Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Construction or building inspectors need several years of experience as a construction contractor, supervisor, or craft worker before becoming inspectors. Most employers also require an applicant to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school courses in drafting, algebra, geometry, and English are also useful. Employers prefer inspectors who have graduated from an apprenticeship program, have studied engineering or architecture for at least two years, or have a degree from a community or junior college, with courses in construction technology, blueprint reading, mathematics, and building inspection.

Job Outlook:
Employment of construction and building inspectors is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. There will be approximately 86,000 construction and building inspectors by 2005. Increases in the level of construction activity and a rising concern for public safety and for improvements in the quality of construction should spur demand for construction and building in spectors. The trend of government, particularly federal and state, to contract out construction inspection functions to engineering, architectural, and management services firms is expected to continue. In addition, a growing volume of real estate transactions and a greater awareness and emphasis on home inspections will add to employment requirements for home inspectors. Because of the trend toward the establishment of professional standards for inspectors, job prospects should be best for highly experienced craft workers who have some college education or who are certified as inspectors.

Sources of Additional Information:

Information about a career and certification as a construction or building inspector is available from the following model code organizations: