(CIP Code 46.0403)

The Home Inspection Certification Program is 200 hours which fulfills the 180-hour training program (140 hours classroom, 40 hours field) required for licensing as an NJ Home Inspector as governed by the NJ Administrative Code Title 13 Law and Public Safety Chapter 40 Subchapter 15 Home Inspection Advisory Committee Sub Section 6 Requirements for Initial Licensure as a Home Inspector (13:40-15.6).

The classroom program is distributed over ten 14-hour modules. The field mentoring requirement requires the student to participate and create a report for inspections for a minimum of 40 hours of field experience under the supervision of a licensed NJ Home Inspector. At least 20 additional hours are required for report writing.

The class will be taught from the Carson and Dunlop – Principles of Home Inspection: Systems & Standards 3^rd Edition textbook and the corresponding 2019 Carson and Dunlop – Principals of Home Inspections: System & Standards PowerPoint presentation, testing, and quizzes will also be used.

Specifics of each week’s instruction can be seen below:

Week 1 – 20 Hrs.

Day 1 – Morning – Unit 1 – Standards and Reports – NJAHI® – 101A

Day 1 – Afternoon – Unit 2 – Exterior Cladding (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 102A

Day 2 – Unit 2 – Exterior Cladding (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 102B  

Day 3 – Unit 2 – Exterior Structures (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 102C  

Week 2 – 20 Hrs.

Day 1 – Morning – Unit 2 – Exterior Structures (Part 2) & Surface Water Control and Landscaping (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 102D

Day 1 – Afternoon – Unit 2 – Surface Water Control and Landscaping (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 102C

Day 2 – Unit 3 – Steep Roofing (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 103A

Day 3 – Unit 3 – Steep Roofing (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 103B

Week 3 – 20 Hrs.

Day 1 – Morning – Unit 3 – Steep Roofing (Part 3) – NJAHI® – 103A

Day 1 – Afternoon – Unit 3 – Flat Roofing (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 103B

Day 2 – Unit 3 – Flat Roofing (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 103C

Day 3 – Unit 4 – Structure: Footings & Foundations (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 104D

Week 4 – 20 Hrs.

Day 1 – Morning – Unit 4 – Structure: Footings & Foundations (Part 2) & Floors (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 104A

Day 1 – Afternoon – Unit 4 – Structure: Floors (Part 2) & Walls – NJAHI® – 104B – 3.5 hrs.

Day 2 – Unit 4 – Structure: Roof Framing – NJAHI® – 104C – 3.5 hrs.

Day 3 – Unit 5 – Insulation (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 105A

Week 5 – 20 Hrs.

Day 1 – Morning – Unit 5 – Insulation (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 105B

Day 1 – Afternoon – Unit 6 – Interiors (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 106A

Day 2 – Unit 6 – Interiors (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 106C

Day 3 – Unit 6 – Interiors (Part 3) – NJAHI® – 106D

Week 6 – 20 Hrs.

Day 1 – Morning – Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 107A

Day 1 – Afternoon – Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 107B

Day 2 – Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 3) – NJAHI® – 107C

Day 3 – Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 4) – NJAHI® – 107D

Week 7 – 20 Hrs.

Day 1 – Morning – Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 5) – NJAHI® – 107E

Day 1 – Afternoon – Unit 8 – Heating Gas Furnaces (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 108A

Day 2 – Unit 8 – Heating Gas Furnaces (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 108B

Day 3 – Unit 8 – Heating Gas Furnaces (Part 3) – NJAHI® – 108C

Week 8 – 20 Hrs.

Day 1 – Morning – Unit 8 – Heating Gas Furnaces (Part 4) – NJAHI® – 108D – 3.5 hrs.

Day 1 – Afternoon – Unit 9 – Heating: Oil Furnaces – NJAHI® – 109A & Unit 10 – Hot Water Boilers (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 110A

Day 2 – Unit 10 – Heating: Hot Water Boilers (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 110B

Day 3 – Unit 11 – Heating: Chimneys  (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 111A – 3.5 hrs.

