In the Digital Age, we have more information than ever before; it’s available 24/7, 365 days per year.  A simple google search will punch up dozens of companies competing for your business.  Some of them are good schools, but not every one of them is a good fit for YOU.  Furthermore, it’s a lot of work to go through numerous websites; you want to make sure you don’t waste valuable time looking at schools that won’t meet your needs.  

So, how do we get past the advertising and marketing verbiage?  How does someone like yourself who’s ready to pick a school and get their education go about asking the right questions to make sure the company delivers what they need to successfully start their new career? 

Here are a few questions that should help you out while researching other programs.   

1. When was the last time their materials were updated? Building requirements change on a 3-year cycle.  Outdated materials will not only fall short on content, but may actually teach you the wrong details.  Asking this question is an absolute must. 

1. What is the experience of the instructor(s), and is it possible to speak directly to them?  Ever had that one teacher or professor  where the two of you just weren’t a good match?  Paring up with an instructor that doesn’t teach to your learning style could be disastrous and when spending $2,000-3,000, to sit in their classroom, you want to make sure they’re a good match for you. 

1. Do they have past students, you can speak to, in your area, who will provide a good review/recommendation?  Google reviews are great, and most companies survey students, but we know firsthand how some companies pick and choose which students to send a survey to based on the likelihood of a positive review. Be wary of any company with 100% positive reviews.   

1. Do they take valuable class time to give you a sales pitch on their products and materials?  While you need to know what tools and software you’ll need to start your business, there are better ways to get the message out than a sales pitch from an instructor receiving a commission on what you buy. 

1. Do they have a sample of their training you can view?  Companies that call a promotional video a ‘sample’ of their training may be compensating for poor quality materials, technology, or presentation skills.  

1. Are they approved in your state?  Virtuallyl every state that requires licensing must approve a training company’s curriculum in order for them to offer their courses.  Be sure to verify this with your state’s licensing authority . 

1. Do they teach the marketing side of the business?  All the technical and communication skills and a pat on the back saying, “Go get ‘em, Tiger!” aren’t enough to help you launch a successful business.  Ask the training company if every instructor teaches the marketing in every class.  

HI-TEC thinks like a school AND a business.  We’re constantly updating our materials and offerings.  We’re here because we’ve worked for the biggest schools in the country.  We know what students need to be successful, and how to best provide everyone with the knowledge and skills required to make home inspections a lifelong career. We don’t make sales pitches in class, and we do teach the marketing in every class so you can get licensed, get marketing, and start recouping your investment right away.  

Give us a call at 877.51.HI.TEC and let one of our admissions experts help you get the answers you need!