FIELD MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
We have developed the premier field mentoring training program that stands unrivaled. Our team of Field Training Inspectors (FTIs) are all full-time professionals in home inspection, each contributing a unique skill set. Ranging from multi-firm managers and multistate license holders to members of home inspector associations and even BOARD CERTIFIED MASTER INSPECTORS, our diverse group ensures a wealth of field training opportunities. Their collective expertise guarantees you’ll gain the comprehensive knowledge necessary to thrive in this field.
Note: Students do not have unlimited time to complete the course, including both the classroom and field mentoring parts of the training. Please click below to see the course duration.
STUDENTS MUST READ & ADHERE TO THE NJ STANDARDS of PRACTICE (SOP) PRIOR TO PERFORMING THEIR FIRST FIELD TRAINING INSPECTION.
Before their first training inspection, STUDENTS are required to read and adhere to both the N.J. Admin Code § 13:40-15.16 and the NJAHI® Student Field Mentoring Guidelines provided below. A link to N.J. Admin Code § 13:40-15.16 can be found below. This page must also be read in its entirety & adhered to, as it contains additional information regarding the NJAHI® Student Field Mentoring Program and the submission of field training reports. Failure to follow the Field Training Instructors (FTI) onsite instructions, N.J. ADMIN CODE § 13:40-15.16 or the NJAHI® STUDENT FIELD MENTORING GUIDELINES on any field training inspection is grounds for removal from the program.
FIELD MENTORING REQUIREMENTS AS PER THE NJ STANDARDS OF PRACTICE (SOP)
Per NJ Admin Code 13:40 - 16.6, all students must complete 40 hours of field training, which shall include not less than 40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a NJ licensed home inspector. The inspections shall be provided by the school administering the approved course of study. This field training fulfills the mandated prerequisites.
To receive credit for field training inspections, students must submit a home inspection training report for each inspection completed. For licensing, students will need to include 3 to 6 of these training reports with their application. All field-based inspections must be conducted in the presence of and under the direct supervision of an NJ licensed home inspector.
Students must complete a MINIMUM of 12 field training inspections to satisfy the requirement as per NJ Admin Code Section 13:40-15.2 (4) which defines a “Home Inspection” as seen below.
DEFINITIONS AS PER THE NJ STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
“Home Inspection” means a visual, functional, non-invasive inspection conducted for a fee or any other consideration and performed without moving personal property, furniture, equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice, or debris, using the mandatory equipment and including the preparation of a home inspection report of the readily-accessible elements of the following components of a residential building: structural components, exterior components, roofing system, plumbing system, electrical system, heating system, cooling system, interior components, insulation components and ventilation system, fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances, or any other related residential housing component as determined by the Board, in consultation with the Committee, by rule, but excluding recreational facilities and outbuildings other than garages or carports.
“Home Inspection Training Report” means a written report prepared by a trainee pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.6(a)4, which:
1. Discloses those systems and components which are designated for inspection pursuant to this subchapter and are present at the time of the inspection, as well as those which are present at the time of the home inspection but are not inspected and the reason(s) they are not inspected;
2. Describes systems and components as specified in the rules N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.16
3. States what material defects are found in systems or components;
4. States the significance of findings; and
5. Provides recommendations as to the need to repair, replace or monitor a system or component, or to obtain examination and analysis by a qualified professional, tradesman or service technician.
****Please note that the requirements for a “Home Inspection Training Report” and a “Home Inspection Report” are identical.****
SCHEDULING FIELD TRAINING INSPECTIONS
At the NJ Academy of Home Inspectors, our priority is you! To simplify the process of scheduling training inspections, we utilize SuperSaas, an intuitive online scheduling platform.
Before receiving SuperSaas, students are required to complete at least five weeks of classes. This prerequisite ensures students possess a comprehensive understanding of what to observe and assess during a home inspection.
After completing five weeks of classes, students will be equipped with a username (which will be their student email address) and password for SuperSaas. Detailed instructions will be provided on how to login and schedule inspections.
Students will receive 12 credits and will ONLY be able to schedule 3 inspections at a time. One credit is used for each reservation made. To log into SuperSaas click the above link. It is there that you will see a list of FIELD TRAINING INSPECTORS (FTI). Select an FTI to see his schedule. Find a date, time, and location of an inspection that works for you and simply click on it. Then click “Make Reservation”. You will then receive an automated email that will have the specifics of the inspection including the name and phone number of the FTI you will be working with.
WAIT LIST: If an inspection is full, you can still make a reservation, which will put you on a “WAIT LIST” for that inspection ONLY. Should there be a cancellation, and provided you are next on the list, you will be notified. Being on the “WAIT LIST” does not mean you are scheduled for the inspection. You must receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, DO NOT attend the inspection, as you are not scheduled. Those who attend an inspection while on the “WAIT LIST” will be SENT HOME.
CANCELING AN INSPECTION: If a student cancels an inspection for any reason, credits are not automatically returned to their account. Students will need to email training@nj-ahi.com, the email must include the student and inspectors names, the address, date, and time of the inspection canceled to receive credit restoration.
Hours credited towards the forty (40) hour requirement is dependent upon time spent completing the inspection(s) and should be a minimum of twelve (12) or more inspections.
Reports are reviewed weekly and may be subjected to class review for training purposes.
Please note that NJAHI® does not provide preferential treatment to any student when scheduling field training inspections. It is the student’s responsibility to check SuperSaas daily and ensure their availability for field training inspections. NJAHI® shall not be liable for any student’s failure to attend field training inspections within their nine (9) month allotted time frame due to their unavailability. This policy is strictly enforced and is applicable to all students without exception.
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIELD TRAINING REPORTS
Training Report Submission:
- Students must submit a training report for each inspection completed to receive credit for all training inspections.
Inspector Requirements:
- Training inspections must be completed with a New Jersey Licensed Home Inspector who has been licensed for a minimum of three (3) years and is affiliated with this school.
License Application:
- For licensing purposes, students will need to include 3 to 6 of these training reports with their license application to the Home Inspection Advisory Committee.
Duration:
- Field training inspections MUST be completed, and field training reports must be SUBMITTED within the 9-month course timeframe, as annotated in your registration form, field mentoring form, and course catalog. This policy is enforced without exceptions. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in an incomplete status and removal from the program.
WHAT MUST BE IN THE REPORT
TO RECEIVE CREDIT, ALL REPORTS MUST BE PREPARED BY THE STUDENT PURSUANT TO N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.6(a)4 & INCLUDE:
1-STUDENT NAME
2-INSPECTION ADDRESS
3-DATE of INSPECTION
4-BUYER NAME
NAMING THE REPORT
The report’s name must include the following information:
- Sequential Inspection Number
- Student’s Last Name
- Address of the Inspection (house number, street, and town only)
- Inspection Date
File Naming Format for Inspection Reports:
Please name your inspection report files using the following format:
1-STUDENTLASTNAMEHOUSE#STREETTOWNDATEOFINSPECTION.pdf
Explanation:
- “1” This number is sequential and indicates the order of the inspection. For example, if it’s your first inspection, use “1.” If it’s your fifth inspection, use “5.”
- STUDENT LAST NAME: Your last name.
- HOUSE NUMBER: The house number of the property inspected.
- STREET: The street name of the property.
- TOWN: The town or city of the property.
- DATE OF INSPECTION: The date the inspection was performed, formatted as MM-DD-YY.
Example:
If the student’s last name is Smith, the house number is 270, the street is Hamilton Rd, the town is Somerset, and the date of the inspection is April 5, 2020, and it’s the first inspection, the file name should be:
1-Smith270HamiltonRdSomerset4-5-20.pdf
Please ensure your file names follow this exact structure to help us easily identify and organize your reports.
SUBMITTING THE REPORT FOR CREDIT
EMAIL SUBMISSION:
Email Address:
Send reports or questions about the field mentoring program to training@nj-ahi.com. DO NOT SEND TO OR CC ANY OTHER SCHOOL EMAIL.
Report Submission:
- Email six (6) reports at a time to training@nj-ahi.com.
- Attach reports 1 through 6 to one email and 7 through 12 to a second email.
- If reports are too large for a single email, send them in multiple emails.
- Please be aware emails are checked weekly, not daily.
- Students may opt to download reports to a thumb drive and mail or bring it to the school.
