Home Inspector Licensing in British Columbia

[Bill Mullen]

I just found out that the British Columbia provinicial government today passed licensing legislation:

The requirements to be a licensed inspector in the province include one of the following:

1) RHI member of CAHPI BC
2) CHI member of BCIPI
3) National Certificate Holder

I tried to upload the press release but it is too large.

Bill Mullen

[Get Facts Straight]

http://www.bpcpa.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=400&Item id=1001
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2009PSSG0007-000117.htm
http://www.bpcpa.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=402&Item id=9

Congratulations Bill thats terrific news. I understand Nachi was not even on the radar screen.

[Get Facts Straight]

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_rele...ttachment1.htm

[Claude Lawrenson]

Originally Posted by Get Facts Straight

http://www.bpcpa.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=400&Item id=1001
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2009PSSG0007-000117.htm
http://www.bpcpa.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=402&Item id=9

Congratulations Bill thats terrific news. I understand Nachi was not even on the radar screen.

It's a huge move forward for the professionalizing the home inspector in Canada. It also provides much deserved recognition to the nay sayers about the National Certification Program.

The NCP provides the impetus and commonality that some were not readily willing to recognize. This certainly helps validate its importance in providing a fair and open window of opportunity for all Canadian home inspectors willing to give it a try!

[Get Facts Straight]

Claude,

Respectfully, it is not only CAHPI/NC that was recognized but ASTTBC requirements were also recognized. As I recall ASTTBC (BCIPI) have much more stringent requirements.

None the less I congratulate you and your efforts for ensuring CAHPI and the National where recognized as qualify bodies.

[Bill Mullen]

What is interesting is that the only way an inspector can become licensed if they don't want to belong to CAHPI or BCIPI is to apply for their National Certification.

So, only three certifications will be recognized:
CAHPI - RHI
BCIPI - CHI
NCA - NCH

Since there are likely at least 500 non-aligned inspectors in BC right now, the applications for the NCH should start flying in.

Those in other provinces, especially Ontario, could beat the rush by signing up now either on your own or through an organization like PHPIO.


Bill Mullen

[Get Facts Straight]

Did I see a provision somewhere in the documents which implied that those not aligned who felt they could meet licencing requirements could apply to the licencing board for review?

[Claude Lawrenson]

I agree ASTTBC must also be noted and are part of the recognized group.

On another note the National Certification Program will also be looking at raising the certification criteria once again at this year end. But the most important point is as Bill noted non-aligned inspectors will certainly a very few options.

[Bill Mullen]

Originally Posted by Get Facts Straight

Did I see a provision somewhere in the documents which implied that those not aligned who felt they could meet licencing requirements could apply to the licencing board for review?

Temporarily only:


Q. Is there a way to get licensed without being a member of one of the specified associations or authorities?
A. Yes. For a short transition period, up to March 31, 2009, home inspectors currently working can apply to the BPCPA to have their experience, knowledge and ability assessed, and a licence may be issued. There is a $250 fee for this assessment. At the end of two years, you will be expected to meet the requirements of an acceptable professional home inspector association or authority

[Claude Lawrenson]

Licensing information and application forms will be posted on the BPCPA website on Feb. 27, after which the authority will begin accepting applications. The application forms will set out what is required for a license, such as insurance and affiliation with professional organizations.

To become licensed, home inspectors will need to meet the qualifications of either the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors – BC branch; the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia; or the National Certification Program for Home and Property Inspectors.

[Bill Mullen]

Originally Posted by Get Facts Straight

http://www.bpcpa.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=400&Item id=1001
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2009PSSG0007-000117.htm
http://www.bpcpa.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=402&Item id=9

Congratulations Bill thats terrific news. I understand Nachi was not even on the radar screen.

Here's is how they explained it in the government Q & A. It seems the government guys didn't buy into Nick's spin......Bill M.

Q. Why are other associations or authorities such as NACHI not acceptable?
A. Government consultations determined that acceptable associations and authorities would be those that require a satisfactory level of learning and field training prior to providing home inspections to the public. They also have standards of practice, codes of ethics, insurance requirements and a process to help resolve disputes between their members and consumers.

[James Koong]

Is Nick working on this licensing for NICHI members in BC yet?

[Get Facts Straight]

Isn't that interesting! I guess we can also now say without hesitation that the claimed numbers of Nachi members in BC is also erroneous othewise the overwhelming numbers of Nachi members would have been able to make a dent in the licencing scheme.

Hmmmmm.

[Get Facts Straight]

Originally Posted by jkoong

Is Nick working on this licensing for NICHI members in BC yet?

Door has closed, you are now irrelevant in BC as a home inspector. You missed the proverbial boat.

I think I would be looking for a new profession, unfortunately.

[Bill Mullen]

Originally Posted by jkoong

Is Nick working on this licensing for NICHI members in BC yet?

Sorry, James, but I believe that ship has already sailed. Nick had his chance when Claude and I invited him many times to have the NACHI requirements looked at in an Equivalency Assessment with the National Certification Program. He refused every time and now NACHI members have been left out in the cold.

The legislation has been passed and is law.

You now can either join CAHPI BC, BCIPI or apply for the National Certification.

There is an option to become licensed outside these three groups, but the verification process will be tough. Since the NACHI requirements have already been rejected by the government, you and other NACHI members could have a tough time.

Bill Mullen