Become one of BC’s most respected
and top-booked Home Inspectors.
Your expertise is valuable, and as a home inspector you play a key role in helping clients make confident, informed decisions about their homes.
Through HIABC membership and our Candidate Program, you gain access to strong professional support and a network of experienced inspectors who share a commitment to quality and attention to detail.
This program is built to support you at every stage of your journey to becoming licensed, from education and exams through to field training, report writing, insurance and final licensing, with guidance and support along the way.
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 the industry, required courses, training and report writing software information from an allocated HIABC committee member.
This student membership is designed to prepare you for beginning your coursework and examinations.
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 licensing
With enhanced field training standards, online courses, access to industry-recognized insurance options, and assistance with applying for your license with Consumer Protection BC, 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:
- Strong interpersonal and client communication skills
- Comfortable with digital tools and technology
- Motivated to build and grow your own business
- Able to lift 50 lbs, erect ladders and work in confined spaces
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
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 licensed inspectors across BC
- One-on-one support from approved 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 assigned HIABC committee member will contact you to answer any questions and provide guidance and support as you pursue a career in home inspection
Complete Your Education (150 Hours)
- Education must be completed through a Consumer Protection BC (CPBC) approved home inspection program.
- The Carson Dunlop Online Training Program is an approved option (10 course modules). https://www.carsondunlop.com/training/
- Select approved educational programs allow students to begin writing the Canadian Home Inspection (CHI) exams while working through the course material.
- While previous industry experience is valued, all applicants must still complete the current CPBC educational requirements.
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 & Scope of Inspection
Join as a Candidate Member
- Apply online to start your journey
- Write the Canadian Home Inspection (CHI) Exams
- Begin accessing HIABC educational sessions and networking opportunities
Begin Field Training (50 Hours Minimum)
- Start once you’ve successfully completed 6 of 8 CHIE exams
- Complete the online HIABC Report Writing Course prior to your first training session
- Select a report writing software system and become comfortable using it
- HIABC standard: 50 hours, with at least 20 hours of group training
- Train with at least 2 HIABC/CPBC approved trainers who have completed 500+ inspections
- Recommended: most successful candidates complete 100–125 hours of field training before attempting their PRI.
Our candidate process is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience alongside experienced inspectors in the field, helping candidates build confidence, consistency, and real-world inspection skills before becoming fully licensed.
Submit Reports for Review
Once you’ve completed 20 hours of field training, you’ll begin submitting practice inspection reports for review.
Report writing is one of the most important skills of a successful home inspector. Our trainers work with candidates to help them:
- Understand what should and should not be included in a report
- Clearly communicate findings and recommendations
- Meet HIABC’s Scope of Inspection requirements
- Become comfortable using their report writing software efficiently
Your trainers will review reports for:
- Accuracy
- Clarity
- Consistency
- Compliance with HIABC standards
Many peer review failures and consumer concerns are related to report writing, which is why this part of the training process is so important.
Complete the Defect Recognition (DRC) Courses
- Required for all candidates prior to taking the Peer Review Inspection (PRI)
- This interactive online course focuses on real inspection scenarios to help strengthen defect recognition and improve your report writing, with practical takeaways you can use right away
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 Member Professional Insurance Plan (PIP) offers:
-
- Monthly payment option available
- Guidance and support in the event of a client concern or callback
- Assistance understanding coverage and insurance requirements
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 CPBC approved education (150 hrs)
- Canadian Home Inspection (CHI) exam results
- Home Inspector Licensing 50 HR Field Training Report Form
- Peer Review Inspection (PRI) pass letter
- Proof of Commerical General Liability (CGL) and & Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance insurance
- Provide Proof of Company Registration or Incorporation
- Provide a Municipal Business License
- Complete a Criminal Record check as part of your CPBC license application
Consumer Protection BC 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.