Week 9 – 20 hrs.

Day 1 – Morning – Unit 11 – Heating: Wood Burning Fireplaces (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 111B

Day 1 – Afternoon – Unit 11 – Heating: Wood Burning Fireplaces (Part 3) & Electric Heating Systems (Part 4) – NJAHI® – 111B 

Day 2 – Unit 12 – Air Conditioning (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 112A – Slides 1-105 – 3.5 hrs.

Day 3 – Unit 12 – Air Conditioning (Part 2) & Heat Pumps – NJAHI® – 112B – 3.5 hrs.

Week 10 -20 hrs.

Day 1 – Morning – Unit 13 – Plumbing: Supply System & Water Heater (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 113A

Day 1 – Afternoon – Unit 13 – Plumbing: Water Heater (Part 2) & DMV (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 113B

Day 2 – Unit 13 – Plumbing: DMV (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 113C

Day 3 – Unit 13 – Plumbing: Fixtures & Faucets – NJAHI® – 113D

All modules are enhanced with a focus on excellence in Home Inspection Report Writing and will have required group discussions, exercises, midterm, and final exams. Time will be allotted to review all testing collectively.

Week 1 – 20 hrs.

 Unit 1 – Standards and Reports – NJAHI® – 101A

The professional Home Inspector is required, both verbally and in writing, to describe the inspection process and communicate inspection findings to the client. It is imperative that the home inspector be able to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding of an inspection, once conducted. Students in this module and throughout the course will develop their oral and written communication skills, learn to develop the professional communication skills needed to be a Professional Home Inspector. Students will also be required to become familiar with The State of New Jersey Administrative Code, Regulations, basic NJ Legislature knowledge and understanding of the New Jersey Home Inspectors Licensing Law, and Requirements of a Home Inspector in New Jersey. Focus on Professional reporting requirements and proper conduct and etiquette of a professional in this industry. The module is enhanced with a focus on Excellence in Home Inspection Report Writing by a Licensed NJ Home Inspector. This module also includes discussions in preparing the student for the 40 Hour Field Mentoring Program, obtaining Insurance, and instructions on the Application Process for NJ Home Inspection Licensure.

• New Jersey Administrative Code, Regulations – Standards of practice (SOP)
• Code of ethics
• Reports
• Introduction to the New Jersey Administrative Code, Regulations (SOP)
• New Jersey Home Inspectors Licensing Law and Requirements of a Home Inspector in New Jersey.
• Application Process for NJ Home Inspection Licensure.
• Preparing for the 40 Hour Field mentoring Program

2. Unit 2 – Exterior Cladding (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 102A

In the Exterior Cladding module(s) students will learn general inspection strategies and to describe the exterior wall covering named below.  Exterior Cladding (Part 1) will cover:

• General inspection strategy
• Brick, stone, concrete
• Conventional stucco
• Synthetic stucco

3. Unit 2 – Exterior Cladding (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 101B

Exterior Cladding (Part 2) will cover:

• Wood siding
• Plywood, hardboard, and OSB
• Metal and vinyl siding
• Cement-based siding
• Clay and slate shingles
• Asphalt shingles
• Wood/Soil Contact and Exposed Foundations
• Soffits and facia
• Windows and doors
• Trim, flashing, and caulking

4. Unit 2 – Exterior Structures (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 102C

In the Exterior Structure module(s) students will learn to apply knowledge, of structure inspections that focus on system performance, safety concerns, and compliance with good construction practices. Exterior Structures (Part 1) will cover:

• Porches, decks, and balconies
• Railings
• Columns
• Beams
• Joists
• Porch and deck floors

Week 2 – 20 hrs. 

