Home Inspection Certification Program
(CIP Code 46.0403)
The Home Inspection Certification Program consists of 200 hours of training, exceeding the 180-hour requirement for licensing as a New Jersey Home Inspector, as outlined by the NJ Administrative Code Title 13, Law and Public Safety, Chapter 40, Subchapter 15 (13:40-15.6). This includes 140 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of field training.
The classroom component is divided into ten modules, each 14 hours long. The field mentoring requirement involves a minimum of 40 hours of supervised inspections under a licensed NJ Home Inspector, during which students must actively participate and prepare inspection reports. An additional 20 hours beyond the 180-hour requirement are dedicated to report writing and exam preparation.
The course is based on the Carson and Dunlop – Principles of Home Inspection: Systems & Standards, 3rd Edition textbook, supplemented by the corresponding 2018 Carson and Dunlop PowerPoint presentation. Testing and quizzes aligned with the curriculum are also included.
Course Curriculum
The only course approved for teaching Home Inspectors in New Jersey is the Carson and Dunlop’s Principles of Home Inspection: Systems & Standards. In 2018, Carson and Dunlop released its latest version, Principles of Home Inspection: Systems & Standards, 3rd Edition—and that’s the version we teach!
This updated edition is divided into thirteen (13) separate units, compared to only ten (10) units in the older versions. The outdated editions teach obsolete inspection methods, exclude modern building materials, and fail to reflect current practices—yet ‘The Other Guys’ still teach it! Don’t take our word for it—compare our course curriculum below to theirs.
We’ve gone a step further by including topics not covered in the book that appear on the National Home Inspector Exam and are essential for modern home inspections. These topics include, but are not limited to, tankless water heaters, pools, geothermal systems, swamp coolers, septic systems, and more.
Additionally, we incorporate the New Jersey Standards of Practice, reviewing them throughout the course and at the beginning of each unit where applicable. This enriched course content sets us apart from the “Other Guys.” Scroll down to see the added course material, which is highlighted in blue.
Weekly Schedule - 10 Weeks
WEEK 1 – 20 HOURS
Day 1 – AM – Unit 1 – Standards and Reports – NJAHI® – 101A
Day 1 – PM – 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 HOURS
Day 1 – AM – Unit 2 – Exterior Structures (Part 2) & Surface Water Control and Landscaping (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 102D
Day 1 – PM – 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 HOURS
Day 1 – AM – Unit 3 – Steep Roofing (Part 3) – NJAHI® – 103A
Day 1 – PM – 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 HOURS
Day 1 – AM – Unit 4 – Structure: Footings & Foundations (Part 2) & Floors (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 104A
Day 1 – PM – 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 HOURS
Day 1 – AM – Unit 5 – Insulation (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 105B
Day 1 – PM – 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 HOURS
Day 1 – AM – Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 107A
Day 1 – PM – 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 HOURS
Day 1 – AM – Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 5) – NJAHI® – 107E
Day 1 – PM – 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 HOURS
Day 1 – AM – Unit 8 – Heating Gas Furnaces (Part 4) – NJAHI® – 108D – 3.5 hrs.
Day 1 – PM – 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 HOURS
Day 1 – AM – Unit 11 – Heating: Wood Burning Fireplaces (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 111B
Day 1 – PM – 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 HOURS
Day 1 – AM – Unit 13 – Plumbing: Supply System & Water Heater (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 113A
Day 1 – PM – 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.
Class Details - 13 Units
SEE WHAT WE ADDED – ADDITIONAL COURSE CONTENT NOT FOUND IN THE BOOK IS ANNOTATED BELOW IN BLUE
WEEK 1 – 20 HOURS.
UNIT 1 – 136 SLIDES
- 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.
- Standards of practice as it pertains to the National Home Inspection Exam
- Standards of practice as it pertains to New Jersey
- Field Mentorship
- How do I charge for a Home Inspection?
