Overview of Online Construction Inspector Certification Programs
There are several organizations that offer construction-related inspector certification programs. Usually, these certifications focus on a single area of construction, such as electrical, mechanical, or structural systems. Some of these available certification programs include the International Association of Electrical Inspectors' (IAEI) National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors (NCPCCI) and Certified Electrical Inspector (Residential and Master) programs, the National Institute of Building Inspectors' (NIBI) Certified program, and the American Public Works Association's (APWA) Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector (CPII) certification. Here we will focus on the NIBI Certified and CPII certification, which can both be prepared for online. The exams, however, must be taken in-person.
The NIBI Certified program is designed for established inspectors and aims to increase their knowledge in the field. Students in the program can either take the NIB Certification Exam or the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), which takes 4 hours to complete. The CPII certification requires students to have a high school diploma and at least 5 years of experience inspecting public infrastructure. The exam for this certification takes 3.5 hours to complete.
Requirements for Online Construction Inspector Certification
Construction inspector certification aims to test students' skills and knowledge in the measurement, testing, and inspection of various types of construction, such as general construction, structural construction, and underground construction. While the certification exams must be taken in-person, some certifications require students to complete an online training program and/or offer online resources and study materials for the exams.
General Requirements
The NIBI Certified program requires students to complete the online home inspector course, have professional liability insurance, complete 50 home inspection reports, submit 2 reports for review, and pass the NIB Certification Exam or the NHI exam. The online home inspector course requires students to complete multiple modules in areas like plumbing systems, electrical systems, roofing, structural systems, and more. Students must complete quizzes and tests for each module to receive a certificate of completion. Students who choose to take the NHI exam must take the exam in-person and complete 200 questions. Recertification for the NIBI Certified program must occur each year by taking an online recertification test and paying a fee.
Students interested in the CPII certification must apply to have their eligibility verified. Once verified, students fill out the exam application to schedule their exam. Students can prepare for the exam with online content outlines and other online resources. The exam must be taken on-site at a testing center or a place of employment but is a computer-based exam that requires 150 multiple-choice questions. Recertification must take place every 5 years and requires at least 50 hours of continuing education, an application, and a fee.
Career Information for Construction Inspector Certification Programs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction and building inspectors include a wide range of inspectors, like public works inspectors, home inspectors, electrical inspectors, and mechanical inspectors. Usually, these inspectors need at least a high school diploma, some work experience, and may pursue professional certification in their particular area of expertise. Some states may require licensure or certification in the field to practice. These inspectors are responsible for ensuring that various forms of construction meet regulations, codes, and contract specifications.
As of 2019, the BLS reported that construction and building inspectors made a median annual salary of $60,710. The job outlook for these professionals was 7% from 2018 to 2028. This outlook is faster than average and may be due to the public's interest in safety and quality construction projects.
There are many certifications available for construction inspectors, including two online certifications offered by the NIBI and the APWA. These online certifications require an exam and must be recertified in a given time period to maintain the certification.