There’s nothing that compares to hands-on learning out in the real world. But for some things, you really do need to spend time hitting the books.
Training online to be a certified home inspector has quickly become a popular choice for those in the market for a new career. It helps fill your head with the knowledge that you’ll put into practice on the job every day. Whether your state requires on-the-job training, home inspection courses or a little of both, here’s why a combination approach can help you become the best inspector that you can be.
Online Learning Can Match the Pace of OTJ Training
Perhaps one of the most convenient things about online home inspector training is that you set the pace. If you’ve got the time to dive in full speed, go for it. If not, you can take your time Paired with on-the-job training, online learning can mirror everything that you do in the field.
If your real-world training is focused on roofs, tackle the course modules that break down roof structures, how they’re built, the types of roofing used and defects that can arise. If on another week you’re focused on electrical, crack open the electrical modules and learn a lot more.
There’s no substitute for learning hands-on, but with online education, you’ll have a better foundation of knowledge.
Understand What’s Behind the Systems You’re Learning to Inspect
On the job, you’ll primarily learn how to identify home systems, different types of common material defects and where to find defects that lurk. With your studies online, you’ll learn quite a bit more than that.
For example, on an inspection in the field, your trainer might point out a defect with the water heater, such as leaky pressure relief valve. In your courses, you’ll learn about different types of water heaters, different installations and a wider range of possible defects than the ones in front of you on the job.
Build a Wealth of Knowledge that Goes Beyond Average Inspections
On-the-job training shows you firsthand how to perform an inspection the right way. However, inspections are general by nature. What if you want to broaden your horizons with ancillary inspections after you’re certified? Or what if you just want to know more about the possible defects that exist in any given home?
Online training can open a whole new world of educational possibilities beyond a general inspection. If you want to learn about mold inspections, your training might cover it. With ICA School, it’s included in your tuition. The same applies to radon, energy efficiency and many others.
Prepare Yourself for the National Home Inspector Exam
If you’ll take the national home inspector exam, on-the-job training is probably not enough to prepare you for it. Even if your state doesn’t license home inspectors, you might need a passing grade to gain membership with a home inspection association. Online home inspector training goes the extra mile here, as well.
Not only will you learn all of the basics of home inspecting in an online course, but most reputable education programs offer exam preparation. It keeps everything you’ve learned fresh in your mind and improves your odds of scoring well.
Whether your state requires supervised inspections in the form of on-the-job training, coursework training, or a combination of the two, a balanced approach gives you a well-rounded education. If you only need online training, locate a home inspector in your area who does ride-alongs to get some hands-on training. If you only need training in the field, consider enrolling in an online course to broaden and deepen your knowledge about houses and home systems.
At ICA School, our education program is designed by inspectors for inspectors. Our instructor-led video courses have everything you need to enter the workforce as a qualified, certified home inspector. Add some training in the field, and you’ll have an advantage.
Enroll now and start your new career as a home inspector in as little as a few weeks.
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