Purpose: This guidance is issued to clarify how licensed home inspectors in Mississippi may reference third-party professional credentials and membership designations in their marketing materials, business communications, and public statements.

Background: Many home inspectors maintain memberships in national professional organizations such as:

• InterNACHI® (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
• ASHI® (American Society of Home Inspectors)
• ICC (International Code Council)
• Other similar membership organizations

These groups offer continuing education, certifications, and promotional tools to their members. However, all of these designations are granted under private membership agreements and are contingent upon maintaining active status, completing ongoing education, and adhering to the organization’s code of conduct.

Policy Statement: The Mississippi Home Inspector License Board requires that:

1. Any third-party designation (e.g., CPI®, ACI, ICC Certified Inspector) must be valid, current, and verifiable at the time of use in any public material, including websites, business cards, inspection reports, or advertisements.

2. Inspectors may not advertise expired, suspended, or revoked credentials from any organization, including but not limited to:

• InterNACHI®'s Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)®
• ASHI®'s ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI)

If membership in the issuing organization has lapsed or been terminated, the credential is no longer valid and must be removed from all public-facing content.

3. Misrepresentation of credential status may constitute a violation of Mississippi Code §73-60-31, which prohibits the use of false or misleading advertising and may result in disciplinary action by the Board.

Inspector's Responsibility: Licensees are solely responsible for:

• Keeping their private credentials up to date
• Understanding the terms of use from credentialing bodies
• Removing any expired designations when membership or qualification lapses

Transparency and Board Recommendation: To protect consumers, inspectors who advertise any third-party certification should be able to provide:

• Proof of current standing with the issuing organization
• A clear explanation that such credentials are in addition to—but not a substitute for—state licensure, which is required by law to perform home inspections in Mississippi.

The Board encourages all inspectors to maintain ongoing education through reputable providers. However, only current and truthful claims may be used in advertising, and credentials from private organizations do not exempt licensees from Mississippi law or Board oversight.