CCPIA® Certification Requirements

Complete the two courses and pass the exam. Optional self-paced courses included with membership or live training are available to help pass the exam.

All courses are self-paced, can be completed in any order and as many times as you’d like, and are accessible anytime from your account.

About the Certification Courses and Exam

The certification courses follow the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) and teach how to perform commercial property inspections using industry-accepted scopes, procedures, and reporting practices.

Because the three core certification requirements establish professional standards through application of the ComSOP, many inspectors choose to complete the self-paced online courses included with membership or register for live training to gain a deeper understanding of building systems, common deficiencies, and inspection procedures.

The time required to complete the certification depends on prior experience. Inspectors with a strong understanding of building systems and commercial property inspections may only need to complete the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics courses before taking the exam. Those with less experience may benefit from additional training to prepare for and pass the exam. Use the links below to navigate the certification requirements and training options:

What to Expect on the Exam

The Online Commercial Property Inspector Exam evaluates knowledge beyond the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. It includes questions on commercial building system operation, defect recognition, property condition evaluation, and occupant and life safety considerations. You may take the exam as many times as needed. Each attempt must be completed within a two-hour time limit.

Topics Include:

  • Low-slope roofing
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • Electrical systems
  • Exterior components (i.e., siding, parking areas, stormwater drainage, accessibility barriers)
  • Door and windows
  • Building structure
  • Ventilation and insulation in unfinished spaces
  • Cooking areas
  • Life safety and fire protection features
  • Stairs, steps, and their components
  • Decks, balconies, and other attached structures

How to Prepare:

CCPIA® offers multiple ways to get the training and education you need for certification, based on your background and preferred learning style, including self-paced, live online, and in-person options.

  • 30+ on-demand courses
  • Fast-track courses (held live on Zoom)
  • In-person and hands-on training (held nationwide)

All on-demand courses are included with an All-Access Membership. Members also receive discounts on all fast-track courses and in-person training.

Once you complete the exam, you’ll receive a breakdown of your score by building system and topic. Use this feedback to guide any additional training. For example, if you don’t pass the low-slope roofing section, you can take the on-demand course specifically focused on that topic.

Membership and Learning Paths Overview:

Certification Checklist and Education Dashboard

As part of the certification process, you’ll use your Education Dashboard to follow the required steps and track your progress for the available online, self-paced courses included with membership. It clearly lists the certification requirements and offers optional on-demand courses to help you prepare for the exam, if needed.

Education Dashboard Preview (Included Online, Self-paced Courses)

Exclusive Resources for Certified Members

Once certified, members access to exclusive tools and resources. The following benefits are available only to certified inspectors and are included with an All-Access Account

  • Listing in the Find an Inspector Directory
  • Listing in the Verify an Inspector Directory
  • CCPIA® Certified Inspector badge/logo
  • CCPIA® Association logos
  • CCPIA® Certified Inspector downloadable certificate
  • CCPIA® Certified Inspector apparel patches
  • CCPIA® Certified vehicle decals and other products
  • CCPIA® ID card and lanyard
  • Custom one-page profile for your business

Once You’re Certified

After completing the certification requirements, you can download your badge and certificate and enable your public directory listing, which is used by those buying, selling, leasing, or managing a property and needing an inspection. Becoming CCPIA–Certified sets the foundation for qualification performing commercial property inspections. As you grow your business and advance your skills, take advantage of these exclusive member resources and development opportunities:

  • Book 1:1 coaching sessions with CCPIA® Instructors and Training Directors
  • Download inspection checklists and field guides
  • Download business documents and templates
  • Access business development tools and templates
  • Order custom marketing materials (print, digital, and videos)
  • Attain continuing education credits, including InterNACHI®, International Code Council (ICC), and home inspector state-issued licenses
  • Attend in-person training and live online fast-track courses or complete additional on-demand courses
    • Additional training is available for ancillary services, business practices, and marketing, including cost to remedy reporting (i.e., opinions of probable cost), financial insight reporting for immediate and long-term capital planning based on property conditions, building maintenance inspections, accessibility inspections, IAQ assessments, Phase 1 ESAs, and other aspects of commercial property inspections or business development.
  • Join a monthly virtual roundtable meeting to connect with other  inspectors
  • Book 1:1 coaching sessions with CCPIA® Instructors and Training Directors
  • Become or find a mentor through the member-run mentor program
Visit the Membership Benefits page for a complete overview of all training and resources included with an All-Access Account, or check out the CCPIA® New Member Guide to get started.