5. Unit 2 – Exterior Structures (Part 2) & Surface Water Control and Landscaping (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 102D

Exterior Structures (Part 2) is continued and will cover specifics of inspecting garage(s) and carports. Surface Water Control and Landscaping discusses the importance of proper drainage and different types of drainage systems. It will also discuss how to identify improper drainage or damaged systems.

Exterior Structures (Part2)

• Garages and carports

Surface Water Control and Landscaping (Part 1)

• Lot grading
• Gutters and downspouts

6. Unit 2 – Surface Water Control & Landscaping (Part 2) – NJAHI-102E

Surface Water Control and Landscaping (Part 2) will cover:

• Flat roof drainage
• Window wells
• Walks, driveways, and grounds
• Retaining Walls

7. Unit 3 – Steep Roofing (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 103A

The emphasis in Roofing Inspection is on identifying various types of roof coverings and identifying defects. Students apply their knowledge of roofing to Inspections that focus on system performance, safety concerns, and compliance with modern building standards. Steep Roofing (Part 1) will cover:

• Asphalt shingles
• Ice dams
• Wood roofing

8. Unit 3 – Steep Roofing (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 103B

Steep Roofing Part 2 will cover:

• Slate roofing
• Clay tile
• Concrete tile
• Fiber cement roofing
• Metal tile
• Roll roofing

Week 3 – 20 hrs.

9. Unit 3 – Steep Roofing (Part 3) – NJAHI® – 103A

Steep Roofing Part 3 will cover:

• Valley flashing
• Chimney flashing
• Hip and ridge flashing
• Stack and vent flashing
• Roof/wall flashing
• Skylight flashing
• Dormer flashing
• Drip edge flashing

10. Unit 3 – Flat Roofing (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 103B

Flat Roofing Part 1 will cover:

• Drainage
• Built-up roofing
• Modified bitumen roofing
• Rubber roofing

11. Unit 3 – Flat Roofing (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 103C

Flat Roofing Part 2 will cover:

• PVC roofing
• Metal roofing
• Chimney flashing
• Stack and vent flashing
• Parapet wall flashing
• Skylight flashing
• Drip edge flashing
• Roof/wall flashing
• Pitch pans

12. Unit 4 – Structure: Footings & Foundations (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 104D

Structure Footing and Foundations focuses on the different structural components of a residential dwelling. Students learn to apply knowledge, of structures to inspections and how to identify defects. Students will also focus on system performance, safety concerns, and compliance with good construction practices. Structure: Footings & Foundations (Part 1) will cover:

• Functions
• Configurations
• Types
• The macro approach
• Settling
• Crack analysis
• Settlement corrective actions

Week 4 – 20 hrs.

13. Unit 4 – Structure: Footings & Foundations (Part 2) & Floors (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 104A

Structure: Footings & Foundations (Part 2) & Structure: Floors (Part 1) will cover:

Footings & Foundations (Part 2)

• Shrinkage cracks
• Horizontal forces
• Backfill height
• Foundation surface damage

Floors (Part 1)

• Sills
• Columns
• Beams
• Joists

14. Unit 4 – Structure: Floors (Part 2) & Walls – NJAHI® – 104B

Structure: Floors (Part 2) & Walls will cover:

Floors (Part 2)

• Engineered wood
• Subfloors and floor slabs

Walls

• Solid masonry walls
• Wood frame walls
• Brick veneer walls
• Arches and lintels

15. Unit 4 – Structure: Roof Framing – NJAHI® – 104C

Structure: Roof Framing will cover:

• Roof rafters, roof joists, and ceiling joists
• Trusses
• Roof sheathing
• Roof framing

16. Unit 5 – Insulation (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 105A

The focus is on the inspection of and identification of different types of thermal insulation. The importance of good ventilation and modern building requirements. Students will also learn inspection strategies safety concerns. Insulation (Part 1) will cover:

• Introduction
• R-Value
• Moisture
• Building envelope
• Materials
• Radiant barriers
• Vapor barriers
• Roof ventilation
• Living space ventilation

Week 5 – 20 hrs.

