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Starting a career as a home inspector can be a mix of excitement and uncertainty. If you’re like most other aspiring home inspectors, you’ve probably been combing through the internet, weighing your options, and trying to find a training program that’s not just affordable, but also rich in content and tailored to your needs. I know how overwhelming this can be – the questions, the what-ifs, the balancing act of cost and quality.
I’ve done a deep dive into Inspection Certification Associates (ICA), spent hours looking over their offerings, support systems, and alumni feedback. I hope that sharing my findings and insights on ICA will shed some light, answer a few of your questions, and perhaps, ease that knot of uncertainty a bit.
The Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) is a reputable home inspection education provider. In addition to their online courses, which are accessible to their students and graduates 24/7, they also offer Live Training and Continuing Education. ICA receives a tremendous rating from many students. Many find its training material practical, thus lead them the path to a successful home inspection business.
Since you are reading this post, chances are you might already have heard about ICA before. But you would like to obtain more details so you may make an informed decision.
In this post, I will do a complete review of ICA and its Real Estate Inspection Certification Programs. You will find out the course materials, costs, and student ratings from different sources.
Is Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) legit?
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) is a legit business. The business started on May 4, 2012 and has been accredited by BBB since Jan 15, 2021. It has an outstanding A+ rating, which is the highest rating one could get.
Mr. Mark Newcomer is listed as both the owner and CEO. Here’s the company’s contact info:
- Address: 332 S Michigan Ave Ste 1032-c286, Chicago, IL 60604-4434
- Phone: (888) 374-4096
The first step to begin in this career is to equip yourself with the necessary home inspection knowledge and obtain the Home Inspection Certification. ICA has years of experience in providing high-quality home inspection training. Here’s the link to their classes. (**)
About the ICA Real Estate Inspection Program:
ICA offers a variety of courses covering the basics and more specialized areas of home inspection. Their main home inspection training is complemented by specific courses on mold inspection, radon measurement, commercial property inspection, and others. Going through their online courses, I found a diverse range of topics ensuring solid preparation for those wanting to become home inspectors.
Practical Training:
The online nature of the courses intrigued me about the practical training aspect. ICA has a way of bridging the gap between theory and practice. They offer a special introductory Mold Inspection Certification Course and an introductory Radon Course, providing practical knowledge on these specific inspection areas.
Enrollment Process:
Getting started should be easy. Information on how to enroll, any prerequisites, and details like when courses start and how to access materials after enrolling would be helpful for those looking to join.
Instructor Quality:
ICA boasts experienced instructors like Eric Coates, Floyd Gibbs, and Sandra Gibbs who bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. I also did some research on these instructors.
Eric Coates, with a rich background in home inspection since 1997, holds the title of President at Detailed Home Inspections Inc. His commitment to the home inspection community is evident as he holds significant positions within the NC Licensed Home Inspector Association (NCLHIA), including roles as a former President, Vice President, and current Treasurer.
Floyd Gibbs is a seasoned home inspector who transitioned to the field in 1999 after selling his construction business. He co-owns Quality Home Inspections and holds multiple certifications and licenses across various states, showcasing his extensive expertise in the field. His role as an instructor at ICA demonstrates his dedication to educating the next generation of home inspectors.
Sandra Gibbs, with 20 years of financial sector experience, now co-owns Quality Home Inspections and serves as the CEO. Her transition to the home inspection industry showcases her diverse skill set, and her role as an instructor at ICA underscores her passion for sharing knowledge and training aspiring home inspectors. Her expertise extends to marketing, business strategies, and both classroom and field training, providing a holistic training approach for students.
Their diverse backgrounds help make the theoretical knowledge feel relevant to real-world scenarios. These instructors ensure you’re well-prepared for real-world inspection tasks.
Online Learning Experience:
ICA’s online platform is designed for easy understanding and engagement. Instead of just reading slides, the courses are fully narrated by skilled instructors, adding a personal touch to the online learning experience.
Cost, Value, and Payment Plans:
With a tuition fee of $695, ICA is a more affordable option compared to other programs charging up to $999. The free inclusion of report software is a great bonus. Additionally, the availability of payment plans makes it more accessible for those on a tight budget.
Certification Details:
ICA’s courses are geared towards preparing students for certification exams. They prepare students for state or national home inspector exams with an online study guide comprising over 700 practice questions, ensuring thorough preparation for these crucial exams.
Student Reviews and Testimonials:
Feedback from students on the Better Business Bureau website has been overwhelmingly positive, showing a pattern of satisfaction with the quality of instruction and course content. Students particularly praised the expertise and engaging teaching methods of the instructors, appreciating how the course prepares them for real-world home inspection tasks. They also enjoyed the practical application of the course material and felt part of a learning community, which seems to enhance the overall learning experience.
One student, Miles C, expressed that ICA exceeded his expectations with trainers that fully prepare students not only for exams but for practical field applications, appreciating the community feeling within the class. Another student, Bradley R, had an “incredible experience” with the course led by expert instructors, valuing the comprehensive, well-organized, and practical course content which instilled confidence for a career in home inspections.
Comparison:
ICA stands strong compared to other programs, with lifetime course access, downloadable training modules, and no extra charge for commercial inspection training. Bonus courses on drone inspection, thermal imaging, radon, and mold inspection broaden the learning scope, setting ICA apart from the rest.
Duration of Courses and Schedule:
Understanding the time commitment is crucial. The courses are self-paced, with most students completing them in three to four weeks, although some finish in as little as a week to ten days.
Technology Requirements:
Being prepared technologically is important. Listing any necessary software, hardware, or other materials needed for the online courses would be helpful.
Conclusion:
Digging into Inspection Certification Associates (ICA) has been enlightening. The mix of seasoned instructors, comprehensive curriculum, reasonable pricing, and positive feedback from students makes ICA a compelling choice for aspiring home inspectors.
If you’re thinking about where to start your home inspection training, exploring ICA’s offerings could be a wise move. Feel free to share your thoughts or ask any questions below. Engaging in a discussion could provide more clarity and help you take the next step towards a rewarding career in home inspection. Your journey towards becoming a certified home inspector might just be a few scrolls and clicks away!
If you are reading up to this point, I bet you must be interested in the home inspector profession. Your first step is to complete the pre-licensing courses. You should select one that has an excellent reputation and long-term track record of satisfying students. ICA is exactly that! You may click here to check it out yourself. (**)
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general information only, and not intend to provide any advice. They are subjected to change without any notice, and not guaranteed to be error-free. Some of the posts on this site may contain views and opinions from individual not related to JCHQ Publishing. They do not necessarily reflect our view or position.
(**) Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you. Our company, JCHQ Publishing will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking on the link. Please understand that we include them based on our experience or the research on these companies or products, and we recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something through the links. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
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