ASHI vs. InterNACHI
ASHI and InterNACHI both charge $499 a year, and both give a certification title to members who meet their rules. The biggest difference is the exam. ASHI's top title asks for the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) and 250 paid inspections. InterNACHI uses its own free online exam.
Checked on October 4, 2026
Side by side
This table compares the top title in each group, as each one published it on October 4, 2026:
| Point | ASHI | InterNACHI |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | American Society of Home Inspectors | International Association of Certified Home Inspectors |
| Top title | ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) | Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) |
| Dues | $499 a year, or $49.16 a month plus a $91 yearly plan fee | $499 a year, or $49 a month |
| Exam | The NHIE | InterNACHI's Online Inspector Examination, free, 120 questions in 60 minutes |
| Inspections | At least 250 paid inspections, with 5 reports reviewed | Four mock reports if you have no paid inspections yet |
| Courses | Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics modules | Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice courses |
| Continuing education | 20 hours a year | 24 hours a year, and the exam again every 3 years |
ASHI's three levels
ASHI, founded in 1976, is a not-for-profit society, and its levels of membership step up with experience:
- Associate. Apply online and pass the Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics modules.
- Inspector. At least 50 paid inspections and five reports sent for review. You also need your state license, or a passing NHIE score if your state has no license.
- ASHI Certified Inspector. A passing NHIE score and at least 250 paid inspections. ASHI says the National Commission for Certifying Agencies has accredited this title since 2009.
How InterNACHI certifies
InterNACHI's Certified Professional Inspector requirements start with membership. Then you pass its online exam, which is free and open to anyone. The pass mark is 80, with at least 50 on each of its 14 sections, and you can retake it as often as you like.
You also finish its ethics and standards courses and, without paid inspections, send four mock reports for review. The title ends if you cancel the membership.
Where the NHIE fits
The NHIE is the licensing exam in most licensing states, so an inspector there takes it whichever group they join. ASHI builds it into its titles. InterNACHI doesn't use it at all. For what the exam covers, see the National Home Inspector Exam guide. For how either title compares with a state license, see home inspector certification vs. license.
Questions people ask
Does InterNACHI accept the NHIE?
No. InterNACHI's exam page says it accepts no other exam in place of its Online Inspector Examination.
Can I join ASHI as a new inspector?
Yes, at the Associate level. It asks for an online application and ASHI's Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics modules. The Inspector level comes after 50 paid inspections.
See where you stand
Take a free 200 question practice exam, weighted like the NHIE, with your score by task.
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About the exam