To become an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI), a candidate must complete 250 fee paid inspections, submit their reports to the Society for verification of compliance with the ASHI Standards of Practice, pass the National Home Inspector's Exam (a proctored, psychometrically verified exam), and agree to abide by the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Members are required to receive a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education each year.

Today, the term "certified" and placing letters after your name have become grossly abused, so it is important to know that "ASHI Certified Inspector" is legally recognized through accreditation by the National Commission For Certifying Agencies (NCCA).  NCCA evaluates parent organizations for viability and integrity along with their certification programs for fairness, reliability and means of recertification. There are many other home inspector organizations.  Some are private, for profit organizations, whose primary purpose is to make money for the owners.  Some are popular with new inspectors and the unscrupulous because they don't require testing, a minimum number of inspections, or verification of reports: just pay your money, and you are "certified."  No other home inspection association is accredited or has the ability to issue meaningful certification.