Well, we're finally into the home stretch on Home Inspector Licensing. I can't say it's been a fun process but it definitely has been a long overdue one.
I took and passed the test early in June - though not without a few glitches along the way. First, the test permission form was sent to my old address in Idaho. Haven't lived there for three years and all my WA state paperwork goes to my Asotin, Wa PO Box. Rhonda Myers (who's been terrific throughout the whole campaign) got it straightened out and I got the test scheduled for June 13th. It should been fine - the 13th was a Saturday, not a Friday.
Only it wasn't. It's a bad, rotten, no-good start to the test when, as instructed, you show up 30 minutes early to find the proctor trying to pick the door lock. Turns out that my proctor was a trainee himself and the trainer - who should be canned - told him that "he lost his keys and wasn't coming in - handle it". The poor trainee was losing his mind trying to find a way in.
Now here's a piece of advice - if you're ever in a position where all the other individuals are substance abuse and dependence counselors, just plan on taking the lead. Nice folks and I really did appreciate the way that they set up their joint therapy group to deal with the situation but at some point an action step really is needed.
Fortunately, this was an interior office in an office building. Unfortunately, they actually built it to code and the interior hall had a fire separation wall to the roof. Windows were sealed so chance of (easy) entry there. My skill at picking locks is minimal - I did pick one once but that only happened becuase the Gods of Irony were messing with my wife who was absolutely sure that we would never get into the house.
As luck would have it, the office space was a sub-divided area with a marketing firm next door and, surprise! - someone was working the weekend. A little pleading later and quick sprint ot my truck for my ladder, and I was popping cieling panels to see if I could go over the wall.
Nope! As skinny as I am, there still wasn't enough space to get it done without crash landing into the test center. But the door between the offices didn't have a knob - it had a handle. A quick look around located a broom and, viola', we're in.
the trainee starts processing us through the computer and mentions he has all 7 tests in the system. Except there are 8 of us. Great.
One hour and thirty one minutes later after much effort on the part of the trainee to find me in the system, finally sat down to take the test. It literally took longer to get seated for the test than to take it.
But, I passed the knowledge section, the State Law section and the obstacle course.
I sent in the forms (and the check - can't forget the check!) and a mere 7 weeks later finally got my license.
I'm now a Licensed Home Inspector, #215, in the State of Washington.
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