Career Path

Construction and Building Inspector

Overview

In this career, your responsibilities may include:

Making sure that construction is done according to local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
Most states require either licensure or certification, but the requirements vary widely by location and type of building. See “Certification” and “Licensure” below for more information.

Job Titles

In your job search, you may find listings for this career under different titles. You can find some examples of these, as well as more information about this career, at Career One Stop.

Academic Requirements

Requires at least a high school diploma, but many employers prefer a post-secondary certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree would make you eligible for careers with greater responsibility and higher salaries in this pathway, if you do not already have the U.S. equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. Your existing education might give you advanced standing or transfer credit toward a higher degree, reducing the time it would take you to graduate.

Certification
Certification requirements vary by state, so check with your local licensing board. You may be required to obtain one of the following certifications. Even if they are not required, certifications could make employers more likely to hire you or offer you a higher salary.
- The International Code Council offers a number of credentials at all levels of experience.
- The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) offers certifications focused on knowledge of plumbing and mechanical code.
- The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors offers the Certified Professional Inspector credential.
- The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors offers the National Home Inspector credential.
Licensure

Licensure requirements vary by state. The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors maintains a map showing which states do and do not regulate the practice of home inspection, although this does not necessarily include other types of construction and building inspection.