What does the initial training for Amerispec Inspection Services, also known as AmeriSpec® Academy, consist of?
Amerispec_Inspection_Services Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Initial Training. As described earlier, we offer a two-week Initial Training (also referred to as AmeriSpec® Academy) that consists of a one-week technical training on the performance of home inspections and a one-week management training on operating a business. We hold Initial Training at our training facility located in Memphis, Tennessee approximately six times per year, but we may hold our Initial Training virtually when travel or in-person meetings are restricted.
| Subject (Note 1) | Hours of Classroom Training | Hours of On- the-Job Training (Note 2) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| AmeriSpec Pre-Academy (Note 2): | |||
| Study Guide and Workbook | Approx. 40 self | 0 | In your home, prior to |
| for Online Self-Study Course | study | attending Academy | |
| AmeriSpec Academy: | |||
| Management Training | |||
| Risk Management | 3 | 0 | Franchisor Training Center, Memphis, TN |
| Marketing | 5 | 0 | |
| Administration/Operations | 10 | ||
| Financial Management | 4 | ||
| Sales/Management | 4 | ||
| Computer Training | 10 | ||
| Technical Training (Inspector Training) | |||
| Roofing | 4 | 0 | Franchisor Training Center, Memphis, TN |
| Electrical Systems | 4 | 0 | |
| Structure | 4 | 0 | |
| Heating Systems | 4 | 0 | |
| AC/heat pumps | 3 | 0 | |
| Exterior | 4 | 0 | |
| Plumbing | 8 | 0 | |
| Appliances | 2 | 0 | |
| Fireplaces/Chimneys | 3 | 0 | |
| Interiors | 3 | 0 | |
| Insulation/Ventilation | 3 | 0 | |
| Contracts and Industry | 4 | 0 | |
| Report Writing | 3 | 0 | |
| Standards | 0 | 9 | Classroom hours at the Franchisor’s Training Center, Memphis, Tennessee; On-the-job training will be within the Territory |
| In-Field Practice Inspections | 2 | 6 | |
| Final Test and Graduation | 1.5 | 0 | Franchisor Training Center, Memphis, TN |
| Post Academy Training (Note 3): | |||
| In-Field Practice Inspections | 3 | 15 | Within the Territory |
| and Inspection Reports | |||
| TOTAL | 91.5 (131.5 including self- study hours) | 30 |
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 24–31)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Amerispec Inspection Services FDD, initial training, also known as AmeriSpec® Academy, consists of two weeks of training. The first week focuses on the technical aspects of performing home inspections, while the second week is dedicated to management training for operating the business. This training is held approximately six times per year at the training facility in Memphis, Tennessee. However, the training may be held virtually if travel or in-person meetings are restricted.
Prior to attending the two-week Academy, trainees must complete a 40-hour Home Reference On-Line Study Course. After the Academy, trainees and inspectors must complete three to four practice inspections and submit inspection reports for evaluation by the Technical Department. The FDD specifies that the instructional materials for the training programs are the Operations Manual and the Home Reference Book of Home Inspection, and all training sessions and materials are in English. The management training is presented by the Development Managers and the Marketing Department, along with other staff members, while the technical training is conducted by the Manager of Technical Training, Michael Hughes.
The initial training program includes both classroom and on-the-job training. The classroom training covers risk management (3 hours), marketing (5 hours), administration/operations (10 hours), financial management (4 hours), sales/management (4 hours), computer training (10 hours), and various technical inspection topics such as roofing, electrical systems, structure, heating systems, AC/heat pumps, exterior, plumbing, appliances, fireplaces/chimneys, interiors, insulation/ventilation, contracts and industry standards, and report writing. In-field practice inspections involve 2 hours of classroom time and 6 hours of on-the-job training, while post-academy in-field practice inspections and report submissions involve 3 hours of classroom time and 15 hours of on-the-job training. The final test and graduation take 1.5 hours.
Prospective franchisees should note that the person managing the business and new franchise owners must attend and successfully complete Initial Training, typically within 30 to 60 days of signing the Franchise Agreement. A passing grade on an exam at the end of the technical portion of Initial Training is required. New franchise owners can have up to three trainees attend Initial Training during the first 12 months as part of the Initial Franchise Fee, with additional trainees subject to a fee. Franchisees are responsible for all costs related to training, including travel, lodging, meals, and compensation.