Format Requirements:
- All reports must be attached to the email in PDF format ONLY.
- Reports with downloadable links WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.
Email Content:
- Emails MUST include the student’s full name.
- For convenience, students can click on the button below to generate an email for report submission.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Students should have a functioning copy of home inspection software to use for each field training inspection. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the buyer’s name for their report from the field training instructor only. Any questions regarding the inspection should be directed ONLY to the field training inspector. Students are solely responsible for taking pictures for their reports while on the field training inspection.
Students must have at least the following items with them for each inspection:
- mobile device (with a functioning copy of a home inspection software)
- GFCI tester
- camera
- flashlight
Please direct all questions regarding the Field Mentoring Program and Report Submission to training@nj-ahi.com. This ensures your inquiries are promptly addressed and allows us to effectively track and manage all field mentoring program communications. Please do not send or CC inquiries to any other email address.
CERTIFICATION OF DIRECT ON-SITE SUPERVISION FORM ("PAGE 9")
REQUIREMENTS:
Certification of Direct On-Site Supervision Form:
- Students must fill out the Certification of Direct On-Site Supervision Form (“Page 9”).
- This form is available for download by clicking the link below.
- This form must be completed in its entirety and should follow the format shown in the sample, which can be viewed by clicking the sample link below.
Submission Format:
- Submit the spreadsheet as a PDF file ONLY.
Purpose:
- The form is required to apply for your Home Inspection License.
- It is also necessary for students to receive credit for field training inspections and to obtain their course certificates.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Completion of Forms:
- It is the student’s responsibility to fill out the Direct On-Site Supervision form (“Page 9”) in its entirety for each Field Training Instructor (FTI).
- Each FTI requires a separate Direct On-Site Supervision form (“Page 9”).
- Each form should pertain to the specific field training inspections carried out with that particular FTI.
Example:
- If a student conducts their field training inspections under the guidance of two (2) different field trainers, two (2) Direct On-Site Supervision forms are required — one for each trainer.
If a student conducts more than seven (7) inspections under the guidance of a single field trainer, two (2) forms will be required for that one FTI, as each page accommodates only seven inspections.
Final Inspection:
- Students are SOLELY responsible for keeping track of inspections completed with each FTI. Student’s must complete the Direct On-Site Supervision form (“Page 9”) in its entirety and ensure it is signed by the FTI at the conclusion of their final field training inspection with that specific FTI.
REQUIRED SUBMISSION OF STUDENT FIELD TRAINING LOG
Student Field Mentoring Training Log:
- Students must fill out the Student Field Mentoring Training Log, available for download by clicking the link below.
- Students will also receive a copy of this form when they receive their SuperSaas welcome letter.
- This form must include the student’s name, date of inspection, inspection address, and the name of the Field Training Instructor (FTI).
Submission Format:
- The Student Field Training Log is a fillable PDF form that should be completed electronically on your computer, as handwritten submissions are NOT ACCEPTED. The completed form must be submitted along with the Direct On-Site Supervision form (Page 9).
If you do not have a PDF Reader Adobe® Acrobat® Reader, one can be downloaded directly from Adobe® at NO CHARGE by clicking the below link.
Certificate Completion:
- No certificates will be issued until all reports, Page 9’s and the Student Field mentoring Log are received and properly submitted.
USING AN OUTSIDE FIELD TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
According to the New Jersey Administrative Code 13:40 – 16.6, all students are required to complete 40 hours of field training to meet the field mentoring requirement. This training includes a minimum of 40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections, conducted under the direct supervision of a NJ licensed home inspector. To receive credits for field training inspections, they MUST be provided by the school administering the approved course of study.
If students wish to use an outside Field Trainer Instructor (FTI), they can do so provided there is no cost to the school and the FTI is vetted and approved by NJAHI® prior to their first inspection. ALL Field Training Instructors (FTI) must be licensed in NJ and working as a Home Inspector for a minimum of 3 years.
To utilize an outside Field Training Instructor (FTI), students must ensure that the prospective FTI completes and submits the NJAHI® Outside Field Training Instructor Authorization Form before their first field training inspection.
