The things we have learned and the solid advice we have on how to pass the home inspector exam.
1. The first step is to take your schooling and the exam seriously. DO NOT approach your education to become an inspector by trying to do the least amount possible. This is a surefire way to end up taking your exam again and again and to continue to fail it. A popular opinion is that the inspector exam is designed so that those who work the hardest pass with an 87-92, those who work really hard pass with a 77-86, and those who give a bit more effort than average squeak by with a 70-76. This means that a candidate that ticks all the boxes and passes all the training with average scores is not likely to pass the first time, so you have to put more in.
Home inspection is a trade and was done by a number of people before you arrived to the scene. It is your job to learn how inspectors work within their trade and their approach and process, and how they solve problems. These elements will factor into the exam questions.
2. Do your best to find a reputable inspector school. This is a school that has good reviews, and also a high passing rate for the national/state exam. A school with a high passing rate will not try to teach you to pass the test they will instead use good methods of education, and prepare you well not just to pass the test but also to be an excellent inspector. You might be tempted here, to pay a little less for a school that might not be as highly rated, but a better education will make you more marketable and knowledgeable so, invest in yourself and it will pay you back.
3. Do not take forever to finish your course work. If your course is said to only take 3 months or 5 months do your best to complete your work on time or else you run the risk of starting to lose information and then you can still do poorly on the test despite completing all the work, with high grades.
4. Go the extra mile. This is not just something you should do to pass your exam, but also after you become an inspector. Find flash cards and quiz materials HERE, HERE, AND HERE and for home inspectors, Look at the Carson and Dunlop inspection videos and take notes. Next do your best to find someone who is already a home inspector, ask them about what you can do to make yourself better.
5. Repetition, repetition, repetition,
Many of you may or may not know the Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team because he was not a good player. You do not need to be told the rest of the story but he did not become who he was by practicing just “when he had time.” So if you want to pass the exam you need to put in the time and the effort, this means rehearsing what you have already learned, explaining what you have learned to other people, your spouse, your parents, your friends, and literally know the information forwards and backwards. If you want to be put in touch with mentors feel free to CONTACT US and we will help point you in the right direction.