Online home inspection training is both convenient and challenging. Retention rates are lower for online courses than for brick-and-mortar classrooms but that doesn’t have to be your story. The problem isn’t necessarily with the digital space but in a lack of realistic preparation.
Some new students think online study is easier. That’s not the case. In some ways, it’s harder. If you want to make the most of it, here are 6 tips for sticking with the program and earning your certification without rearranging your whole schedule in the process.
#1: Stay Focused on Your Goal
Why are you thinking about online home inspection training? Or why did you enroll? If you’re like many people, home inspecting is a career change. For others, it’s the first career directly out of high school.
Whatever your path, keep it in mind while studying to be a certified home inspector. Stay focused on your goal, says Straighterline. Whether you want to start your own business or go to work for a thriving home inspection company, education is the gateway that you’ll have to pass through.
#2: Build a Schedule and Stick With It
Self-paced learning can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you approach it. If you’re too laid-back about your education, your progress will be slow. Conversely, there is such a thing as setting goals too high. UA Little Rock says the sweet spot is in between.
Create a realistic schedule for study and exams and stick with it. Think about your responsibilities outside of learning, such as your current job and family obligations. Decide on a timeline for completion. Use your parameters for a working schedule and you won’t fall behind or stretch yourself too thin.
#3: Avoid Burnout
There is such a thing as working too hard. Almost everyone sacrifices something in order to get an education. But the most devoted students can fall into burnout if they forget about the fun things in life.
Take breaks. Go to the park. Don’t skip the family vacation. Meet up with friends as you normally would. Take time for you and you’ll be one step closer to the work/life balance that so many experts recommend.
#4: Set Small Goals
If you look at the big picture, ICA School’s home inspection training program might seem intimidating. Certification only comes after many hours of studying and several tests. Between now and then, there’s a lot of time for frustration and impatience to kick in.
Online Learning Tips recommends setting small, attainable goals to keep your motivation high. Every once in a while, reflect on how far you’ve come and how much of the program you’ve chipped away.
There’s no reason to struggle when an instructor is just an email away.
#5: Don’t Flounder, Ask for Help
The University of Colorado says if you want to fail, not asking questions is one of the best ways to get there. Just because there’s no teacher in front of you doesn’t mean you’re on your own.
At ICA School, help is always there. All that you have to do is reach out, send a message and ask. An instructor will reply can help you over the rough patches so you can keep moving ahead.
#6: Try to Work in a Study-Friendly Place
Another major draw of online learning is that you can work in your pajamas from the couch if you want to. All that you need is an Internet connection and a computer. But sometimes, the most convenient places at home aren’t the best for studying.
Find a comfortable spot that’s as distraction-free as possible. That might mean working alone in your bedroom, on the front porch or at a desk in the garage. Wherever you can find solitude to think, that’s a great place to work.
Online learning can be the most convenient way to get an education. It can also be one of the hardest. Much of your experience is determined by how you prepare. The freedom that distance learning brings lets you create a schedule that works with your life. Be realistic and then stick to the plan and chances are, you’ll shine.
Are you ready to enroll? There’s no better time than right now. Enroll today and start learning the home inspection trade tomorrow.
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