CHI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CHI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Marketing & Advertising Strategies for CHI professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
2. What does SEER stand for in HVAC terminology? → Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
3. Which component of an HVAC system is responsible for cooling the air? → Evaporator coil
4. What is the significance of a 'wet vent' in a residential plumbing system? → A single pipe that serves as both a drain and a vent for a fixture
5. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Property Maintenance & Operations, what should a CHI professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
6. In Market Analysis & Valuation, what is the FIRST step a CHI professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
7. During a crawl space inspection, which observation should a home inspector flag as a deficiency requiring correction? → Evidence of moisture staining or mold on the insulation and framing
8. Why must aluminum wiring be inspected? → It expands and contracts more
9. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Environmental & Safety Assessment for CHI professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
10. What is knob-and-tube wiring? → Old-style open wiring
11. Which type of drain line material appears gray in color and was commonly used in homes built between 1978 and 1994 before being linked to joint failures? → Polybutylene
12. In Property Maintenance & Operations, what is the FIRST step a CHI professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
13. Which insulation material commonly found in pre-1980s homes is highly fire-resistant but poses significant health hazards when its fibers are disturbed? → Asbestos
14. In Property Evaluation & Analysis, what is the FIRST step a CHI professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
15. Which of the following best describes 'blistering' observed on asphalt shingles during a roof inspection? → Moisture or volatile compounds trapped beneath the shingle surface causing bubbles
16. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Environmental & Safety Assessment? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
17. In Financial Analysis & Reporting, what is the FIRST step a CHI professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
18. Which mechanical ventilation device is most commonly installed in bathrooms to remove excess humidity and odors during and after bathing? → Exhaust fan
19. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Property Evaluation & Analysis for CHI professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
20. Which component of the HVAC system compresses refrigerant gas? → Compressor
21. What is the minimum recommended R-value for attic insulation in most U.S. climate zones (Zones 4-8) according to Department of Energy guidelines? → R-38
22. In which building areas should a home inspector pay the closest attention to proper vapor barrier installation to prevent insulation moisture damage? → Crawl spaces, basements, and unvented cathedral ceilings
23. In Tenant Relations & Retention, what is the FIRST step a CHI professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
24. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Property Maintenance & Operations for CHI professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
25. A home inspector finds a water heater with a manufacture date 18 years ago still in service. What should the report note? → The unit has exceeded its typical service life and replacement should be budgeted
26. Which type of underlayment is required by most US building codes in the first 24 inches from the eave on roofs in cold climates? → Ice and water shield (self-adhering membrane)
27. What is the recommended location for a home thermostat? → On an interior wall away from vents
28. When inspecting a septic system, which visible sign indicates the drain field may be failing? → Lush, green grass growing over the drain field
29. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Lease Negotiation & Terms? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
30. In building science and ventilation assessment, what does the abbreviation 'ACH' stand for? → Air Changes per Hour