UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

The Residential Home Inspection (RHI) Program will be on hiatus during Fall Quarter 2026 while the program undergoes improvements and updates.

During this time, the college will be reviewing and enhancing curriculum, updating course delivery methods, transitioning content into our learning management system, and improving accessibility. These improvements are intended to strengthen the student experience and expand access to the program.

We look forward to relaunching the program with these enhancements in place.

Contacts

If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.

Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email IndustrialTradesNav@btc.edu

The Residential Home Inspection program is offered several times during the year. The program consists of two core courses: RHI 111 and RHI 112. For schedule information, please visit the Continuing Education Class Search page on BTC’s website and search by Title: Residential Home Inspection. This program is offered on the BTC campus. For questions, contact the Continuing Education department at cce@btc.edu or 360.752.8472.

A Bellingham Technical College Admission Application is required before a student can register for the Residential Home Inspection certificate classes.

• Proficiency in keyboarding, typing, and basic computer applications is required to successfully complete program requirements.
• A personal laptop that is Windows compatible with Wi-Fi and Word processing capability is required for participants.
• It is recommended that students have good basic academic skills.
• For field training (RHI 112), students must have flashlights, protective coveralls and basic respirators or face masks.

Program Application/Forms

Students may enroll in this part-time program without taking a placement exam. Prior to registration, students must complete a College Admission Form and the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement (SFRA). Students who wish to authorize the College to discuss their educational records with a parent, spouse, employer, or other designated individual must also complete a FERPA Release Form.

Prospective home inspectors should recognize that the profession requires a combination of technical knowledge and physical capability. Inspectors must possess sufficient strength, mobility, and dexterity to safely access and evaluate all readily accessible areas of a property, including attics, crawl spaces, roofs, and other confined or elevated locations, in accordance with industry standards and safety practices. Duties may include climbing ladders, traversing roofs when conditions permit and navigating varying site conditions. Home inspectors should also be prepared to work outdoors in diverse weather conditions and maintain a professional commitment to safety, accuracy, and thoroughness in a wide range of residential inspection environments.

1. Apply to BTC
2. Prepare to Attend

Upon completion of the Fundamentals of Residential Home Inspection and Home Inspection Field Training courses, students will be prepared to conduct professional residential home inspections in accordance with Washington State laws, Standards of Practice, ethical requirements, and industry standards. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to evaluate residential systems and components, identify defects and safety concerns, prepare professional inspection reports, and apply industry-standard inspection practices. Through classroom instruction and supervised field training, students will also be prepared to meet Washington State licensing requirements and successfully take the state licensure examination.

Home inspection offers strong earning potential and flexible career opportunities. In Washington State, construction and building inspectors, including home inspectors, earn a median annual wage of approximately $96,000, with experienced professionals earning $120,000 or more. Many home inspectors are self-employed and can increase earnings through independent business ownership. Continued demand for residential property inspections supports ongoing employment opportunities throughout the state.

Home inspectors examine and report on a home’s systems and structure—from the roof to the basement. Typically, inspectors work for real-estate purchasers and related service companies.

The majority of home inspectors are self employed and work on behalf of potential real estate purchasers.