Instructions for Outside Field Mentoring Form Submission:
Download the form from the link below. Ensure the form is:
- Fully completed
- Signed with a “WET” signature
- Dated & submitted prior to the first inspection
- Forms must be submitted in PDF format ONLY
Inspections completed without a dated and pre-submitted form will not receive credit.
HOME INSPECTION SOFTWARE
Using Home Inspection Software for Training Inspections
Software Use:
Students should use home inspection software on every training inspection. Reports must be completed before conducting another inspection to prevent inaccuracies and overlooked details. Delaying report completion until after multiple inspections increases liability and does not reflect professional standards.
Software Acquisition:
Students should purchase or obtain a training version of home inspection software. We recommend the 3D Inspection System, with links available at nj-ahi.com/software/. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the software allows them to create a complete home inspection report.
3D Inspection System Benefits:
The 3D Inspection System offers a fully operational version for 10 weeks and is available for purchase. The package includes the 3D Master Inspector Home Inspection Formset, featuring over 17,000 INSPECTION NARRATIVES & DISCLAIMERS. This software is significantly discounted for our students.
GETTING YOUR CERTIFICATES
TO OBTAIN YOUR CERTIFICATES FROM THE SCHOOL
Complete Training Requirements:
- Complete all classroom training.
- Complete all field mentoring training.
- Submit all field training reports.
- Submit all page 9’s.
- Submit the field training log
School Review Process:
- The school will review all submitted documents/reports.
- Once approved, the school will update your information in the Private Career School (PCS) IGX system.
Certificate Generation Timeline:
- The process typically takes 1-2 weeks after submitting all documentation.
- Certificates can only be generated after all requirements are met and approved.
TO ENSURE YOUR APPLICATION IS REVIEWED BY THE HIAC
Submission Timeline:
- Submit all documentation to the HIAC at least 10 business days in advance to HIAC scheduled meetings. All licensee applications must include:
- NJAHI® 140 hrs Classroom Certificate of Completion
- NJAHI® 40 hrs Field mentoring Certificate of Completion
- NJAHI® Field Training Log
- 3 to 6 field training reports
- Certification of E&O insurance (sent directly from insurance company)
- Plan submissions accordingly to avoid delays in certificate generation.
- Submit all documentation to the HIAC at least 10 business days in advance to HIAC scheduled meetings. All licensee applications must include:
Preparation for HIAC Meeting:
- Submit all page 9’s and reports to the school four weeks prior to the desired HIAC meeting.
- Allow sufficient time for the school to:
- Process your paperwork.
- Generate your certificates.
- Send certificates to you.
- Enable timely application submission to the HIAC for review.
NJAHI® STUDENT FIELD MENTORING GUIDELINES
It is important to note that we will be teaching you while you are shadowing us. We will be talking with you about our inspection process, what defects we see, and other important tips of the trade. Please hold onto any questions until the end of the inspection or a natural pause in the action. Asking the inspector multiple questions during the inspections can disrupt the inspector’s flow. Our field training is designed so that all your questions should be answered during the course of the inspection, so just wait to see if your question gets answered. If not, ask at the end of the inspection. We recommend that you write your questions down. Also, remember to never ask questions in front of the client or realtor. They sometimes feel it detracts from them and the inspection.
Make sure you dress professionally (no t-shirts with a sports logo, offensive content, etc.). You are representing yourself as a home inspector, but you are also representing the company. Looking the part is an important skill to develop to be successful. If you take the job seriously, then your clients will too.
The inspector may quiz you while you are shadowing, so be ready! The course is interactive!
Learn as much as you can. Experience is the best way to learn how to be a home inspector. Make sure you come away with something new every time. We are here to help you out!
Students are not permitted to fly drones during inspections due to liability issues.
STUDENTS must remember that it is not uncommon for dates and times of home inspections to change or even be canceled. This happens for a variety of reasons and is beyond the control of the school.
It is the STUDENT’s responsibility to check SuperSaas.com daily for changes, and STUDENTS must check SuperSaas the DAY OF THE INSPECTION IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO LEAVING to ensure that the inspection is still scheduled.
1) All inspections are subject to cancellation, this does not happen often but does happen for various reasons and is beyond the control of the school. It is the STUDENTS responsibility to check SuperSaas.com the DAY OF THE INSPECTION to ensure that the inspection is still scheduled.
