Across Canada, home inspection certification training programs are available from provincial colleges and or specialized educational and technical institutes. However, home inspectors are only regulated and licensed in Alberta and British Columbia.

Ontario

In Ontario, the Home Inspection Act is currently pending parliamentary approval. Once in force, the Act would establish mandatory licencing and regulate the home inspection industry for home inspectors and home inspection providers.

Training and certification

Most certification courses train individuals for home and commercial building inspections, building code knowledge, and report writing. To be eligible for certification, each program has its own requirements, but generally individuals must have a high school diploma OR be a mature student and maintain a certain overall average in each course.

For example, in co-operation with the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), and in partnership with Seneca College and Carson Dunlop and Associates, Durham College offers a 10-course Home Inspection Certificate Program that includes courses on:

• roofing,
• housing structure,
• electrical systems,
• heating systems,
• air conditioning/heat pumps,
• plumbing,
• insulation,
• the housing interiors, and
• construction materials and methods

Home inspector certificate programs are also offered at many other colleges, including Mohawk College, Sheridan College and Algonquin College. Visit the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) for a complete list of approved community colleges offering home inspector programs as well as private program providers.

The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI)

The OAHI, a not-for-profit association, provides continuing education (for home inspectors who have already completed basic training) and other benefits, along with a Code of Conduct members must follow.

Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI)

CAHPI is a National non-profit organization with members from across Canada. Members must pass the National exam, complete mentoring with peer evaluation and continuing education courses, and adhere to the CAHPI Code of Ethics.

More info

To find a professional home inspector, visit the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors, Find a Home Inspector website.

More information on what role a home inspector plays when purchasing a home can be found in topic 392 Professional Home Inspections.

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