As of January 1, 1997, home inspections in California must comply with standards set by a nationally recognized organization such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) or CREIA (California Real Estate Inspection Association). This requirement should NOT be confused with licensing or certifications. There is currently NO official source of licensing or certification of home inspectors within the state of California. Companies that are promoting certifications are referring ONLY to having paid a fee to another private company in order to be labeled "certified".

ASHI and CREIA are the two most notable associations in California. They do provide testing and continuing education to obtain and maintain membership; however, these are voluntary membership organizations for individual inspectors not for company wide membership.