Setting the Standard

In today’s home inspection industry, where both clients and real estate professionals expect high standards and proven reliability, choosing the right path for professional development is more important than ever. Earning the ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) credential is one of the most impactful steps a home inspector can take, not only to elevate their own practice but to contribute to the credibility of the profession at large.

What makes the ACI stand out? It’s not just ASHI’s longstanding reputation or the rigorous requirements involved. The ACI is also the only home inspector credential accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This accreditation places it among the most respected certifications across all professions and sets it apart from other credentials in the field.

What the ACI Credential Represents

Becoming an ACI means more than passing a test or logging hours in the field. It means meeting a nationally recognized benchmark for skill, ethics, and professional conduct. To earn the ACI designation, inspectors must:

Pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE),

Complete a minimum of 200 paid home inspections,

Have paid home inspection reports verified to meet ASHI SOP,

Commit to upholding ASHI’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and

Stay current through 20 annual continuing education requirements to maintain certification.

This process ensures every ACI has demonstrated not only deep technical knowledge but also real-world experience and a commitment to ethical, ongoing practice.

Why NCCA Accreditation Matters

The NCCA, the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, holds certification programs to the highest standards of fairness, objectivity, and scientific validity. NCCA accreditation means the ACI credential:

Is built on a comprehensive and expert-led job task analysis,

Uses legally defensible, psychometrically validated examination methods,

Maintains transparency and independent governance, and

Requires regular review and ongoing continuing competency.

This accreditation is not given lightly. It affirms that the ACI is not just a symbol of knowledge but a reliable, nationally recognized validation of an inspector’s qualifications. It stands shoulder to shoulder with certifications in fields like health care, financial services, and engineering professions, where public trust is essential. ASHI has successfully completed three five-year re-accreditations and continues to uphold the high NCCA requirements. 

How the ACI Differs From Other Credentials

There are many paths for learning in the home inspection industry, and certificate programs play an important role in that journey. Whether taken online, through a local provider, or via ASHI’s own ASHI Edge platform, these programs offer targeted education that enhances technical skills and broadens professional knowledge.

However, it’s important to understand that a certificate of completion is not the same as a professional certification. A certificate program recognizes that a student has completed a course. A credential like the ACI, on the other hand, confirms that an inspector has demonstrated competency through independent assessment and experience verification, and that they maintain that standard through continuing education and adherence to ethical guidelines.

In that sense, certificate programs and credentials complement each other. Certificate programs help inspectors build new capabilities; a credential like the ACI validates and elevates those capabilities within a broader framework of accountability and professionalism.

More Than a Credential—A Commitment

Earning the ACI isn’t about checking a box; it’s a declaration. It says the home inspector values integrity, lifelong learning, consistency, ethics, and a dedication to public safety. It shows clients and peers alike that they’ve committed to best practices and industry-leading standards, and that their work reflects a deeper responsibility to the people they serve.

As the home inspection landscape continues to evolve, inspectors who hold the ACI are well-positioned to lead with confidence. They are part of a professional community backed by a respected national association, a powerful network, and a shared commitment to quality.

For inspectors looking to distinguish themselves, build client trust, and take pride in their craft, the ASHI Certified Inspector credential, backed by NCCA accreditation, is the clearest, most credible path forward.

Interested inspectors should contact ASHI’s membership department to take the next steps in earning this credential.  

Check out the ASHI digital badge courses to add to your knowledge and expertise, and promote your ACI credential and educational badges.