How to Get Certified for Termite Inspections as an Arizona Home Inspector
If you are already a home inspector in Arizona and want to start performing your own termite inspections, there is a separate certification process through the Arizona Department of Agriculture Office of Pest Management, commonly called OPM.
Most inspectors simply refer to this as getting a termite license. Technically, Arizona certifies the individual as a Certified Applicator in the applicable pest management category.
To complete official Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Reports, commonly called WDIIRs, you need the proper certification, registration and training.
Here is what the process generally looks like.
What Termite Certification Do I Need?
For home inspectors, there are two termite certification categories you will commonly hear about: 2A and 2B.
2B Wood Destroying Insect Inspection
2B is the inspection only category. It allows a properly certified applicator to inspect for wood destroying insects and complete WDIIRs.
It does not include termite treatments, pesticide applications or preparing treatment proposals.
For most home inspectors who simply want to add WDIIR termite inspections, 2B is typically the certification we recommend.
2A Wood Destroying Organism Treatment
2A is the broader certification. It includes inspecting for wood destroying organisms along with termite treatment work and treatment proposals.
A home inspector who only wants to perform WDIIR inspections may not need the additional treatment certification. Someone interested in performing both inspections and treatments may want to consider 2A.
If you are unsure which certification makes sense for you, we can help explain the difference before you get started.
How Do I Get Certified?
The exact application process can change, so current requirements should always be confirmed with OPM.
Generally, the process includes:
Apply for Certified Applicator certification with OPM.
Complete the required fingerprint and criminal records check requirements.
Pass the Core examination.
Pass the applicable 2A or 2B category examination.
Complete the remaining state requirements and receive your Certified Applicator certification.
Become properly registered with Protection Termite Control.
Complete the required WDIIR training before performing inspections independently.
Arizona currently requires a score of at least 75 percent on both the Core examination and the applicable category examination.
Can My Home Inspector License Cover Termite Inspections?
Your Arizona home inspector certification allows you to document evidence of wood destroying organisms you observe during a general home inspection.
It does not, by itself, allow you to complete an official WDIIR.
If you want to offer WDIIR termite inspections, you need the appropriate Arizona pest management certification and registration.
What Happens After I Get Certified?
Passing the exams is only part of becoming comfortable performing termite inspections.
Arizona requires applicators completing WDIIRs to complete WDIIR training through the licensed pest management business.
At Protection Termite Control, we also provide hands on field training with our experienced termite inspectors.
Newly licensed inspectors complete side by side inspections with our team. We compare findings, discuss what should be reported and why, and walk through the WDIIR reporting process together.
You will also practice preparing reports during training.
We do not base training on simply reaching a set number of inspections. We continue working with you until both you and our termite team feel comfortable with you performing inspections independently.
What Do Home Inspectors Get With Protection?
Our Home Inspector Program provides more than help getting through the certification process.
The goal is to give home inspectors the training, tools and ongoing support needed to confidently add termite inspections to what they already do.
Training With Our Termite Inspectors
You will train in the field with inspectors who perform termite inspections every day.
Instead of only learning from study materials, you will compare actual findings, discuss reportable conditions and learn how our team approaches the inspection and reporting process.
Our Own In House WDIIR Software
Protection owns the software, built it in house, and continues to customize it specifically around our termite inspection workflow and the home inspectors who use it.
It was designed to make creating and submitting WDIIR reports faster, simpler and more consistent in the field.
Because we control the software ourselves, we can continue improving it around the way our inspectors and home inspector partners actually work.
Report Review and Support
You are not on your own after training.
Our team reviews reports for potential errors, missing information and consistency. This gives you another set of experienced eyes on your reports and helps keep the reporting process clear and accurate.
If you run into a question in the field or are unsure how something should be reported, you also have an experienced termite team available to help.
Added Protection for Your Buyer
Our program also gives your buyer an additional benefit.
Qualifying inspections include a one year no findings termite inspection warranty, giving the buyer added protection after the inspection is complete.
Already Termite Certified and Want to Join Protection?
If you already hold the appropriate Arizona termite certification, you do not need to start over.
If you are looking for stronger support, streamlined reporting and an experienced termite team behind you, we can help you complete the registration and onboarding steps needed to join Protection's Home Inspector Program.
Depending on your experience, we can adjust the amount of field training needed.
Once onboarded, you will have access to our in house reporting software, report review and support from our termite team, along with the additional benefits our program provides to you and your clients.
How Do I Get Started?
Whether you are just beginning the termite certification process, already studying for your exams or already certified, Protection Termite Control can help you figure out your next step.
Our Home Inspector Program was built specifically for Arizona home inspectors who want to add termite inspections with an experienced termite company providing the training, reporting tools and ongoing support behind them.
Interested in adding termite inspections or already certified and looking for a new program?
Learn more about our Home Inspector Program or contact Protection Termite Control to talk with our team.
Arizona Home Inspector Termite License FAQ
Can a home inspector perform termite inspections in Arizona?
Yes, but your Arizona home inspector certification alone does not allow you to complete an official WDIIR. You need the applicable Arizona pest management certification, registration and WDIIR training.
Should a home inspector get a 2A or 2B termite certification?
For most home inspectors who only want to perform WDIIR termite inspections, Protection typically recommends 2B.
2B is focused on wood destroying insect inspections and WDIIRs. 2A is broader and also covers wood destroying organism treatment work.
What tests do I need to take?
Certified Applicator applicants generally need to pass the Core examination and the applicable category examination, such as 2B for Wood Destroying Insect Inspection.
Arizona currently requires a score of at least 75 percent on each examination.
Do I need to become a QP?
Not simply to become certified and perform WDIIR inspections through Protection's Home Inspector Program.
For a home inspector joining our program, the focus is obtaining the appropriate Certified Applicator certification, becoming properly registered and completing the required WDIIR and field training.
Do I need to open my own pest control company?
Not necessarily. Working with an established licensed pest management business can provide a path for properly certified and registered inspectors to perform WDIIR inspections without building a separate termite operation of their own.
Does Protection provide training after I become certified?
Yes. Protection provides hands on field training with our experienced termite inspectors, including side by side inspections, comparing findings and practicing the WDIIR reporting process.
Training continues as needed until both you and our team feel comfortable with you performing inspections independently.
Does Protection review my termite reports?
Yes. Our team reviews reports for potential errors, missing information and consistency and is available to help when reporting questions come up.
Does Protection provide WDIIR software?
Yes. Protection owns and developed our in house reporting software specifically around our termite inspection workflow and the needs of the home inspectors in our program.
What if I am already termite certified?
If you are already properly certified, we can help you complete the registration and onboarding steps needed to join Protection's Home Inspector Program. Field training can be adjusted based on your existing termite inspection experience.
How long does it take to get certified?
There is no guaranteed timeline. Timing can depend on the state application and background requirements, exam availability, passing the required examinations, state processing and completing the required training.
This page is intended as a general overview of Arizona termite inspection certification and Protection Termite Control's Home Inspector Program. Licensing rules and procedures may change. Always verify current certification requirements with the Arizona Department of Agriculture Office of Pest Management. Program benefits and warranty coverage are subject to applicable program and warranty terms.