The qualifications to become a national inspector depend on the jurisdiction where you live; the types of organizations, services, or physical goods that you will be inspecting; and the standards of the industry in which you are an expert. In many cases, you will need to demonstrate a high level of knowledge in your industry. Typically, you will need to have a combination of educational credentials, professional certifications, or licenses as well as significant experience as an inspector. There are, however, some industries in which the requirements to become a national inspector, or an inspector whose credentials are nationally recognized, are less stringent. For example, in the United States, home inspectors may be able to gain national certification after completing a basic course and taking a certifying exam.
Many different governments and industries rely on the services of inspectors, individuals who examine equipment, structures, and organizations to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards. Some inspectors are limited in the geographical scope of their inspections, such as health inspectors who may be restricted to inspecting restaurants within a specific town or county. In some cases, however, a credentialed inspector may be able to perform inspections throughout a nation, either because he is employed by a government agency or because of the nature of his industry.
If you are interested in performing inspection services in a particular industry, it is generally a good idea to begin with an entry-level position in that industry to develop in-depth knowledge of industry standards, education, and laws. The education required for entering each industry will vary significantly, as will the years of experience needed as a worker within an industry before a person is competent to become an inspector. For example, if you want to become a national inspector for the banking industry, you may be required to hold at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and spend many years working in a bank or for a banking regulatory agency before you could be qualified to work as an inspector.
In some cases, you must first be licensed or certified by a government agency or professional organization before you can become a national inspector. The qualifications set by agencies and organizations vary, but may require you to demonstrate a combination of education and experience. You may also be required to complete a special course for inspector training as well as pass a background check and credentialing examination. Individual employers, such as businesses, professional standards organizations, and government agencies, may also have their own training program that you must complete before you can begin work.
