Nearly half of the construction inspectors employed by the Federal Government in 1984 worked for the Department of Defense, primarily for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Other important Federal employers include the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and Interior. About one-third of all inspectors worked for private industry, overwhelmingly for construction companies. The insurance industry employed a relatively small number of inspectors. To become a construction or building inspector, several years of experience as a construction contractor, supervisor, or craft worker are generally required.
Most employers also require an applicant to have a high school diploma.
High school preparation should include courses in drafting, algebra, geometry, and English. 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. A significant number of construction and building inspectors have recent experience as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, or pipefitters. Many 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.