17. Unit 5 – Insulation (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 105B

Insulation 1 will cover:

• Attic insulation inspection
• Flat roof and cathedral ceiling inspection
• Above-grade wall insulation
• Basement and crawlspace inspection
• Exhaust fan inspection
• Insulation and ventilation inspection procedure

18. Unit 6 – Interiors (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 106A

In the Interior module(s) elements of residential dwellings as seen below will be discussed in detail. How to identify defects and the importance of maintaining a structured inspection strategy. Interiors (Part 1) will cover:

• Floors
• Walls
• Party walls
• Ceilings

19. Unit 6 – Interiors (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 106C

Interiors (Part 2) will cover:

• Trim and cabinets
• Stairs
• Windows
• Doors

20. Unit 6 – Interiors (Part 3) – NJAHI® – 106D

Interiors (Part 3) will cover:

• Foundation flaws
• Concrete block foundations
• Interior drainage tile
• High water table
• Wet basement clues

Week 6 – 20 hrs.

21. Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 107A

Electrical System prepares students to inspect the performance of electrical systems within residential buildings. How to safely inspect electrical systems is discussed in detail. Electrical System (Part 1) will cover:

• Electrical basics
• Service drop and laterals
• Service entrance
• Service size

22. Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 107B

Electrical System (Part 2) will cover:

• Service box
• Grounding and bonding
• Intro to distribution panels

23. Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 3) – NJAHI® – 107C

Electrical System (Part 3) will cover:

• 240-volt and multi-wire circuits
• Distribution panel conditions
• Introduction to branch circuit wiring

24. Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 4) – NJAHI® – 107D

Electrical System (Part 4) will cover:

• Distribution wiring
• Branch circuit wiring conditions
• Knob and tube wiring
• Aluminum wiring

Week 7 – 20 hrs.

25. Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 5) – NJAHI® – 107E

Electrical System (Part 5) will cover:

• Lights
• Receptacles
• GFIs
• Switches
• Junction boxes

26. Unit 8 – Heating Gas Furnaces (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 108A

Gas furnaces covers installed heating systems Emphasis is on the Inspector’s ability to identify the source, material type, condition, and safety concerns. Gas Furnaces (Part 1) will cover:

• Introduction
• Gas piping
• Combustion air
• Burners
• Heat shields
• Heat exchangers

27. Unit 8 – Heating Gas Furnaces (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 108B

Gas Furnaces (Part 2) will cover:

• Cabinets
• Fan controls
• Thermostats
• Dating furnaces
• Vent connectors
• Blowers

28. Unit 8 – Heating Gas Furnaces (Part 3) – NJAHI® – 108C

Gas Furnaces (Part 3) will cover:

• Air filters
• Ducts and registers
• Testing procedure
• Mid-efficiency furnaces

Week 8 – 20 hrs.

29. Unit 8 – Heating Gas Furnaces (Part 4) – NJAHI® – 108D

Gas Furnaces (Part 4) will cover:

• High-efficiency furnaces
• Testing procedure for high-efficiency furnaces
• Gravity furnaces

30. Unit 9 – Heating: Oil Furnaces – NJAHI® – 109A

Oil Furnaces & Hot Water Boilers covers installed heating systems Emphasis is on the Inspector’s ability to identify the source, material type, condition, and safety concerns. Oil Furnaces & Hot Water Boilers (Part 1) will cover:

Oil Furnaces

• Oil heating systems
• Oil burners

Unit 10 – Hot Water Boilers (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 110A

Hot Water Boilers (Part 1)

• Introduction
• Boiler controls

31. Unit 10 – Heating: Hot Water Boilers (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 110B

Hot Water Boilers (Part 2) will cover:

• Distribution piping
• Radiators
• Boiler inspection procedures

32. Unit 11 – Heating: Chimneys (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 111A

Chimneys covers the need for a detailed chimney inspection. Students apply knowledge of the below elements to the role of the home inspector. Chimneys will cover:

• Chimney inspection
• Flue liners
• Chimney caps
• Chimney height
• Fire safety
• Draft
• Chimney damage
• Introduction to vents

Week 9 – 20 hrs.

