For immediate registration, please contact the School Administrator or call (217.839.3375).
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Home Study and Lab
Home Inspection Pre-Qualification School (HIPQS) training includes an examination and evaluation of 5 properties conducted by an 18 year licensed home inspector. Followed by a review, and presentation of the Pre-Qualification Test. Candidates must pass this test with a score of 70% or better.. The test is 130 multiple choice or true and false questions. The test is graded and all passing will be issued a transcript signed and sealed by the school administrator.
The advantages of Home Study are:
- The learning materials are sent directly to your home.
- You learn at home, where you can be comfortable.—there’s no commuting necessary!
- Easy to understand lessons guide you from the beginning to the end of your program.
- You can arrange your study time around you busy schedule.
- No need to take time off work to continue your education.
- HIPQS inspection program meets the State of Illinois Practical Lab requirement.
About Jack McGraw
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Instructor for Chicago Labs |
I am a retired Lieutenant Paramedic and Contractor that has a passion for teaching and working in the home inspector industry. I have been doing the Home Inspection business for over 8 years now and continue to expand my knowledge on building safety. I am currently serving on the board of directors with the American Society of Home Inspectors. I have taught at seminars and colleges on various degrees of marketing your business, building inspections and safety.
Board of director with American Society of Home inspectors (ASHI)
Illinois State License inspector #450.0001263
Member American Society of Home inspectors (ASHI)
Northern Illinois Chapter Board of director
Certified in Thermo Imaging Building Science 1
Certified HERS Rater ( Home Energy Rating System)
OSHA Certified
Disaster Housing Inspector
Instructor for Junior Achievement school program
Home Study and Lab Course $975.00
Download Application/Order Form
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80 Hour/10 Day Classroom and Inspection Lab Course
This 80 hour/10 day course approved by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – IDFPR is designed to prepare individuals to become home inspectors and for the state-licensing exam. Topics covered will include the history of the inspection industry; an overview of plumbing, electrical, air conditioning and heating systems; structure quality (including walls, windows, doors and framing); foundations and roofs, an overview of how to write a report, and review and preparation for the state exam. Classroom instruction will feature hands-on displays of electrical panels, furnaces, plumbing, roofing materials and more. Also, students will go to two home inspections with the instructor. This course does not include instruction on business development, marketing, management or operation of a home inspection business.
The instructor is Dana Strumpher, a Certified Inspector of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), board member on the Illinois Home Inspector Licensing Advisory Board and licensed Illinois home inspector #450.000002. Dana has 16+ years experience in the home inspection field, completing more than 5,000 home inspections.
The advantages of classroom instruction are:
- 80-hour pre-licensing course certified by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- 2 onsite home inspections
- Assistance in preparing for the State exam
- Instructor with 16+ years of experience and more than 5,000 completed home inspections
- Textbook is included in the fee
Dana is business Co-Owner of Amerispec Home Inspection Service, Springfield, Illinois. Dana started performing inspections for AmeriSpec in 1991, then purchased the business in 1995. Dana custom built inspection form sets for performing home inspections with the AmeriSpec Home Inspector 2000 software(R), which includes digital/defect photos, defect recognition clipart and color prioritized findings. When performing inspections, some people say "he's too picky", others say, "They wouldn't recommend anyone else". With Dana's extensive knowledge and background, you can rest assured you will get a non-biased "state of the art inspection".
80 Hours/10 Day Classroom Instruction and Lab $2,150.00
Download Application/Order Form
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Continuing Education
DON"T LOSE YOUR LICENSE BY NOT TAKING YOUR CONTINUING EDUCATION
A home inspector who makes application to renew his or her Home Inspector License shall successfully complete the equivalent of 6 hours per year of approved continuing education preceding the renewal; for example a total of 12 hours of approved continuing education for a 2 year renewal cycle. All Home Inspection License’s shall expire November 30th of even numbered years. The next renewal date for Continued Education Courses shall be completed by November 30, 2012. Continuing education may be obtained anytime during the pre-renewal period.
HIPQS will mail the Home Study Course to you. Illinois State Approved Home Study Courses require Candidates to take the test in person. Each 3 hour course requires a 25 question test. When you are ready to take the test you may either come to the HIPQS home office or take it via a proctor service at your local library.
We accept all major credit cards or you can mail a check to Home Inspection Pre-Qualification School, 117 Madison St., Gillespie, Illinois 62033. Continuing Education Courses will be mailed out Priority Mail. The Home Inspection Pre-Qualification School (HIPQS) Course of study is STATE APPROVED for the following courses: Electrical, Roofing, Heat/AC, and Plumbing.
Heat/AC $75.00 3 Hours State License # 454.000223
Plumbing $75.00 3 Hours State License # 454.000224
Buy 2 Courses for $140.00 6 Hours
Any 3 Courses for $210.00 9 Hours
Any 4 Courses for $250.00 12 Hours
***Check back for more Continuing Education Courses to be added soon!
Download Application/Order Form
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Out of State Home Study Course
States with no licensing requirements can use our home study course to pass the National Certification exam and begin inspecting in your home state.


