CREIA FAQ's

Q: How do I get started?
A: To get started, the first step is filling out the Associate membership application. From the CREIA homepage, scroll down and click on the box that says “Become an Inspector”. On step one, there is a link to click here to complete the Associate member application. Once that is done, the office is prompted via email and we will send out their new member materials so you can get started studying for the NHIE.Once that is filled out, the office receives an email and is prompted to send out the new member materials.

Q: Are there any requirements to becoming a member?
A: No, there are no requirements to becoming a member.

Q: How long does it take to become a CCI?
A: It varies for every new member. 60 hours of continuing education is a requirement for certification, so that you can put into a timeline. The rest of the steps will vary depending on study time and other factors. Contact other members in your chapter and ask them for any tips to help you during your certification process. 

Q: How much are dues in CREIA?
A: As an Associate, dues are $495 for the first year and $449 for subsequent years. As a CCI, renewal is $449 annually.

Q: How much is my renewal?
A: Associates and CCI's both pay $449 upon renewal

Q: Are there payment plans available?
A: Not at this time.

Q: What is an Associate member?
A: An Associate member is a member in CREIA who is still completing their steps to certification. Once all steps to Certification are completed, that member becomes a Certified CREIA Inspector (CCI).

Q: What is a CCI?
A: A CCI (Certified CREIA Inspector) is a member who has completed all their steps to certification.

Q: How many hours do I need to renew my membership as a CCI?
A: 30 continuing education hours

Q: How many hours do I need to renew my membership as an Associate?
A: You have three years to complete 60 hours of Continuing Education Credits

Q: I am an Associate member. Can I use the CREIA logo?
A: NO! Logo is for CCI members only. Associates can use the Background Check Logo.

Q: Where can I find my CEC’s? How many CEC’s do I have?
A: To view your CECs in your member profile:
Login to your profile (login at top of creia.org) and land on member center. Member center also available when hovering over member tab. click on "Update Your Profile" above, hover your cursor over "My Profile," and click on "View Transactions." Here you can view CEC reports have been submitted as well as other CREIA events or forms you completed.

Q: Who keeps track of my CEC’s? How do I report my CEC’s?
A: CREIA members are to be keeping track and reporting their own CECs. Recertification requires 30 CECs and at least two chapter meetings per year. Members should upload CECs as they receive them, so they use the CEC Reporting online submission form accessible when you enter your username and password on the Member Center page (available when you hover over members on the top on the page) **Members are not required to upload hours from chapter meetings

Q: I’ve been a general contractor for a million years; does that education count toward my CREIA education?
A: No. Education must be earned through CREIA events (chapter meetings, toolboxes, Annual Conference) or through CREIA Affiliate partners.
To find approved education providers, hover over members tab, then hover over the drop down education tab, then click approved education.

Q: What are the new member materials?
A: National Home Inspection Examination (NHIE) digital Manual and Study Guide and study materials for the  CREIA SOP/Ethics Examination.

Q: If I attend a home inspection school, or college course, can the hours attained be used for the 60 hours needed to become a CCI?
A: The hours obtained may be credited for Continuing Educational Credits (CECs). It depends on whether or not the school is accredited with CREIA. To find out if your education counts, please click the following link to see if they are CREIA-approved

Q: Must I obtain 30 CEC hours every year to maintain my membership, even if I’m not a CCI?
A. Yes. Your membership in CREIA will terminate if you do not meet the educational requirements. CCIs/MCIs must also attend a minimum of two chapter meetings per year.

Q: Do I have to become a CCI within one year in order to keep my membership in CREIA?
A: No. The Associate should try to accomplish the necessary requirements within two years and three at the most.

Q: If I don’t pass the NHIE or SOP/Ethics test, can I take it again?
A: Of course.It is not in your best interest to stay an Associate for an extended period of time. So study and pass it next time!

Q: Does CREIA market my business and create jobs for me?
A: No. Once you become a CCI, you will receive a listing on the CREIA Find an Inspector feature on www.creia.org and this will generate a number of calls. We promote CREIA CCI and MCI Inspectors to Realtors and the public via the media outreach, meetings with regulatory and business, and CAR expos. We also give you guidance and some of the tools, but ultimately, it is the individual inspector’s responsibility to market their own business.

Q: How long will it take before I will become successful if I follow this program?
A: It depends on the economy, your commitment and time spent in achieving your goals.

Q: Can I do everything online?
A: No. CREIA requires many of the steps to certification to be in person. Examples would be completing two ride-alongs with a CREIA Certified Trainer, the National Home Inspection Exam (NHIE) is an in person proctored exam. 

Q: I just passed the NHIE/ completed a class for credits. What do I do now?
A: Login to your profile (login at top of creia.org) and land on member center. Member center also available when hovering over member tab. click on "Update Your Profile" above, hover your cursor over "My Profile," and click on "View Transactions." Here you can view CEC reports have been submitted as well as other CREIA events or forms you completed.

Is your question not on this list? Please send an email to the CREIA Office and they will be able to help you with your question: [email protected]