[ASKNACHI]This question was posted on AskNACHI.org by myrna fredericksen (from mount pleasant, texas, usa). [/ASKNACHI]what about being an apprintence before being certified home inspector.
Myrna,
The Texas Real Estate Commission regulates Home Inspectors in your home state. Detailed information on licensing requirements can be found at http://www.trec.state.tx.us/inspector . There are three levels of inspectors in Texas, the Apprentice Inspector, the Real Estate Inspector and the Professional Inspector. Each has different education and experience requirements and these are better described at http://www.trec.state.tx.us/inspector/inspector_license_path_threetier.asp .
One of the main differences in each of these tiers is the amount of supervision required of the inspector. The Apprentice Inspector, after proper license application and approval from TREC, can perform home inspections under the direct supervision of a Professional Inspector. After obtaining Real Estate Inspector licensing the inspector can conduct business with indirect supervision of a Professional Inspector. Finally, a Professional Inspector is free to conduct business with no supervision.
So, to answer your question, it really depends upon your desires. One, get the minimum education possible and work directly under a Professional Inspector or, alternatively, obtain more education and/or experience and become more independent. One thing to keep in mind is that an Apprentice Inspector will likely need to share income with the Professional Inspector since they are directly supervising you and are assuming a large portion of the risk. The choice is yours and will depend upon your business plans.