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In the current housing downturn, banks and independent loan entities are increasingly finicky about the properties with which they become involved. This typically means a stringent home inspection before any papers are signed. Though this has caused headaches for potential homeowners, it has supplemented the demand for qualified home inspectors.

There are currently three levels of Real Estate Inspector Licenses and more than one way to earn them. Apprentice Inspector, Real Estate Inspector, and Professional Inspector licenses can be obtained through a Three-tier Progression Path or an Education-Experience Alternative Waiver Path. Both offer the same qualification and career options.

To begin, a prospective home inspector must first apply for a license as an Apprentice Inspector, the first level in the three-tier progression. To be eligible for licensure as an apprentice, the applicant must be 18 years of age or older; a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien; a legal resident; and be able to pass a background check. Once accepted, apprentices must be sponsored by a Professional Inspector, who will be responsible for any of the apprentice's inspections.

The next level, the intermediate level, of licensure in the Three-Tier Progression is the title of Real Estate Inspector. To obtain this license an applicant must have completed and verified their apprenticeship requirements and complete 90 classroom hours in "core real estate Inspection courses." Once the application has been processed for a Real Estate Inspector license you are eligible to take the examination.

The third level of licensure in the Three-Tier Progression is that of a licensed Professional Inspector. An applicant for a license as a Professional Inspector must complete 38 classroom hours of 'core real estate inspection course work' including a minimum of 8 hours in the study of standards of practice, legal issues, or ethics related to the profession of real estate inspections. These 38 hours are in addition to those completed to meet licensure requirements for a Real Estate Inspector.

The Education/Experience Alternative Waiver Path allows an applicant to substitute additional education or experience for the requirement of each licensing level. Therefore, with the appropriate amount of education or the combination of experience and education, a person can apply directly for a Real Estate Inspector or Professional Inspector license.

Whichever path is chosen, the home inspection field is a vital part of the real estate market. Without it, loans could become even more scarce and hard to obtain. To learn more about a career as a home inspector, visit with real professionals in the business at the Austin Institute of Real Estate. The Austin Institute has twenty years of education experience and understands what it takes for certification and proper working knowledge of the real estate industry. To become a certified Texas Home Inspector or to sign up for classes for your Texas real estate license, visit www.austininstitute.com.