Accreditation
NHWA Accreditation
— Why It Matters.
01
What Is the National Home Watch Association?
The National Home Watch Association (NHWA) is the gold standard organization for the home watch industry in the United States and Canada. Founded in 2009, it establishes clear standards, best practices, and ethics for home watch professionals in an industry that is otherwise unregulated. As an accredited member, I have been vetted, carry industry-specific insurance, have passed a background check, and have committed to the NHWA's Code of Ethics — so when you hire me, you know exactly what standard I am held to.
02
Why I Joined the NHWA
After doing my research, joining the National Home Watch Association was an easy decision. The NHWA is actively working to raise the professional standards of the entire home watch industry — establishing accountability where none previously existed. Coming from an educational background, holding myself to high standards feels completely natural. The accreditation process gave me a genuine appreciation for the commitment and level of care required to earn and keep that credential.
With ongoing education and professional development, the NHWA keeps its members current with industry best practices, evolving standards, and the information needed to give every homeowner the best possible experience and peace of mind.
03
What NHWA Accreditation Means for You
- My insurance and bonding are verified — industry-specific coverage confirmed
- I have completed a criminal background check
- I have agreed to the NHWA Code of Ethics and professional standards
- I pursue ongoing continuing education and professional development
- I am listed in the official NHWA member directory
- I am accountable to a national professional organization
04
NHWA Accreditation & My Background
As a seasoned educator, I built a career on communication, organization, accountability, and attention to detail — the same qualities the NHWA requires of its members. Membership gives both my clients and me access to the best practices, resources, and professional community in the home watch industry. My background in education reinforces a deep commitment to continuous learning, reliability, and clear communication — all of which contribute directly to consistent, high-quality home watch service.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Here are answers to what homeowners ask us most.
What does NHWA accreditation mean for me as a homeowner?
When you hire me, you are hiring an NHWA-accredited home watch professional who has passed a verified screening process: my insurance and bonding have been independently confirmed, I have completed a criminal background check, and I have committed to the NHWA's Code of Ethics and professional standards. In an unregulated industry, NHWA accreditation is the clearest signal that the person looking after your home is held to an independent, verified standard.
Is the home watch industry regulated in Delaware?
Home watch remains an unregulated profession at the federal, state, and local level — there are no government-mandated licensing requirements, insurance standards, or inspection protocols. That is precisely why NHWA accreditation matters so much. It is the only voluntary credentialing system that holds home watch professionals to verified, consistent standards in the absence of government regulation. Always confirm that any home watch company you consider carries appropriate insurance and, ideally, NHWA accreditation.
How is NHWA accreditation different from general business licensing?
A general business license simply confirms that a business is registered to operate. NHWA accreditation goes substantially further: it verifies industry-specific insurance coverage, confirms a background check on the owner, and requires agreement to a professional code of ethics and ongoing continuing education. It is an active credential that must be maintained, not a one-time registration.
Does Tom Pickard have ongoing training requirements through the NHWA?
Yes. NHWA membership requires ongoing continuing education to stay current with industry best practices, evolving standards, and the latest on home care and property protection. My background as a lifelong educator makes this a natural and genuinely valued part of how I work — not a compliance box to check.
How can I verify that Ibis Property Oversight is NHWA-accredited?
You can independently verify my accreditation by visiting the National Home Watch Association's official website at nationalhomewatchassociation.org and searching the accredited member directory — you will find Ibis Property Oversight listed as a verified, accredited member. The directory is publicly searchable and updated regularly.
Why does Tom believe NHWA membership makes him a better home watch professional?
NHWA membership connects me to a professional community of home watch owners across the United States and Canada — giving me access to collective knowledge, shared best practices, and resources that improve the service I deliver to every client. The accreditation process itself gave me a genuine appreciation for the level of commitment and attention required to earn homeowners' trust, and that perspective informs every inspection I perform.