A home inspector performs a very important service. They inspect existing homes using professional standards as a measure to accurately report the condition of the home to those involved in the real estate transaction. They do not evaluate the home for cost or value, which is more the function of an appraiser. They do however, report objectively, in writing, the condition of all resident home systems as they appear and operate at the time of the inspection.

To become a Trainee Appraiser in the state of Texas you must:
• Be a citizen of the US or a lawfully admitted alien
• Be a resident of Texas at the time application is filed
• Be found to be honest, trustworthy and possess integrity (Background Checks are done)
• To become an Apprentice Inspector you must be sponsored with a professional inspector to obtain experience requirements. You also must fill out an application and submit fee.
• To become a Real Estate Inspector you must complete a 90 hours of courses, be actively licensed as an apprentice for 3 months, and have completed 25 home inspections as an apprentice under direct supervision. You must also pass a state exam.
• To become a Professional Inspector you must complete 128 hours of courses, be actively licensed for 12 months and complete 200 inspections 25 of which must be under direct supervision. And must also pass a state exam.

There are two courses you can choose from the fast track which is 60 hrs and the Master Curriculum which is 120 hr.

There are several unit exams for the online course designed to test your knowledge of course material, as well as a state exam to become a Real Estate Inspector or Professional Inspector.

Students who enroll in the online course will receive electronic versions of a pre-inspection agreement, field worksheet, and narrative report that can be utilized in their own business, along with additional support material. You will also receive a discounted membership for your first year with HIF (Housing Inspection Foundation) and a free year membership with NACHI (National Association of Home Inspectors). As well as demo copies of HomeGauge and InspectVue which are two home inspection reporting programs. You also will get a completion certificate mailed to you upon your course completion.

There are three levels of inspection licensure Apprentice Inspector, Real Estate Inspector and Professional Inspector. Apprentice and Real Estate Inspectors must be sponsored by a professional inspector in order to obtain experience requirements.

AREA’s courses are recognized for a free one year membership in the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) obtaining full benefits, and discounted membership your first year with the Housing Inspection Foundation (HIF). HIF is also a recognized professional body with the state of California which fulfills the professional qualifications.