Section 1410.520 Pre-License Course Curriculum

a) Pre-license education course work to obtain a license as a home inspector shall consist of a minimum of 60 hours of instruction, of which no less than 40 hours shall be classroom instruction and no less than 10 hours shall be practical lab instruction. The content for pre-license instruction courses shall not be repetitive and shall represent a progression of instruction in that the home inspector's knowledge is increased in the following topics, including but not limited to:

1) Exteriors: Exterior study must contain the following as a minimum.

A) Identification and inspection of exposed foundations.

B) Identification and inspection of siding and exterior wall covering material, flashing, and trim including: Aluminum, brick, vinyl, steel Asphalt, hardboard, stucco, wood, exterior insulation finish system.

C) Identification and inspection of gutter and drainage control systems.

D) Inspection of porches steps and rails including the structural composition.

E) Identification and implications on vegetation, grading and surface drainage including: retaining walls, walk ways and driveways leading to a dwelling entrance.

2) Interiors: Interior study must contain the following as a minimum:

A) Identification and inspection of wall, ceiling and floor defects.

B) Identification and inspection of step, stair and railing defects.

C) Identification and inspection of countertop, cabinet and island defects as it pertains to a kitchen or other type room.

D) Identification and inspection of interior and exterior door defects.

E) Identification and inspection of window defects and operation.

F) Identification and inspection of garage door defects, garage door opener defects, and garage structure defects including fire safety and habitability.

3) Roofing: Roofing study must contain the following as a minimum:

A) Identification of the type and style of roofs.

B) Identification and inspection of the roofing materials used including: asphalt, cedar shake, cedar shingle, tar, residential rolled roofing, clay and concrete tiles, slate, metal, and asbestos.

C) Identification and inspection of skylights and flashing.

D) Identification of chimneys and other penetrations, including proper height and composition.

4) Plumbing: Plumbing study must contain the following as a minimum:

A) Identification and description of the main distribution system including all fixtures and faucets and materials.

B) Identification and description of all drain, waste and vent systems including all fixtures and materials.

C) Identification and description of water heating systems.

D) Identification and description of fuel distribution systems and materials.

E) Description and identification of all drainage control devices, including sump pumps, ejector pumps or other related piping.

F) Identification of water source and sewer distribution.

5) Electrical: Electrical study must contain the following as a minimum:

A) Identification and inspection of the main service, including the size, location, over current protection, such as a breaker or a fuse, service, entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.

B) Identification and inspection of the branch distribution, including fuse boxes, breaker boxes, and sub-panels.

C) Identification and inspection of all over current protection devices and wire type identification.

D) Identification and inspection of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles.

E) Identification and inspection of safety devices, including ground fault circuit interrupters.

6) Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC): HVAC study must include the following as a minimum:

A) Identification and inspection of the installed heating equipment, including: gas forced air, fuel oil forced air, heat pumps, electric forced air, and hydronic heating equipment as well and the distribution related to the various types.

B) Identification and inspection of fuel sources and distribution.

C) Identification and inspection of flue pipes and spent gas removal systems.

D) Identification and inspection of all related safety devices.

E) Identification and inspection of installed cooling systems, including central and window mounted systems.

7) Structural: Structural study must contain the following as a minimum:

A) Identification and inspection of all structural components, including floor and wall framing.

B) Identification and inspection of all foundation support systems, including: poured concrete, concrete block, brick, stone, wood and all related perimeter footing systems.

C) Identification and inspection of water related or seepage related sources.

D) Identification and inspection of flood control devices.

E) Identification and inspection of roof structure and systems related to composition.

F) Identification and inspection of under roof and under floor ventilation.

G) Identification and inspection of insulation and vapor protection systems.

8) Miscellaneous Appliances: Appliance study must contain the following as a minimum:

A) Identification of all fireplaces, solid fuel burning appliances, chimneys and vents.

B) Identification and inspection of all major appliances, including, but not limited to range, stove, oven, refrigerator, window air conditioner, washer, drier, trash compactor, and garbage disposal, and other appliances that may be a part of a transaction.

9) Applicable laws: Illinois specific law study must contain at a minimum:

A) Specific knowledge and understanding of the Illinois Home Inspector License Act and Administrative Rule.

B) General knowledge and understanding of Illinois Human Rights Act.

C) General knowledge and understanding of contract law.

10) Standards of Practice: Standards of practice study must contain the following as a minimum: