Q. Are online courses accepted for pre-licensing and/or continuing education requirements?
A. It depends on the applicable laws in each state or province. Online and/or distance education courses are acceptable in approximately 30 states and most provinces for initial home inspector education and in some cases, licensure requirements. Others do not accept any online or distance education. Since laws and regulations affecting home inspectors are subject to change, it 1s best if you contact the applicable local regulatory agency for current status if meeting licensure requirements is your purpose for enrolling in a NIBI Online home inspection course That said, the information presented in the NIB/ Home Inspection Certificate Course generally meets or exceeds the scope of most pre-licensing educational requirements. Most jurisdictions accept online and distance course for continuing education.
Q. How do I enter a course?
A. Before you can access a course, you must enroll in the NIBI Online Program. Once an account is created, you can log in using your username and password. Once logged in, you click the Course title at the bottom of the course image to pay for and access an individual course module; or, you can purchase the bundled 11 module Home Inspection Certificate Course and save on the course fee. Modules in the bundled courses are indicated by a "B" at the end of the course number.
Q. Are there textbooks to accompany a course or module?
A. No. This is a completely online course. The course is very comprehensive in nature and is sort of a textbook within itself. If you would like to purchase a suggested reference manual, we suggest "Principles of Home Inspection- Systems and Standards" 2nd or 3rd Edition by Dearborn. This book is usually available on Amazon.com or from Dearborn Publishing. Another reference is the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) Manual, which is available from the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors.
Q. Must the eleven (11) course modules in the Home Inspection Certificate Course be completed in any particular of order?
A. No. There is no set order that you should take the courses in, but you could consider this suggested order:
- Basics Module BA 1010
- Roofing RF 2210
- Exterior Elements EX 2310
- Structural Systems SR 2010
- Heating Systems HE 3110
- Cooling CO 3210
- Electric Systems EL 3010
- Plumbing Systems 3310
- Hot Water Supply Systems HW 3410
- Interior Elements IN 2410
- Insulation and Ventilation IV 2110.
These courses can be used as standalone courses also. No one course is a pre-requisite of the other. They can be taken in the suggested order or in any order that you choose.
Q. How do I receive a Completion Certificate?
A. To receive a completion certificate you have to complete at least 90% of all quizzes/tests in a module; and an aggregate passing grade for all quizzes and test must be at least 90%. Quizzes and tests can be retaken if needed -- so that students learn from their mistakes and know the correct response.
Note: It is possible to have an AVERAGE grade of over 90% but still not have earned a completion certificate if some sections of the course are overlooked.
Q. How do I receive my final course completion certificate?
A. The program is designed to present a Completion Certificate for each course module upon completion. Once a module is completed, you can view/print your certificate by clicking on 'My Profile' in the upper right corner of the screen. If one final completion certificate is required for the bundled Home Inspection Certificate Course, contact NIBI at info@nibi.com or an instructor and a certificate will be issued.
Q. What is the NIBI Certified Program?
A. NIBI Certified is a program for new and established inspectors who want to increase their level of education. and obtain a certification above and beyond minimum educational requirements. NIBI Certification requires completion of a NIBI home inspector online or classroom course (or an approved equivalent); completion of the NIBI Certification Exam or National Home Inspector Exam (or similar); completion of 50 home inspection with reports (can include observation/attendance at mentored inspections); submission of two reports for review; and proof of professional liability insurance. An online Re-certification Course and Test must be completed each year for renewal. NIBI certification is the only credential that requires inspectors to be re-tested annually to maintain certification status.
Q. How do I contact NIBI for Tech Support?
A. The best form of contact is by email at joe.cummins@nibi,com. Please be as specific as possible in your questions. We will provide support as soon as possible. Email is the preferred method for this.