- The importance of the inspection client introduction and summary
- 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
- Code of ethics
- Reports
UNIT 2 – 564 SLIDES
- 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:
- NJ Standard of Practice as it pertains to exterior inspections
- Overview of components and materials
- General inspection strategy
- Brick, stone, concrete
- Conventional stucco
- Synthetic stucco
- 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
- 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 HOURS
- 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
- 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
- Exterior Inspection Procedures
- Inspecting pools and pool fences
- 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:
- NJ Standard of Practice as it pertains to roofing inspections
- Asphalt shingles
- Ice dams
- Wood roofing
- 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 HOURS
- 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
- Inspecting roof with drones, FAA Licensing & Insurance Requirements
- Unit 3 – Flat Roofing (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 103B
Flat Roofing Part 1 will cover:
- Drainage
- Built-up roofing
- Modified bitumen roofing
- Rubber roofing
- 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
UNIT 4 – 393 SLIDES
- 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:
- NJ Standard of Practice as it pertains to structural inspections
- Functions
- Configurations
- Types
- The macro approach
- Settling
- Crack analysis
- Settlement corrective actions
WEEK 4 – 20 HOURS
- 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
- 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
- Unit 4 – Structure: Roof Framing – NJAHI® – 104C
Structure: Roof Framing will cover:
- Roof rafters, roof joists, and ceiling joists
- Trusses
- Roof sheathing
- Roof framing
- Structure Inspection Strategy
UNIT 5 – 254 SLIDES
- 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:
- NJ Standard of Practice as it pertains to insulation inspections
- Introduction
- R-Value
- Moisture
- Building envelope
- Materials
- Radiant barriers
- Vapor barriers
- Roof ventilation
- Living space ventilation
WEEK 5 – 20 HOURS
- 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
UNIT 6 – 346 SLIDES
- 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:
- NJ Standard of Practice as it pertains to interior inspections
- Floors
- Walls
- Party walls
- Ceilings
- Identifying mold like substances and how to annotate it in the report
- Unit 6 – Interiors (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 106C
Interiors (Part 2) will cover:
- Trim and cabinets
- Stairs
- Windows
- Doors
- 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 HOURS
UNIT 7 – 473 SLIDES
- 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:
- NJ Standard of Practice as it pertains to electrical inspections
- Electrical inspection safety
- Electrical basics
- Service drop and laterals
- Service entrance
- Service size
- Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 107B
Electrical System (Part 2) will cover:
- Service box
- Grounding and bonding
- Intro to distribution panels
- 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
- 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 HOURS
- Unit 7 – Electrical System (Part 5) – NJAHI® – 107E
Electrical System (Part 5) will cover:
- Lights
- Receptacles
- GFIs
- Switches
- Junction boxes
- How to identify & annotate in a home inspection report obsolete electrical panels
- Solar Panels
UNIT 8 – 389 SLIDES
- 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:
- NJ Standard of Practice as it pertains to Heating system inspections
- Introduction
- Gas piping
- Combustion air
- Burners
- Heat shields
- Heat exchangers
- Unit 8 – Heating Gas Furnaces (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 108B
Gas Furnaces (Part 2) will cover:
- Cabinets
- Fan controls
- Thermostats
- Dating furnaces
- Vent connectors
- Blowers
- 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 HOURS
- 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
UNIT 9 – 50 SLIDES
- 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 – 151 SLIDES
Unit 10 – Hot Water Boilers (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 110A
Hot Water Boilers (Part 1)
- Introduction
- Boiler controls
- Unit 10 – Heating: Hot Water Boilers (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 110B
Hot Water Boilers (Part 2) will cover:
- Distribution piping
- Radiators
- Boiler inspection procedures
- Hartford Loops & Equalizers
UNIT 11 – 377 SLIDES
- Unit 11 – Heating: Chimneys (Part 1) & Electric Heating Systems – 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
- Electric Heating Systems
WEEK 9 – 20 HOURS
- 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
- Unit 11 – Heating: Wood Burning Fireplaces (Part 3) – NACHI® – 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
UNIT 12 – 231 SLIDES
- 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:
- NJ Standard of Practice as it pertains to Air Conditioning system inspections
- Types
- Ductless Air Conditioners
- Components and their functions
- The air conditioning cycle
- Capacity
- Compressor
- Geothermal energy
- Life expectancy
- Student Exercise How to determine the age of AC unit for your report
- Condenser coils
- Water cooled condensers
- Evaporator coils
- Swamp Coolers
- 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 HOURS
UNIT 13 – 450 SLIDES
- Unit 13 – Plumbing: Supply System & Water Heater (Part 1) – NJAHI® – 113A
Supply System & Water Heater (Part 1) will cover:
Supply System
- NJ Standard of Practice as it pertains to Plumbing System inspections
- 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
- 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
- Tankless Water Heaters
- Fan-assisted water heaters
DWV (Part 1)
- Introduction
- DWV materials
- DWV conditions
- Unit 13 – Plumbing: DMV (Part 2) – NJAHI® – 113C
DMV (Part 2) will cover:
- Traps
- Floor drains
- Venting system
- Air Admittance Valves
- Sewage Ejector Pumps
- Sewage Ejector Pumps Alarms
- Septic Systems
- Sewage ejector pumps
- Unit 13 – Plumbing: Fixtures & Faucets – NJAHI® – 113D
Fixtures & Faucets will cover:
- Introduction
- Basins, sinks, and laundry tubs
- Faucets
- Water Hammering
- Toilets
- Bathtubs
- Tub and shower stall enclosures
- Shower stalls
FIELD MENTORING
Included as part of the program is our Field Mentoring Program, 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 is still required to review and analyze all field training inspection training reports submitted. To receive credit for field training inspections, a field training inspection report must be submitted for each completed inspection.