ASHI achieves National Certification Accreditation

American Society of Home Inspectors' Certified Inspector Program Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (News Release)

• ASHI is the only home inspection association to achieve this accredited status.
• ASHI Certified Inspectors are the only home inspectors who have completed a recognized certification process.
• Third-party certification validates ASHI member qualifications and professional competence.
• Achieving third-party certification helps consumers make informed buying decisions and gives them peace of mind when they hire an ASHI Certified Home Inspector.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has been approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) as a recognized accrediting association for its profession-leading Certified Inspector Program. ASHI is now the only accredited home inspection association whose full members have completed a recognized third-party certification process. All current, full ASHI members have met the requirements for this new certification.

"The accreditation and certification of ASHI's processes by a recognized third party is an affirmation of the status we hold in the home inspection profession," said Jeff Arnold, executive director, ASHI. "Our members are recognized as leaders in home inspection by those in and out of the profession and by government entities. And, achieving certification further validates ASHI member qualifications and professional competence."

ASHI standards for certification are more stringent than other home inspection organizations. New home inspector members join ASHI as Associates and must accomplish several tasks to become ASHI Certified Inspectors. Associate members must pass the National Home Inspector's Examination; complete the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics education module, undergo an inspection report verification process and conduct 250 paid home inspections. To remain active in the organization, all members must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education each year.

"ASHI sets the professional standard on a national level," said Bill Richardson, 2009 ASHI president. "In an environment where home inspection regulation and licensing are typically performed at a state level and have been at times granted for meeting minimal professional requirements, this national certification denotes a more advanced level of knowledge and practice skill required to become an ASHI Certified Inspector." Richardson added, "It also helps consumers make informed buying decisions and gives them peace of mind when they choose to hire an ASHI Certified Home Inspector."

ASHI's organizational structure and membership process was thoroughly evaluated by the NCCA Board for compliance with what it requires of a responsible professional accrediting society.

According to Brendan Ryan, ASHI Certified Inspector and Certification Committee chair, "This evaluation process has taken other types of associations up to five years to complete. Due to ASHI's existing structure, standards and ethics, the process was completed in less than two years."

The NCCA is the professional services accreditation arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. ASHI chose the organization because it is a recognized leader in setting quality standards for credentialing organizations. The NCCA requires compliance with 21 Standards, each of which has multiple components, in order to grant accreditation status to any association.

To find an ASHI home inspector or learn how to hire a home inspector, visit: www.ashi.org.

About the American Society of Home Inspectors

In its 33^rd year and with more than 5,800 members, ASHI is the oldest and most widely recognized non-profit, professional organization of home inspectors in North America. Its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics is widely recognized by numerous state licensing bodies. For more information, visit www.ASHI.org.

ASHI Public Relations Contact:

Gibbs&Soell Public Relations
Lara Chereso, (847) 519-9150 x2116
lchereso@gibbs-soell.com