A fellow inspector wrote me the other day on this issue.
"Could you give me some information regarding certification into CAPHI, a few people that I have met over the last few months have taken various on line inspection courses with no real credentials such as ASHI or CAPHI, can they take the CAPHI associations on line test and become a member should they pass this.
Also can your association approve home inspection courses that are developed, if so what teaching material criteria would you be looking for in the residential inspection area and who can I talk to about this.
Awaiting your reply."
I sent off the following response.
For clarification CAHPI is a national association that recognizes certain provincial associations. As an example OAHI (Ontario Association of Home Inspectors) in Ontario. I am a member of OAHI and also PHPIO - Professional Home & Property Inspectors of Ontario. Link - http://www.phpio.ca
It is misleading for a any one to claim they are a member of CAHPI, unless they serve on CAHPI National as a director/committee person. So perhaps a bit of misinformation being offered on their part.
CAHPI does have exams - but the exam does not certify home inspectors. It is primarily used for access to E&O insurance for recognition, sometimes for entry level as a candidate into CAHPI associations. Furthermore, CAHPI does not have "online" tests or exams, they are scheduled and proctored in a proper test environment.
Currently the National Certification Program for Home & Property Inspectors - an arms-length "national" certification body (National Certification Authority) that certifies home inspectors that qualify and meet certain specified home inspection standards. Review this link http://www.nca-anc.com/ - review certification requirements (become a national certificate holder).
Additionally, this website indicates "accredited" training providers for home inspectors - under accredited course providers. I notice you noted - Carson Dunlop. They are one of the approved and accredited training providers, along with a growing list of others. The courses/programs that are accredited met the rigor and scrutiny by independent review. The hours of credit indicated reflect level of knowledge that meets the National Occupational Standards for Home and Property Inspectors in Canada.
As you noted there are online exams offered, that are not-proctored as well as online courses that have quizzes that are also not proctored. Ultimately, many of these have the some value , but not the same as those that have been independently accredited when reviewed by other outside certification bodies, other than the association that is promoting it. Simply they may have some value, but under scrutiny - questionable value when evaluated for rigor.
Unfortunately, new inspectors entering the field sometimes look for a shortcut to fast track their business, or perhaps to save money. Often these are the same ones that will fall to the wayside, or possibly end up in trouble within the first year or two of business. With the valuable for proper education and training and coupled with the risk involved in the home inspection business, a shortcut is not worth taking.
Just my opinion - I hope this helps.
Regards, Claude - NCA Certification/Accreditation Program
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