Thank you for your interest in the Home Inspection profession, and in the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (C.A.H.P.I.) . Perhaps you have heard about some of the exciting developments happening in the home inspection field across Canada, including a national initiative to attempt to coordinate a national certification program for home inspectors.

The Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors has been busy with presenting the interests of professional home inspectors before government, the public, the media and other affiliated associations (such as real estate organizations). These contacts greatly increase public awareness of the benefits of a home inspection and thus directly benefit you as a home inspector. For the consumer, selecting a qualified home inspector is becoming as important as finding the right home.

For background information, CAHPI was formed in 1982, and is the National Association of which all provincial organizations are members. Nationally, the home inspection profession is growing rapidly, and CAHPI now has chapters across Canada . All those entering the home inspection field and wishing to be part of CAHPI must join their local chapter of CAHPI. The provincial organization in your region is called CAHPI-Atlantic .

CAHPI-Atlantic is a self-regulating body of home inspectors. Its members are finding that it is through education and sharing of information via publications, meetings, educational seminars and conferences, that the profession of a home inspector is enhanced. We are also devoted to promoting the CAHPI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, as the broadly accepted requirements for professional home inspectors to related organizations such as real estate boards and financial institutions. It is a fact that an ever-increasing number of calls are coming from the public and from realtors asking for home inspectors who are qualified and are affiliated with a professional organization, as it is the best evidence of an inspector's competence and professionalism.

CAHPI Atlantic has three categories of membership: Registered, Provisional, and Applicant. RE: CAHPI members are strongly encouraged to carry adequate E&O insurance: Once you have become a member of CAHPI-Atlantic, you may join the group E&O insurance program after completing certain requirements. This plan is one of the broadest and most cost effective programs for home inspectors in North America.

Report Verification : Reports of PHI and RHI members must be verified. This can be done by sending two reports to the CAHPI-National Report Verification Committee (send them to Blaine Swan).

CAHPI Exam : The CAHPI exam can be coordinated within your province or region by contacting CAHPI-Atlantic. An Exam Study Guide will be sent to members only upon request by contacting CAHPI-Atlantic.

Please be advised for membership, that new employees or associates of firms must also comply with the above requirements to be eligible for coverage under the insurance program.

Membership Application Information PDF Format

One of the major goals involved in the development of CAHPI-Atlantic, has been to introduce a high degree of professionalism into the home inspection field. As with the trades and professions, it’s simply not reasonable to accept into our membership those who are not specifically trained for the inspection work involved.

Although sharing many commonalities, performing professional home inspections draws on a much broader field then simply having a background in one of the building trades. Clients, financial institutions, professional real estate personnel, professional builders, governments, and so forth, have and continue to insist on much more.

One of the steps adopted by CAHPI-Atlantic has been to ensure that all applicants are able to “bring something to the table” in terms of education and/or applicable background training if they wish to become involved in the professional home inspection field.

Therefore, before becoming a member of CAHPI-Atlantic, all potential applicants must submit proof of having a minimum of 12 points from the following:

Prior Certified training 5 Points

• a certificate indicating that the applicant has successfully completed the requirements for one of the certified trades

Full Recognized Home Inspection course 7 Points

• a certificate (copy) as proof of having completed the full (complete) home inspection course provided by such recognized training institutions such as Carson-Dunlop, Humber College, George Brown, and so forth.

New institutions will be recognized and added as the information becomes available. Generally, the outlets which advertise in magazines and on “blow ins” and mail outs are not acceptable to use for this requirement.

Errors & Omissions Insurance 4 Points

• proof of carrying current Errors & Omissions Insurance which covers home inspectors

Defect Recognition and Reporting Course 3 Points

• successful completion of course
• copy of certificate required as proof

Successful Completion of the CAHPI or ASHI Exams 3 Points

• these exams can be written by contacting the appropriate association

50 Mentored Inspections 4 Points

• observing and/or helping with 50 or more full home inspections by a CAHPI member
• must provide written proof from the CAHPI RHI member (mentor)
• inspections observed as part of franchise training do not qualify

Report Verification: 2 Points

• For applicants who have already been involved with home inspection, they may send two of their reports to CAHPI-Atlantic for verification.

Franchise Training 3 Points

• Applicants who are part of a recognized franchise, may use their franchise training to account for three of the required points.

WETT 3 Points

• Applicants who are currently WETT certified

Building Official 3 Points

• Applicants who provide proof of past service as a building inspector to a city or municipality

Current St John's Ambulance First Aid/CPR Certification 1 Point

• Applicant may use St. John Ambulance first aid / CPR training (if training occurred within the last three years) for one point toward the required total.

Again, thank you for your interest in CAHPI. Those aspiring to become members should complete and mail in their Application for Membership.