AI and the Certified ADA Inspector
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes embedded in our daily lives, I asked several AI sources if an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) building inspector is required to be certified. See below for what I learned.
At Microsoft CoPilot, “Yes, there are certification requirements for ADA inspectors, though they can vary depending on the role and jurisdiction. Here's a breakdown of what's typically involved:
Certification Options for ADA Inspectors:
1. ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP)
2. ADA Compliance Certificate (NASP)”
At Perplexity, “There is no universal legal requirement that an ADA inspector be certified; however, certification is strongly recommended and often required by agencies or employers for professional credibility and thorough knowledge of accessibility standards. Certification programs—such as the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP)—exist to impart essential expertise in ADA regulations, accessibility codes, and practical compliance evaluation. Certified ADA inspectors typically possess, relevant education in accessibility, architecture, or engineering, completion of recognized training programs, and professional experience in accessibility assessments. While government or private entities may not mandate certification universally, lack of certification is considered a red flag when evaluating inspector qualifications. In states like California, to conduct official ADA inspections or to serve as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp), certification is required and regulated by state law.”
At ChatGPT, “In the U.S., there is no single, nationwide requirement that an ADA inspector be “certified” — because the ADA itself doesn’t set up an official federal certification program for inspectors, however, at the Federal level, the ADA requires compliance, but it doesn’t mandate a federal “license” or “certification” for people doing inspections. Anyone can technically conduct an accessibility review, though having formal training in ADA standards is strongly recommended. At the State and local level, some states do require that accessibility inspections be done by specially certified individuals. For example:
Texas: Requires a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) certified by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for official compliance reviews.
California: Uses Certified Access Specialists (CASp), a state credential for accessibility inspections.
Many organizations hire consultants with ADA training or state credentials to ensure inspections hold up legally and technically. Even where certification isn’t legally required, using a certified specialist can help avoid liability if there’s a dispute.”
At Google’s Gemini, “There is no single, federal requirement that an ADA inspector must be certified. However, the field of ADA inspection and compliance is complex, and certification is highly valued and often expected by employers and clients. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
No Federal Certification Mandate: The ADA is a civil rights law, not a building code. The Department of Justice, which enforces the ADA, does not have its own certification program for inspectors.
Voluntary Certifications Exist: To demonstrate expertise and a thorough understanding of ADA standards, many professionals in the field pursue voluntary certifications from various organizations. Examples include:
Certified Access Specialist (CASp): A California-specific certification that is highly respected.
International Code Council (ICC) Certifications: The ICC offers various certifications related to accessibility, such as the Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner.
Job Requirements: Many job descriptions for ADA inspectors or accessibility specialists list certification as a preferred or required qualification. Employers often seek individuals with a strong educational background in fields like architecture or engineering, combined with specialized training and certification.
Benefits of Certification: For both inspectors and those hiring them, a certification provides assurance that the inspector has:
A comprehensive understanding of the ADA and related regulations.
The skills to conduct thorough, detailed inspections.
Knowledge of how to interpret and apply accessibility guidelines in real-world scenarios.”
SUMMARY: Wow, quite the variation in responses. How do you know which to believe? In my opinion, Google’s Gemini is the most accurate and least misleading, although it does not mention the ACTCP as a source of training and certification. The ADA is written by the US Access Board and enforced by the US Department of Justice. Neither agency requires or acknowledges training or certification for an individual to complete ADA inspections or reports. Some states do have certification programs for ADA inspections including CA and TX.
In CA, an individual certified as Certified Access Specialist (CASp) can provide services that offer “qualified defendant” status in a construction-related accessibility lawsuit.; however, other individuals can provide common ADA inspections and reports that are not part of litigation.
In TX, Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) is a professional designation licensed and regulated by the State of Texas to ensure compliance with the adopted state accessibility standards for new construction. Existing buildings can be inspected by other individuals who are not certified as RAS.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
If you observe a facility that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.
ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.
Thank you.
ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC Logo