Online Course

Establish the foundational knowledge you need to become a skilled home inspector with ASHI’s


Home Inspection Essentials or Illinois-Approved Home Inspection Essentials Courses!


Master our extensive offering of 14 tracks and 25 courses to ensure you have what it takes to enter the field of home inspection fully prepared. Best of all, the Pre-Licensing series can be taken from home and on your own schedule. For the Illinois Approved version of the course, you will sign up for your 5 field training events after completing the online coursework. These field events take place in the Chicagoland area and northeastern IL, over two and a half days.


The 65-hour online course provides an overview of home inspection from the foundation to the roof and everything in between. Some of the topics covered are:

  • Structural Components
  • Heating Concepts and Systems
  • Exterior Components
  • Fireplaces and Chimneys
  • Roofing Types
  • Cooling Concepts and Air Conditioning
  • Site Conditions
  • Insulation and Ventilation Components
  • Interior Components
  • Plumbing Systems
  • Electrical Systems
  • Analysis and Reporting Responsibilities
  • Home Appliances
  • Professional Responsibilities

Both Courses Include:

  • Online access to all course materials for 1 full year*
  • Access to 14 tracks on fundamental home inspection topics
  • Helpful study guides that include diagrams, images, and space to take notes
  • Interactive activities, short scenarios, knowledge checks, narrated images, and recorded video instruction and demonstrations
  • The full feature e-books: Mechanical Systems and NHIE Content Manual and the Structural Systems and Business Manual**
  • A 4-hour, 200 question online final exam
  • A certificate of completion

* The course must be completed within one year of the registration date and can be taken anywhere.
** The e-book claim code is sent 24-48 hours after registration.

The Illinois Approved Course also includes 5 field inspections in the Chicagoland area, with an experienced and active Illinois ASHI Certified Inspector

You can find the Illinois Home Inspection Essentials course on ASHI’s Online Learning Platform ASHI Edge.

Create an account on our ASHI's online learning platform ASHI Edge and purchase the course here: