Home inspection calls for a sharp eye and an understanding of what lies beneath the surface. It’s a profession that goes far beyond simply walking through a property—it requires knowledge of how a home's systems interact, the ability to assess individual components, and the skill to identify issues that others might overlook. If you're drawn to the real estate industry, have a keen attention to detail and can communicate effectively, home inspection could be the perfect fit. PHII equips you with the knowledge to stand out, inspect with confidence and build a business that lasts.

Home inspectors in the United States earn a solid income, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certifications. The cost of a single home inspection typically ranges from $400 to $600, depending on the region and property size. The home inspection industry is growing steadily, with over 5 million inspections conducted annually in the U.S. Most homes sold in are expected to undergo a pre-closing home inspection, reflecting strong demand for qualified home inspectors.

A home inspector conducts a visual, non-invasive evaluation of a property's physical condition—typically before a sale. Inspections usually take two to three hours and cover the exterior and grounds, structural elements, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, insulation and ventilation, HVAC, attic and crawlspaces, basement, kitchen and bathrooms, and any attached garage or carport. National standards of practice define which components are inspected and the methods used. After the visit the inspector delivers a detailed written report that summarizes findings, highlights safety concerns and defects, and recommends repairs or further specialist evaluation.

PHII has trained tens of thousands of home inspectors across North America, making us one of the largest and most respected schools in the field. Our comprehensive certification course is designed for clarity and efficiency with a curriculum that teaches you what you need to launch your career. You’ll learn from experienced instructors and staff, and ongoing support after you graduate. We offer outstanding tuition value, reliable education, and lifelong support. Visit our Compare page to see how we measure up against the competition.

The Basic Home Inspection course is 90 hours and the Advanced course is 32 hours. Pace the training to match your experience — finish faster if you already have relevant background, or take extra time if you prefer a slower approach. Total hours are allocated as follows: Course instruction: 70 hours; Field assignments and report writing: 25 hours (complete on any property you choose); Course assignments: 12 hours; Testing: 15 hours. These components combine to give a balanced mix of online learning, hands-on practice, written work, and assessment.

Membership in a national trade association signals professionalism to clients and can be required by law in some states. For example, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Alabama mandate that home inspectors hold membership in a national non-profit home inspection association to comply with state statutes. In states without such requirements, joining an association remains a strategic business decision that can enhance credibility, provide professional resources, and support continuing education. PHII graduates receive a one-year free membership in the North American Association of Home Inspectors (AHI).

Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is a professional liability policy covering the policyholder for negligent acts and omissions that occur during an inspection. A good Errors and Omissions liability policy can help limit your out-of-pocket expenses in the event you are named in a lawsuit. Our coursework is approved for home inspector errors and omissions insurance by all major insurance organizations. E&O insurance is a requirement in some states and requires training by an approved provider in order to qualify for coverage.