33. Unit 11 – Heating: Wood Burning Fireplaces (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 111B

Wood Burning Fireplace module discuss the working components of wood-burning fireplaces and how to identify and document deficiencies found. Wood Burning Fireplaces (Part 1) will cover:

• Vent conditions
• Fireplace hearths
• Fireboxes
• Dampers and draft

34. Unit 11 – Heating: Wood Burning Fireplaces (Part 3) & Electric Heating Systems (Part 4) – NACHI^TM – 111B

Wood Burning Fireplaces (Part 3) & Electric Heating Systems (Part 4) will cover:

Wood-Burning Fireplaces (Part 3)

• Smoke chamber
• Fireplace face/breast
• Ashpit
• Combustion air
• Glass doors
• Heat circulators

Heating: Electric Heating Systems (Part 4)

• Baseboard heaters
• Electric furnaces
• Plenum heaters
• Radiant heat

35. Unit 12 – Air Conditioning (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 112A

Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Inspection is on cooling systems and heat pumps.  Students learn to identify typical defects and apply correct inspection techniques. Air Conditioning (Part 1) will cover:

• Types
• Components and their functions
• The air conditioning cycle
• Capacity
• Compressor
• Life expectancy
• Condenser coils
• Water cooled condensers
• Evaporator coils

36. Unit 12 – Air Conditioning (Part 2) & Heat Pumps – NJAHI® – 112B

Air Conditioning (Part 2) & Heat Pumps will cover:

Air Conditioning (Part 2)

• Expansion devices
• Condensate system
• Case studies
• Refrigerant lines
• Condenser fan
• Evaporator fan

Heat Pumps

• Introduction
• Heat pumps in practice
• Heat pump conditions

Week 10 – 20 hrs.

37. Unit 13 – Plumbing: Supply System & Water Heater (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 113A

Supply System & Water Heater (Part 1) will cover:

Supply System

• Supply plumbing system goals and performance
• Water entry piping
• Supply piping distributions

Water Heaters (Part 1)

• Introduction
• Gas-fired, oil-fired, and electric water heaters

38. Unit 13 – Plumbing: Water Heater (Part 2) & DMV (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 113B

Water Heater (Part 2) & DMV (Part 1) will cover:

Water Heaters (Part 2)

• Common problems of conventional water heaters
• Fan-assisted water heaters

DWV (Part 1)

• Introduction
• DWV materials
• DWV conditions

39. Unit 13 – Plumbing: DMV (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 113C

DMV (Part 2) will cover:

• Traps
• Floor drains
• Venting system
• Sewage ejector pumps

40. Unit 13 – Plumbing: Fixtures & Faucets – NJAHI® – 113D

Fixtures & Faucets will cover:

• Introduction
• Basins, sinks, and laundry tubs
• Faucets
• Toilets

• Bathtubs
• Tub and shower stall enclosures
• Shower stalls

Field Mentoring

Included as part of the program is the field mentoring which fulfills the 40-hour(s) field mentoring training required for licensure as a Home Inspector in New Jersey as governed by the NJ Department of Consumer Affairs Home Inspection Advisory Committee. The student/applicant accompanies a licensed NJ Home Inspector on 40+ hours of real-world, fee-paid home inspections. The student must complete the first five (5) weeks of the course before starting the field mentoring phase.

The student must prepare a written inspection report for each inspection they attend. This report will be reviewed/critiqued by the supervising inspector and/or other instructors.

Upon request, the school may allow a student to use a Field Mentor of their own choosing if that Field Mentor holds a NJ Home Inspector license. This must be at no cost to the school. The Field Mentor must be pre-approved by the school. The school will still review and analyze those inspection reports and provide feedback.