Become one of BC’s most respected
and top-booked Home Inspectors.
Your expertise is valuable, and as an inspector you will help home buyers and owners make the best decisions for their homes. With HIABC membership our Candidate Program will provide you access to unparalleled support for your business as well as a network of colleagues and professionals who share the values of quality and meticulous attention to detail. This is designed to walk you through each stage, from education and exams to field training and final licensing, with personalized support at every step!
Student Membership
We have introduced a FREE student membership for anyone wanting to pursue a career as a Home Inspector.
This entry level membership is valid for one year from application. There is no obligation to continue to the next phase.
This provides the opportunity for student members to receive guidance regarding required courses and reporting software information from an allocated HIABC committee member.
This student membership is designed to prepare you for beginning your coursework and examinations. Upon completion you will be eligible to become a candidate member and commence the required field training and assessments.
Candidate Membership
You’ll gain access to:
- A proven training program aligned with BC’s licensing requirements
- Live webinars and in-person events
- Valuable opportunities to network with industry professionals and fellow trainees
- Expert guidance from HIABC’s experienced trainers and office staff, who are committed to supporting you from your first course through to full licensure
With enhanced field training standards, access to industry-recognized insurance options, and direct connections to Consumer Protection BC’s licensing process, HIABC equips you with the tools, knowledge, and professionalism needed to thrive in this growing profession.
Join the most respected home inspection association in BC and take the first confident step toward your new career.
What Makes a Great Home Inspector?
You do not need to have any prior specialty in the real estate or home building industry to become a Home Inspector, your training will cover everything you need to know to excel. In fact, the most valuable skills for a career in home inspections aren’t related to technical experience at all.
Qualities of a successful
home inspector include:
- Excellent communication skills
- People person
- General computer skills
- Ability and willingness to market your business
- Able to lift 50 lbs, erect ladders and work in confined spaces
- Attention to detail and interest in continuous learning
Kick Start Your Career!
As a non-practicing Candidate Member, you’ll receive:
- Access to live educational webinars and in-person events
- A head start on your 20 mandatory continuing education credits
- Opportunities to network with certified inspectors across BC
- One-on-one support from experienced trainers and HIABC office staff
- Comprehensive Candidate Package to guide you through the process
Step-by-Step Guide to
Becoming Licensed
Join as a Student Member
- Apply online to start your free twelve-month student membership journey
- Your allocated HIABC committee member will contact you to answer any questions and to guide and support you through the process pursuing a Home Inspection career.
Complete Your Academic Training (150 Hours)
- Required by Consumer Protection BC
- Must be from an approved post-secondary institution
- Ie: Carson Dunlop Online Training Program (10 modules)
- You may start writing CHIE exams after completing each course module
Apply and Pass the Canadian Home Inspection Exams (CHIE)
- Developed by HIABC & UBC; approved by CPBC
- 8 multiple-choice exams, 1 hour each, 50 questions
- Must score 75% or higher on each exam
- Proctored virtually via Zoom
- Exams must be completed within 12 months of application
Subjects Covered:
-
- Structure
- Electrical
- Heating
- Air Conditioning / Heat Pumps
- Plumbing
- Roofing / Exteriors
- Interior / Insulation / Ventilation
- Business Practices & Standards of Practice
Join as a Candidate Member
- Apply online to start your journey
- Begin accessing HIABC educational sessions and networking opportunities
Begin Field Training (50 Hours Minimum)
- Start once you’ve passed 5 of 8 CHIE exams
- HIABC standard: 50 hours, with at least 75% done in group training
- Trainers must have completed 500+ inspections
- Recommended: Aim for 100–125 hours total before completing your Peer Review Inspection (PRI)
Submit Reports for Review
- Once you’ve completed 20 hours of field training, begin submitting reports
- Trainers review your work for:
- Accuracy
- Clarity
- Compliance with HIABC’s Scope of Inspection
- You must be familiar with your reporting software before beginning
Note: Most peer review failures and complaints stem from poor report writing
Complete the Report Writing and Defect Recognition (DRC) Courses
- Required for all candidates
- Teaches proper format, clarity, and compliance with HIABC standards
- Online course (approx. 1 hour) Strongly recommended before starting field training
Complete Your Peer Review Inspection (PRI)
- Your final evaluation before licensing
- You’ll conduct a live inspection with an HIABC/CPBC-approved examiner
- Must identify all major deficiencies and safety issues
- Examiner reviews your report and scores your performance
Purchase Required Insurance
Before applying for your license, you must carry:
-
- Errors & Omissions Insurance (E&O): Minimum $1M (must include water ingress)
- Commercial General Liability (CGL): Minimum $1M
HIABC’s Professional Insurance Plan (PIP) offers:
-
- Payment plans available
- Includes complaint handling support and coverage guidance
Apply for Your Home Inspector License
Apply to Consumer Protection BC once all the above steps are complete. You’ll need to submit:
-
- Proof of academic training (150 hrs)
- CHIE exam results
- Home Inspector Licensing 50 HR Report Form
- Report writing completion
- Peer Review Inspection pass letter
- Proof of insurance
Licensing Fees (2026):
-
- New application: $1,461
- Early renewal (before April 1): $1,344
- Prorated (Oct–Mar): $735
Estimated Total Start-Up Costs
(Plus GST on some fees)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Student Membership | FREE |
| Candidate Membership | $100 |
| Home Inspection Course | $5,000 ± |
| Candidate Membership + CHIE Exams | $500 |
| Exam Proctoring | $160 |
| Field Training (75–125 hrs)
(Training is paid directly to HIABC-approved trainers. Tax receipts provided.) | $3,000+ |
| Report Writing Course | $25 |
| Peer Review Inspection | $500 |
| E&O Insurance (HIABC Plan) | $3,950+ |
| CGL Insurance | $400+ |
| Inspection Software | $1,200+ |
| CPBC License Fee (New) Early renewal (before April 1)Prorated (Oct–Mar) | $1,461 $1,344 $693 |
| HIABC Annual Membership (Approximately) | $625 |
| Estimated Total | ~$20,000+ |
Additional costs may include tools, vehicle, marketing, and business setup expenses.