RICS is reviewing its home inspector training programmes to ensure that the qualifications provided for candidates are appropriate and relevant to the current and future residential property market.

It is anticipated that the review process will be completed within the next 3-6 months.

This means that, at present, RICS is unfortunately unable to accept new candidate registrations on any home inspector training courses.

RICS continues to offer assessment only for the Diploma in Home Inspection, for experienced practitioners and candidates who have undertaken home inspector training elsewhere. (see below)

Additionally assessment for Domestic Energy Assessor qualifications and training plus assessment for Valuation continues to be offered by RICS.  

Steps towards qualifying as a home inspector
Whether you are an RICS chartered or technical member, someone with experience in the property business or interested in a career as a property professional, becoming a home inspector with Safe as... is a straightforward process.

For experienced property professionals, such as RICS chartered surveyors, this will take approximately three to six months (depending on your time commitments), but will take longer for less experienced applicants.

Less experienced applicants will need to undertake additional training before starting the Home Inspector Diploma. See training for details.

Please refer to the Who am I? document (PDF Downloads panel, right) for definitions of experienced practitioners, intermediate and new entrant candidates and guidance on training.  

See also our step by step guide to becoming a home inspector.

When you finish your assessment you will be awarded the Diploma in Home Inspection. You will then be able to apply for certification to enable you to practise as a Home Inspector and produce Home Condition Reports.

There are eight steps:

Step 1 – Check your eligibility
Check your route to qualification using the Who am I? document in the left hand menu. Those with relevant experience and qualifications will be able to start the Diploma in Home Inspection assessment immediately. Less experienced applicants will need to undertake additional training and are advised to enrol on a combined programme of training and assessment. See training section.

Step 2 – Complete your application
To download an application pack simply visit the Applying section.

Step 3 - Complete and return your application and fee
Experienced pracitioners complete and return the application form for the Diploma in home inspection. Fee payment is required with the application.

New entrants with no experience of residential surveying and intermediate candidates with some experience of surveying or working in a property related role will need to complete a booking form to enrol on either the Home inspector and valuation programme for new entrants or the Home inspector intermediate technical training programme as appropriate. These programmes are currently under review. 

Step 4 - Pre-assessment guidance
Once you have applied, experienced practitioners will be profiled.

New entrants and intermediate candidates will embark on a programme of training which involves up to 350-400 hours of study over a 12-18 month period.

For experienced practitioners the assessment centre will make sure you are ready to go ahead by: 

• Checking your skills/knowledge and highlighting any gaps you may have in relation to what you need to have to successfully achieve the diploma
• Checking any CPD you have done that is related to home inspection that counts towards the diploma
• Advising you on where to access training if your training needs check shows any gaps 
• Giving you comprehensive guidance on what you need to do to progress through the diploma 
•  Advising you when and where to take the test.

Step 5 – Compile evidence for assessment
An assessor will be appointed to assess your work, offer guidance and advise you throughout the process to ensure that you gain your diploma.

To qualify you will need to:

1. Submit a portfolio of evidence for assessment
   
   A minimum of 10 reports – seven can be surveys that you have already carried out (such as HSVs/building surveys)
   Three must be in the home condition report format (you’ll receive this with your assessment guidance)
   
2. Update and maintain your CPD records
   
   They should relate to home inspection and show that you are keeping your skills and knowledge up to date and relevant.

An experienced surveyor will need to demonstrate evidence of HCR training and energy efficiency reporting.

How your evidence is assessed
Assessment is undertaken through a structured professional interview, which takes place in your workplace. This gives you an opportunity to discuss and show your assessor additional evidence. Although the interview may cover the evidence from some of the units of the diploma, you will have to also provide the minimum number of reports.

Or

You may simply put together evidence for all the units in a portfolio. You will then be assessed in a number of ways which may include questions and answers, observing you carry out your work, or a colleague providing a witness testimony to verify what you have done.

Your evidence will be assessed to confirm that you have the knowledge and understanding and can carry out the work of a home inspector.

Step 6 – Take the Diploma test
All candidates must take an external test – an independent assessment of your knowledge and skills as a home inspector.

This will be delivered online. The centre will provide details where and when you can take the test. You may take the test before your evidence has been finally assessed and approved.

You have two attempts at the test as part of your diploma fee. If unsuccessful, you may have further attempts, but you will have to pay extra for those.

Step 7 – External verification and awarding of your diploma
The awarding body, ABBE confirms your test results with the Safe as... centre. If your portfolio has also been seen and verified by the external verifier, you will be awarded your diploma.

Step 8 – Become a certified Home Inspector
In order to practise as a Home Inspector you must be a member of a Home Inspection Certification Scheme.

As well as the diploma, you will have to satisfy a small number of other requirements as part of your application for a licence from the certification scheme. 

RICS members and student members registered with Safe as... can apply to join the RICS Home Inspector Certification Scheme. More information on how you can register is available in the document downloadable from the right hand menu.