West Virginia University, through a partnership with Gatlin Education Services, offers online career training services for adults who want to attain the skills needed for Home Inspection.

Computer Requirements
This course is currently compatible with Windows Vista Operating System.

Access to the program is through a standard web browser.  Navigation through the program only requires basic computer skills.  All instructions for using the program are provided.

The following minimum hardware and software specification must be met to run the program:

• PC (133 Mhz or better)
• 16 MB RAM (32 MB recommended)
• Windows 95/98/NT/Me/2000/XP
• Web browser – Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0+ or Netscape Navigator 3.0+

Some features of the program may not work properly on a Macintosh/Apple Computer system.

Materials
Students will receive printed copies of core Lessons for the Course.  They will also receive additional texts or CD/DVD reference materials to assist with or supplement the Course.  Access to the course also provides the student with the ability to print out all course screens for future reference.

Background
The National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI) was established in 1987 to provide educational programs, occupational training, and technical support for the home inspection and construction industries.  NIBI offers classroom training programs, special seminars, field-training, continuing education programs, and a web-based online learning program.  Since its inception, NIBI has provided home inspection training for over 3,000 home inspectors in the United States and Canada.

Course Goal
The NIBI Online Home Inspection Certificate Course will:

• Provide an introduction to the home inspection industry.
• Review home inspection standards of practice.
• Provide information on residential construction, materials, and installation practices.
• Address special concerns and issues related to house components
• Cover resources, tools, and equipment used for home inspections.
• Review common safety concerns and personal protection issues.
• Provide general guidelines on inspection procedures.
• Address common communication issues, perspectives, and reporting formats.

Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of the NIBI Online Home Inspection Certificate, students will:

• Understand the purpose and scope of home inspection standards.
• Recognize and describe basic residential construction materials and techniques.
• Know basic procedures for inspecting a home.
• Know basic home inspection equipment and personal protective gear.
• Recognize common defects found in residential construction.
• Know the appropriate reporting methodologies.
• Be able to sit for home inspection exams with reasonable expectation of success.

Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course offered for 200 hours.  The student can register at any time during the year.  Cost is $2,095 per student.  A certificate for course completion will be issued.

Prerequisite(s)
There are no specific pre-requisites for the course. The more knowledge of residential construction that a student has the more proficient he/she will be at moving through the course in a reasonable time period. Any recognized text on residential construction of home inspections will provide reasonable background for the Home Inspection Course.

The intended audience for this course is the student contemplating a career in home inspections. It also is beneficial for those involved in residential appraisals or other residential construction or consumer businesses.

Overview/Subject Matter

The following are the learning units of the Course:

1. Introduction
2. Roof Systems
3. Exterior Elements
4. Structural Systems
5. Insulation & Ventilation
6. Interior Elements
7. Electric Systems Lesson
8. Plumbing Systems
9. Heating Systems
10. Cooling Systems
11. Hot-Water Supply Systems
12. Inspection Materials, Equipment and Reporting

Registration

Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning. You will be given class access by email within five working days. Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions. Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.

Refund Policy
Any cancellation and refund request must be submitted in writing by the student to WVU Extended Learning. A $50 processing fee will be charged to the student for a cancellation requested before materials (books) are mailed to the student. If the student cancels within ten days after the materials are mailed to the student, then a $100 processing fee will be charged, provided the student returns the materials, within five days of the written request, in their original condition. If the materials are not returned within the specified period of time or are not in their original condition, then a $500 processing fee will be charged to the student. If the student cancels any time between eleven and thirty days after the materials ae mailed to the student, then a $300 processing fee will be charged, provided the student returns the materials, within 5 days of the written request, in their original condition. If the materials are not returned within the specified period of time or are not in their original condition, then a $500 processing fee will be charged to the student. No other refunds will be considered.