Qualifying the Home Inspector
"Now that home inspections have become accepted real estate practice in so many parts of the U.S. and Canada," said Falcone, "ASHI's concern is to educate buyers about selecting a home inspector who is qualified. Currently, an inspector's membership in ASHI^® is the most widely accepted indication of qualification."
Falcone explained that ASHI's requirements for membership are rigorous, including the performance of at least 250 paid professional home inspections and the successful completion of written exams which test the applicant's knowledge of building systems and components, report writing and the ASHI^® Standards of Practice, and the diagnosis of house and building  defects. 
Once granted membership, inspectors are expected to continue their education, and are required to earn 40 membership renewal credits every two years in order to keep current with new technology and building practices. Their professional capability is measured against ASHI's national Standards of Practice, which is universally recognized as the benchmark of performance in the home inspection profession. Furthermore, ASHI's strict Code of Ethics protects consumers from potential conflicts of interest by prohibiting inspectors from recommending contractors for repairs, or from doing any of the repairs themselves, in homes which they inspect.

Home buyers who wish to know more about the American Society of Home Inspectors and the names of ASHI Members near them may contact the organization at 932 Lee Street, Ste. 101, Des Plaines, IL 60016.  (800-743-2744).
American Society of Home Inspectors^® news release.  internet ASHI members

CHOOSING AN INSPECTOR  A helpful on-line article by author and professional inspector Dan Friedman of American Micropublishing Co.