2) STUDENT should bring Notebook, Pen, Flashlight, Camera & GFCI Outlet Tester **STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN INSPECTION PICTURES**
3) STUDENT should arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the inspection is scheduled. STUDENTS arriving late reflects badly on the school, the FTI company, and is disruptive to the inspection. STUDENTS should make they allow adequate travel time. THOSE STUDENTS WHO ARRIVE LATE FOR AN INSPECTION WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE.
4) STUDENT should wait in their car until the FTI arrives. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO APPROACH CLIENT OR REALTOR.
5) PARKING – STUDENTS SHOULD NOT park in front of the home. Spots are reserved for the FTI, the clients, realtors, workers etc.
6) STUDENT is responsible for obtaining the buyer’s name at the time of inspection. This information is required for your NJ license application. This should be obtained from the FTI ONLY! STUDENT SHOULD NOT ask client or realtor for any information.
7) STUDENT SHOULD NOT talk to the real estate agents, buyers or sellers unless told to do so. STUDENTS shouldn’t be answering questions about the home inspection while shadowing. It is important to learn as much as you can and talking to the clients about the inspection can disrupt the FTI while on the job. Please refer all questions to the FTI if you are questioned by clients.
8) If a STUDENT needs to cancel their reservation for any reason they must cancel it in SuperSaas. If they are canceling THE DAY OF the inspection, they MUST notify the FTI via PHONE/TEXT and cancel in SuperSaas. If a STUDENT does not show up for their reservation 2 times WITHOUT NOTIFYING ANYONE, they will lose all credits and will be unable to reserve inspections on their own. STUDENTS will then have to email a request to training@nj-ahi.com to make a reservation from that point on. Should the STUDENT not show up for a schedule inspection a third time WITHOUT NOTIFYING ANYONE will be grounds for removal from the Field Mentoring Program.
9) A Training Report must be completed that meets the requirements of the N.J. Home Inspector Standards of Practice (N.J. A.C.13:40-15.2.) for each inspection. It should be noted that each training report must include the STUDENTS NAME, FULL SITE ADDRESS, DATE OF INSPECTION & CLIENTS NAME. All training reports should be sent via email to training@nj-ahi.com and must be attached in PDF format. Reports that have a downloadable link will not be accepted.
10) STUDENT should follow the FTI’s direction throughout the inspection process. Only assist with the inspection at his explicit request. STUDENT should work with or behind the FTI NOT in FRONT.
11) STUDENT acknowledges that attendance of this field training is done at STUDENTS own risk and agrees to follow safe inspection practices.
12) STUDENT is not allowed to climb ladders or put themselves in an unsafe situation. If STUDENT feels they are in an unsafe situation then they must immediately inform the FTI of such.
13) STUDENT must return all systems and components to their original position/status before they leave the location. This includes restoring thermostat settings, GFCI outlets, panel covers, furnishings, clothes, belongings, etc.
14) STUDENT MUST clean any spills, dirt, messes that they make at the location before leaving the location.
15) STUDENT WILL NOT Smoke, eat, drink, or use a cell phone while at the inspection site.
16) STUDENT WILL NOT ask realtors for their business cards or any other information. The realtor is the FIELD TRAINERS point of contact. The field trainer is allowing STUDENTS as a courtesy to be on THEIR inspection. STUDENTS are not on inspections to market themselves or solicit business.
17) STUDENTS are not permitted to fly drones during inspections.
18) NJAHI has a ZERO tolerance for the use of Alcohol or Drugs. If a STUDENT is found to be under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs during an inspection they will immediately be removed from the program. No exceptions.
STUDENT has six (6) months from the time they receive access to the Field Training Online Scheduler to complete their field mentoring inspections. All STUDENT’S will receive an additional three (3) month grace period to complete their required training inspections. During the three (3) month grace period, STUDENT’s will be required to pay $50 per inspection. If after nine (9) months from the time STUDENT’S have received access to the Field Training Online Scheduler, the STUDENT still has not completed the Field Mentoring Training Program, they will receive an incomplete and removed from the program unless STUDENT applies for an extension. Any requests for extensions must be made in writing prior to the end of their three (3) month grace period. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
