The Canadian Association of
Home and Property Inspectors
(Alberta)

Home Inspection as a Career

Our 12-Step Program for Becoming an Inspector

Links for Home Inspectors

Benefits of Membership

BECOME AN INSPECTOR:

Home Inspection as a Career

Most Home Inspectors have a background in the construction trades, or are Engineers. However, an intelligent person with a knowledge of residential construction, technical background and ability to learn, can become a competent Home Inspector.

A majority of Home Inspectors are self employed. This means that as well as learning how to inspect - you are also starting a business.  Your success will depend as much on your marketing ability and human relations skills as your technical competence. Past business or entrepreneurial experience will be invaluable.

Steps in Becoming a Registered Home Inspector

It typically takes a year or two to reach Associate status however some have achieved this in only six months. Normally we require that new Applicants do not take longer than three years to complete their education and exams.

1. A Membership Application Package is available for $50.00 plus GST(cash, cheque, Visa, MasterCard are accepted). This package contains information, details on membership, Association bylaws, legal responsibilities of a home inspector, CAHPI exam information, course information, mock inspections, report verification, etc.
2. Contact our Administrator, Joanne, by email at cahpi@telus.net or by phone at 403-248-6893, in Calgary. The application form can be viewed as a "PDF" document on the "Members' Area" page.
3. Complete the application form and submit this to the CAHPI office. This step can be done at a later date but it is recommended that you do it in the beginning because you will have to be a member for a minimum of 6 months before reaching full membership.  The application fee is $550. ($450 for your first year of membership fees and a one time processing fee of $100). GST is required bringing the amount to $577.50.
4. Application will be reviewed by the Board of Examiners.  Once your application has been approved you are on your way. You are now an Applicant.
5. While you are an applicant you must complete the following Carson Dunlop Courses, which are available from either:
   SAIT (403–284–8272 / 403–284–8622) or
   Carson Dunlop (800–268–7070):

• Roofing
• Structure                                            <back to top>
• Insulation & Interiors
• Electrical
• Heating I 
• Heating II
• Plumbing
• Air Conditioning
• Communication & Professional Practice

6. You must also pass two building code courses available from the Alberta Safety Codes Council (1-888-413-0099).

• Alberta Safety Code Part 9   Term 1
• Alberta Safety Code Part 9   Term 2

7. Association Exams:

• CAHPI Exam A - Standards of Practice, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical
• CAHPI Exam B - Interior, Exterior, Plumbing, Finishes & Structure

8. Two Mock Inspections.
9. Report Verification.                          <back to top>
10. Once all these are completed you have to apply to CAHPI (Alberta) for Associate Status.
11. Apply for Associate status. You will remain as an Associate until you have completed 250 professional fee-paid inspections.
12. Apply for full RHI status. Now the hard work begins!

Links for Prospective Home Inspectors  

CAHPI National: www.cahpi.ca

Canadian Housing & Mortgage Corporation: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

American Society of Home Inspectors: www.ashi.org

S.A.I.T Courses  www.sait.ca

Carson-Dunlop Courses www.carsondunlop.com

Benefits of CAHPI Membership      <back to top>

CAHPI meetings always include an educational component. Presentations are made by experts in various fields related to Home Inspections, or by experienced Members. As well, there is plenty of opportunity to rub elbows with fellow Members. Attend one meeting and you'll be back!
See you there.

CAPHI-Alberta:   Phone (403) 248-6893,   Fax (403) 204-0898,   Email:  cahpi@telus.net