About 15 percent of all construction and building inspectors worked for engineering and architectural services firms, doing inspections for a fee. Most of the remaining inspectors were employed at the Federal and State levels. Many construction inspectors employed by the Federal Government worked for the Department of Defense, primarily for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Other important Federal employers include the Departments of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and Interior, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Construction or building inspectors need several years of experience as a construction contractor, supervisor, or craft worker before becoming inspectors.
Most employers also require an applicant to have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
High school courses in drafting, algebra, geometry, and English are also useful. Workers who want to become inspectors should have a thorough knowledge of construction materials and practices in either a general area like structural or heavy construction, or in a specialized area such as electrical or plumbing systems, reinforced concrete, or structural steel. Many construction and building inspectors have recent experience as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, or pipefitters. Employers prefer inspectors who have graduated from an apprenticeship program, have studied engineering or architecture for at least 2 years, or have a degree from a community or junior college, with courses in construction technology, blueprint reading, mathematics, and building inspection. Construction and building inspectors must be in good physical condition in order to walk and climb about construction sites.