About ASTTBC-PI
ASTTBC continues as the premier certifying body of property inspectors ensuring they maintain the highest industry standards to enhance protection of the public. All ASTTBC Certified Property Inspectors are qualified and experienced in property inspection and Reserve Fund Analyst and in preparing informative reports for clients.
The designations for Property Inspectors are:
- CHI or Certified House Inspector – this designation relates to the standard house inspection that might be carried out by a prospective home purchaser.
- CPI or Certified Property Inspector – members with this designation may do house inspections, but are also certified to carry out various types of commercial property inspections.
- RRFA or Registered Reserve Fund Analyst – this designation relates to the preparation of reserve fund plans for various types of real estate as well as specifically addressing the requirements for Strata Depreciation Reporting.
There are also two modifiers for designations:
- P or Provisional which is a temporary modifier (as in CHI(P)) with a specific time limit for removal.
- L or Limited which indicates a specific limitation on the size or complexity of the building(s) being inspected (as in RRFA(L)). The L modifier is not time limited.
PROTECTING THE PUBLIC
the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians Act and Regulations
ACT & REGULATIONS
In 1985 the Provincial Government approved the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians Act and Regulations. The Statute recognizes the important role of technologists and technicians in contemporary society. With the Act the professional designations Applied Science Technologist (AScT) and Certified Technician (CTech) are protected.
The Statute provides for the professional recognition of technologists and technicians and establishes the legal base to define and recognize the practice for persons registered under the Statute.
The Regulations may change from time-to-time. The ASTT Act requires that the Regulations be put to the members of the Association for ratification at the ASTTBC Annual General Meeting.
ASTTBC OBJECTS
Under the Statute the ASTTBC is responsible for administering the Act. The Objects of ASTTBC, as set out in the Statute, are:
to maintain, improve and increase the knowledge, ability and competence of the members of the Association
to regulate standards of training and practice of, and for, its members and to protect the interests of the public
to establish, maintain and develop standards of ethics among its members.
RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF MEMBERS
ASTTBC Members assume a number of responsibilities under the Statute. In particular,members must adhere to a Code of Ethics. Appropriate disciplinary procedures, similar to other professional groups, are in place to deal with any breaches of the Code.
ASTTBC Members, as professionals, are expected to assume full and final responsibility for work they perform in accordance with their academic qualifications, training and experience.
ASTTBC Members are fully accountable for their work. AScT’s and CTech’s may utilize a stamp/seal to identify their work. Members may secure errors and omissions/liability insurance to protect third party interests.
DEFINING AND ESTABLISHING PRACTICE
A “definition of practice” is incorporated in the ASTT Regulations, Section 4.1 and 4.2. ASTTBC is providing practice guidelines for members and the public.
ASTTBC is seeking recognition of its members by government and quasi-government regulatory bodies. ASTTBC is also seeking agreement on the division of areas of practice of ASTTBC Members and other professional groups including the Professional Engineers, Registered Professional Foresters, Architects, BC Land Surveyors, Registered Professional Biologists and Professional Agrologists.
ASTTBC respects the restricted areas of practice in other Statutes, e.g. Engineers Act and Foresters Act. The challenge faced by ASTTBC and other professional associations is that the areas of restriction are not clear. Hence, the importance of continuing dialogue with these professional groups in anticipation of an agreement on practice.
ASTTBC will enter into discussions with any party interested in reviewing the roles and responsibilities of Applied Science Technologists and Certified Technicians.
