Why Inspectors Should Take Continuing Education, Even When It's Not Required
by Nick Gromicko, CMI®
3. An inspector who has completed many Continuing Education courses provides a measure of protection for the real estate agent who referred the inspector. Often, when an inspector gets sued, the agent also gets sued for a negligent referral. It is difficult to succeed in such a claim if the inspector is able to produce a long list of robust courses that s/he has completed.
4. Attending or taking online Continuing Education classes can strengthen an inspector’s credibility in court. In states and provinces where Continuing Education classes are mandatory, an inspector’s failure to meet the state or province's requirements could result not only in administrative action, but could also be considered evidence of negligence in a civil suit against the inspector. Even in states and provinces that have no mandatory education requirements, an inspector’s failure to keep current in the field will diminish the inspector’s credibility if he ever testifies in court or at a deposition. A judge or jury is far more likely to find an inspector’s testimony persuasive if the inspector regularly takes Continuing Education classes.
