How to become a building inspector in Quebec and what is the salary?

To become a building inspector in Quebec:

Path:

1. RBQ certificate: since October 1, 2024, the RBQ issues a residential building inspector certificate; it becomes mandatory on October 1, 2027 for inspections carried out for a real estate transaction (pre-purchase)
2. Required training: an Attestation d'études collégiales (AEC) in building inspection based on the BNQ 3009-500 standard; an AEC specializing in large-building inspection is added for Category 2. The RBQ publishes the list of compliant programs offered by cégeps and colleges
3. Transition period (October 1, 2024 to August 2, 2027): an inspector already in practice who does not hold the AEC may apply with an upgrading course and, for Category 1, 3 years of experience within the last 5 years (5 years within the last 8 years for Category 2)
4. AIBQ membership: the Association des inspecteurs en bâtiments du Québec also requires an AEC in building inspection; the annual fee is $695 plus tax, errors & omissions insurance through its broker is mandatory, and 10 hours of recognized training per year are required. The Association offers 3 free field accompaniments

An exam? The RBQ imposes an exam only on holders of a valid inspection accreditation issued in another province or Canadian territory (a second exam for Category 2). For an inspector trained in Quebec, the qualification is the AEC, not an exam.

Salary: no published scale exists: it depends on status (employee or self-employed), region and inspection volume.

Insurance: The requirement does not come from the profession at large but from two frameworks. The RBQ has issued a residential building inspector certificate since October 1, 2024, mandatory from October 1, 2027; its conditions include financial guarantees — general liability and errors & omissions insurance of $1,000,000 (Category 1) or $2,000,000 (Category 2). For AIBQ members, E&O insurance is a condition of membership, taken out with the Association's insurer, which publishes a premium of $3,250 (2024) for $1M and $3,600 (2024) for $2M.