Most career choices have ideal paths of study.While becoming a property inspector isn’t equivalent to performing brain surgery, it also shouldn’t be dismissed as a simple walk in the park. There’s still value in making a well-informed decision about how and where you want to train. Keep in mind there’s no clear-cut way to become a professional in this industry, but you’ll gain more by having clarity about your educational route. After committing to a line of work in residential inspection, be sure to review and compare a list of factors in order to determine what kind of training is the best fit for you.
1) Is the School Nationally Accredited?
It’s a waste of time, money, and energy to enroll in an institute that’s not nationally recognized. Programs that aren’t accredited haven’t met the standards of a legitimate accreditor that’s backed by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in North America. By enrolling in an unaccredited program, you risk going to a low-level diploma mill that only preys on prospective students for their money without providing the adequate tools for career development.
2) Does it Offer Flexibility?
Once you’ve confirmed that the school of your choice is recognized by a reputable entity, you should check the level of flexibility that it provides. Most online schools offer the best range of choices for full-time employees, stay-at-home parents, or avid travelers. If your schedule is demanding because of other circumstances, it’s a good idea to look into distance learning programs that allow you to study in any setting at your own pace, rather than the traditional classroom. All you need is a computer, access to the Internet, and the ability to download any inspection software programs recommended by the institute.
3) Is it Affordable?
The concept of cost effectiveness is usually linked online training, as these programs don’t generally require you to invest in hardcopy textbooks. Everything is done over the computer which saves both money and trees. Distance learning programs in property inspection also help keep you from having to penny-pinch for gas money and, in some cases, daycare expenses. Still, remember that cheaper isn’t always better. It’s essential to ensure the school of your choice offers the same kind of high-quality courses for a lower price.
4) What’s the Coursework Involve?
The meat-and-potatoes of your educational journey in this trade is the coursework. Make sure that your prospective program has a meaningful curriculum with classes that teach the fundamentals of property inspection. Relevant course topics may include, but aren’t limited to, home inspection basics, business practices, inspecting exteriors, inspecting interiors, principles of construction, and heating, cooling, and plumbing systems inspection.
5) Does the School Offer Real-World Experience?
Most worthwhile programs give you access to solid career experience through resources that will enhance your knowledge and skills within the trade. Some property inspection programs provide opportunities for students to become affiliated with notable membership associations in their field. Others offer internships or relevant work-study programs, in conjunction with academic studies.
