Gain hands-on experience inspecting commercial buildings and writing reports.

Register today for a field training. Each class is held at a different type of property and location across the country.

These are in-person, hands-on classes held at commercial properties nationwide. Each class spans one or two days and helps inspectors build confidence inspecting commercial buildings and assessing property conditions. Inspectors gain experience with a variety of building systems and property types.

You’ll complete the full inspection process from start to finish. The field training emphasizes how building systems function, common deficiencies, assessing visible conditions, and best practices for on-site documentation and safety. You’ll also learn how to translate field observations and photos into a comprehensive inspection report. A pre-inspection exercise applies proposal, pricing, and research methodologies to prepare for the walkthrough.

Main Topics and Takeaways

You’ll learn how to:

  • Inspect commercial systems and components, including:
    • Building envelope (walls, roofs, windows, doors, and foundations)
    • Building structure
    • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
    • Fire and life safety features
    • Exterior areas, topography, and drainage features
    • Parking areas, flatwork and their potential barriers to accessibility
  • Inspect a variety of property types and building uses. Depending on the class location, this may include:
    • Commercial kitchens
    • Balconies and other attached structures
    • Mixed-use or office spaces
    • Service bays, loading docks, and industrial or warehouse areas
    • Gymnasiums, pools, auditoriums, or other unique occupancies
  • Navigate commercial properties efficiently, take comprehensive field notes, and stay organized
  • Follow safe inspection practices and consistent procedures so nothing gets missed
  • Generate an inspection report using your preferred software in adherence to the ComSOP
  • Draft a proposal and price for a mock job that accurately reflects your time and business costs

Upcoming Dates and Locations

Visit the Training Calendar to view upcoming dates and locations. Classes may be one or two days, depending on the location and building.

Register for a Field Training

Training Format Overview

This is an in-person, hands-on class. Most of the class is spent inspecting the building’s interior and exterior, with some classroom time dedicated to pricing a mock job and drafting your inspection report. Each class is held at a different commercial building. Select a class date to preview the subject property. Dress appropriately for the weather, climbing a ladder, and walking the site.

Included Materials

  • Whole-building and system-specific inspection checklists
  • Estimated life expectancy chart for commercial building systems
  • Inspection safety field guide
  • Pricing and proposal templates and practice worksheets
  • Report structure template using the ComSOP

Who Should Take This Course

We generally recommend some experience with building systems or property inspections prior to attending, along with familiarity with the ComSOP, such as:

  • Individuals seeking hands-on experience. Each training offers unique opportunities, with some sessions covering more advanced systems.
  • Inspectors preparing to complete the CCPIA® Certified Commercial Property Inspector certification requirements
  • Residential inspectors, field inspectors, government inspectors, and facility managers looking to expand into commercial work or deepen their knowledge
  • Professionals in trades, construction, or facilities maintenance and management who are transitioning into inspection or deepen their knowledge

Sneak Peak & Student Testimonial

FAQs

How is this course delivered?

This is an in-person, hands-on class. Most of the class is spent inspecting the building’s interior and exterior, with some classroom time dedicated to pricing a mock job and drafting an inspection report. You’ll also receive access to a course page through your account, where you can access pre-course, during-course, and post-course materials, including the final exam required to receive your certificate.

Who is the instructor for this course?

This course is led by Rob Claus, CCPIA®  Director. He’s an experienced commercial property inspector and instructor with a strong background in developing educational programs and industry standards, as well as training inspection teams. His experience includes helping companies launch new inspection divisions, leading internal team trainings, and teaching private classes for organizations ranging from Bureau of Reclamation engineers and policy writers to residential inspectors, facility managers, and operations teams for schools and other institutions.

What should I bring class?

Please bring preferred note-taking materials and appropriate attire for fieldwork. We also recommend bring your preferred report writing software, if you don’t have a software. Many platforms offer free trials with a pre-set report template in adherence to the ComSOP.

Is lunch and beverages included?

Yes! Lunch, water, coffee, and other beverages are provided. Feel free to bring any snacks you’d like for in between. If you have dietary restrictions, please email us after registering. We’ll do our best to accommodate, depending on local food availability.

Will I receive materials or templates?

Yep! You’ll get access to downloadable templates, actionable guides, and other course materials through the course page, accessible from your account. After you register, you’ll receive an email confirmation with access instructions and other key details.

How do I register?

Visit the Training Calendar to view upcoming dates and register. To sign up, you’ll need either a Limited-Access Account or an active CCPIA® All-Access Membership. For full registration instructions and links, visit the event page for the specific class.

Where can I find my All-Access Member discount code for registration?

The discount code for All-Access Members is always available here. It’s also linked on the course registration page—be sure to enter it at checkout, as the discount must be applied at the time of registration and isn’t applied automatically.

What’s the difference between an All-Access and Limited-Access Account?

An All-Access Membership provides unlimited access to all on-demand resources, including the certification program to become a CCPIA® Certified Commercial Property Inspector, additional on-demand courses, inspection checklists, document templates, 1:1 Coaching Calls, and more. It is available for $399/year or $39/month. A Limited-Access Account is a free account that allows you to register for Fast-Track Courses and access their course pages.

Do you have hotel and lodging recommendations?

Recommended lodging options are often listed on the specific class page in the event calendar. You’ll also find the training location there, which can help you search for nearby accommodations. These are typically small-size classes designed for a quality learning experience, so we usually don’t have hotel deals or group codes.