When shopping for a home inspection training company, there are several key factors you want to consider.   Each is critical to your success in the next steps of your career.  Without any of them, your progress is impeded.   

Regardless of your state’s requirements, every course should be complete.  It should teach to your state’s Standards of Practice for home inspectors.  The home inspection training should include a field component where an instructor demonstrates a complete home inspection and students perform one, too.   

Finally, the instructor should have an engaging presentation style that includes a sense of purpose and dedication to students’ success.  We don’t have to tell you how a boring instructor, who does nothing but recite facts and has no presentation or lecture style can be discouraging and actually impede the learning process.  

Here’s what to ask when calling a training company to make sure you get your money’s worth: 

1. What, specifically, do I get for my investment?  Several companies will throw a lot of materials at you to make it appear as though they’re the best choice.  Be wary of this school, because too much information is usually a cover for inadequate materials and/or inept instructors.  Too much information slows the learning process while they sift through the fluff and vague materials to get to the relevant information.     

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 them with a good review/recommendation?  Google reviews are great, and most companies survey students, but we know first-hand how some companies pick and choose which students to send a survey to based on the likelihood of a positive review. Be wary of the 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 as a sample of their training may be compensating for poor quality materials, technology, or presentation skills. 

1. Are they approved in your state?  Virtually 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.  Our instructors create a fun and engaging experience for everyone – regardless of their learning style!  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!