CREIA Announces “EDUCATION TIME IN 2009” for Home Inspectors
January 2009 (Palm Springs, Calif.) — The real estate inspection profession is a demanding profession that requires a broad base of knowledge in all areas of home construction, maintenance and safety issues.
While experience in contracting, architecture or engineering is a good background it is not a substitute for professional training as a home inspector. The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA.org) provides numerous seminars and educational opportunities where inspectors can access specialized training.
CREIA announces “Education Time in 2009” to demonstrate its ongoing mission to educate home inspectors. Numerous one-day seminars on technical and code-based topics are planned as well as CREIA ongoing commitment to it Advance Mentoring Program, RideAlong opportunities, and monthly chapter meetings held in 23 locations throughout the state. CREIA will also host the premier educational conference on the West Coast – May 1 - 3, 2009 in Scottsdale, AZ.
Earning certification from CREIA is a difficult process involving continuing education and tested knowledge. The CREIA certification exam is the toughest in the nation because it is based on the highest standards of practice that mirror state law as published in the California Business and Professions Code. CREIA works hard to test and educate inspectors in the many diverse systems and components of a home, as well as the ethics of being an unbiased professional. The CREIA member continuing education requirement is the highest education requirement in the nation among all home inspection associations.
CREIA members understand that the cost involved in a real estate transaction is substantial and that most buyers are very concerned about their budget during this time. Home inspectors’ education, training and experience vary widely with the individual. Buyers can best protect themselves by hiring the most qualified inspector they can afford. CREIA makes that easy by requiring advance testing and ongoing education of all its certified member.
Being regulated by the state, or having a contractor's license, does not necessarily ensure competency. What ensures competency is education, experience, training and membership in an organization that promulgates professional standards, requires the successful completion of a general inspection knowledge exam, continuing education and sanctions for ethical violations. It is smart business for a consumer to seek out those who have been qualified by a recognized professional association
Many inspectors claim to be CREIA members or claim their reports meet or follow CREIA’s Standards of Practice. Do not be fooled; ask to see the CREIA badge or contact CREIA to verify their active, certified membership. At present, anyone can claim to be a home inspector. Therefore, buyers must exercise extreme care and cautious consideration before hiring just anyone.
The name that appears on the badge identifies that person as a Certified CREIA Inspector (CCI) member of the California Inspection Association. It is a badge of distinction as it identifies that inspector as having successfully passed a comprehensive written examination of property systems and who has maintained a minimum 30 hours of continuing education each year. The badge ensures REALTORS® and consumers that the Inspector has been tested and qualified to CREIA’s Standards of Practice. It further is a badge of honor as CREIA’s Code of Ethics requires a high degree of professionalism and integrity, and that an Inspector member act fairly and impartially. Any conflict of interest activity must be avoided in order to assure the consumer a completely objective inspection.
CREIA is dedicated to consumer protection and education. To locate a qualified CREIA inspector near you click here or call CREIA at (800) 388-8443.
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