is open book, while NHIE is not, and NHIE is proctored, while NACHI is not.

Open and closed book tests are laughable. Since we do not perform calculations in our work, there is no need to memorize anything. Therefore, there is nothing contained within a book whereby we can "cheat".

The only thing proctoring does is ensure that you are, in fact, the person taking the test and seeking credit for it.

As the president of the New Hampshire state chapter of NACHI I can offer a "NACHI proctored" test anytime and anywhere.

All I need to see is proper ID such as a New Hampshire drivers license.

As a matter of fact, I'm going to send out a "broadcast newsletter" and arrange this for all of our members.

I will arrange a date, time, and location where all of those who were interested in taking a NACHI proctored exam can meet me at a specific time and location and I will "check IDs" have them take the test, and then if and when they pass will issue a certificate to them!

Carla,
Since this is "your thread" and you are a member of the New Hampshire home inspectors licensing board I want you to clarify if this is going to be "acceptable" to the NH Licensing board or not!

If they "NACHI proctored examination" is not acceptable to you/ the licensing board I would like to know why!

[Paul T. Punturieri]

Great idea Frank! Can't see how they could reject that offer.

[Peter C. Russell]

Originally Posted by fcarrio

As the president of the New Hampshire state chapter of NACHI I can offer a "NACHI proctored" test anytime and anywhere.

All I need to see is proper ID such as a New Hampshire drivers license.

As a matter of fact, I'm going to send out a "broadcast newsletter" and arrange this for all of our members.

I will arrange a date, time, and location where all of those who were interested in taking a NACHI proctored exam can meet me at a specific time and location and I will "check IDs" have them take the test, and then if and when they pass will issue a certificate to them!

Carla,
Since this is "your thread" and you are a member of the New Hampshire home inspectors licensing board I want you to clarify if this is going to be "acceptable" to the NH Licensing board or not!

If they "NACHI proctored examination" is not acceptable to you/ the licensing board I would like to know why!

Frank, I think this is a great idea and a help to all NH inspectors. I would fill out the application and have it ready, I'm sure the board will require some documentation before approval is granted.

I also think that NACHI should start getting some courses approved for CEUs.

[Joe Farsetta]

I am confident that Carla is prohibited from answering unilaterally for the board.

[Carla Horne]

Thank you Joe!
The board is a collective body that makes decisions based on fact presented to them.
1."Do not discuss Board business with friends, co-workers, acquaintances and/or family.
5. "Do not take a position on a Board issue until all the facts, law and arguments have been presented to you, and you have had a chance to discuss the matter thoroughly with the rest of the Board Members."
7." Do not accept personal telephone calls, correspondence or emails concerning Board business. All requests must be written and directed to the Board as a whole at the Board office."
I will be happy to help anyone with the application forms and as I said the Board office is always there to answer any questions.
Carla

[James H. Bushart]

Carla.....I'm sorry, but from the rules you stated it sounds to me that the Board has more of an interest in protecting itself than the profession or the public.

Since when is a member of any board not allowed to have a position on an issue until permitted by the remaining members of the Board? That is nonsense? What is your position on home inspectors stealing items of value from a home they are inspecting? Should realtors be in control of your profession in New Hampshire? Should any one association be given favor over another? Who must you hear from before forming an opinion on those issues.

Jeez. Were you selected for your ideas, experience and positions....or for an ability to leave your brain at home when you attend a meeting and "go with the flow"?

Answering for the Board is one thing....but answering for Carla Horne to her fellow NH inspectors is a duty.

[Chris McDonald]

Originally Posted by ppunturieri

I'm not real comfortable with this response. Someone needs to have an answer as to whether the NACHI exam is an "equivalent". I sent an email to the board to clarify. As to "There is more to it than just passing of an exam and each individual's complete application submitted with the required documentation will be reviewed individually." There can be no subjectivity in this process. I am licensed in NH in another profession and it's black and white. You either meet the qualifications for a license or you don't. Yes each application is reviewed individually, but according to the statute. These interpretations and questions need to be made crystal clear by the board so applicants can properly apply and all are treated fairly and in the same manner.

Paul Punturieri
Certified Home Inspections of NH

Paul,
well said.
With that in mind, it seems that the "standards" to which the board bases decisions to accept or reject a potential licensee is subjective and open to the boards opinion. Either one meets the minimum requirements or they do not. But then again, out of all the licenses that have had grandfathering for those in business, this is probably one of the first to require potential grandfathered inspectors to take a test. Congratulations on making history.

Chris McDonald

[Gary L. Farnsworth, CMI]

Typical board member; typical response. Sound like lawyer verbage to me. Board members will never give straight answers, even when they know it. They are married to the special interest groups; not inspectors or attorneys. It frustrates me when inspectors just do not get it; it is too late guys. You should have yelled months ago. You got it, now suffer. The only response from any board member will be through an attorney. Got money?

[Peter C. Russell]

Originally Posted by gfarnsworth

Typical board member; typical response. Sound like lawyer verbage to me. Board members will never give straight answers, even when they know it. They are married to the special interest groups; not inspectors or attorneys. It frustrates me when inspectors just do not get it; it is too late guys. You should have yelled months ago. You got it, now suffer. The only response from any board member will be through an attorney. Got money?

Gary, I realise that your relative new here but we have fought this for years not months and continue to do so.

[Devin Bolduc]

What I would like to know is an honest and direct answer from the board as to whether they are open to any and all other sources of education and testing such as InterNACHI and specifically will give an unbiased look at what InterNACHI has to offer in the way of education for Home Inspectors everywhere.

My inquiries have been answered and InterNACHI can and will proctor any exam at any community college in NH.

[Peter C. Russell]

I suggest that we take the exam and all of us submit it with our application. The only reason I have not to take the other exam is the cost I've heard is around 200.00. I may be wrong but 200.00 for the license is enough.

[Chris McDonald]

Originally Posted by prussell

I suggest that we take the exam and all of us submit it with our application. The only reason I have not to take the other exam is the cost I've heard is around 200.00. I may be wrong but 200.00 for the license is enough.

Peter,
you said it!
In other words:

Before licensing:
$102 (approx. state registration)

After licensing:
$102 (approx. state registration)
$250 (approx. state required test)
$200 (state license application)
$ 25 (state background check)
$??? (Insurance)
$??? (state required stamp/seal-See below #1)
Total to be in business paid to the state: At least $577

Add to that the cost of changing all business materials to include license number/info.

So, in these times of economic hardship and business layoffs, I'm am so appreciative of the boards understanding by requiring all of these extra fees.

Chris McDonald


#1)Home 305.03 Licensed Home Inspector Seal/Stamp/License Number.
(a) Upon issuance by the Board of a license to an applicant as a licensed home inspector, require the licensee shall acquire an impression type seal or rubber stamp of the design approved by these rules and submit the seal to the board for approval. This seal shall bear the licensee's name and number as shown on the license.