National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) - Certified Home Inspector — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does the inspector look for to confirm that a 3-wire (black, white, red) multi-wire branch circuit is wired correctly?

All three conductors should be on the same phase leg
The two hot conductors should be on opposite phase legs with a shared neutral (Correct answer)
A dedicated 30-amp breaker protects all three wires
The white conductor must be re-identified with red tape

Correct answer: The two hot conductors should be on opposite phase legs with a shared neutral

A multi-wire branch circuit requires the two hots to be on opposite legs so the shared neutral carries only the imbalance current, not a doubled load.

Question 2: When installing faced fiberglass batt insulation in exterior wall cavities in a cold climate, where should the vapor retarder facing be oriented?

The facing should be removed before installation
Toward the exterior sheathing
Toward the warm-in-winter (interior) side of the wall (Correct answer)
It can face either direction equally

Correct answer: Toward the warm-in-winter (interior) side of the wall

The vapor retarder facing must be installed on the warm-in-winter side (interior) to prevent moisture-laden indoor air from diffusing into the wall assembly where it can condense on cold surfaces.

Question 3: What is a common indicator that an electric furnace heating element has failed during a home inspection?

The thermostat display shows an error code beginning with 'E'
The outdoor disconnect is in the off position
The blower operates but only cool air is delivered from supply registers (Correct answer)
The system short-cycles every 2-3 minutes during normal operation

Correct answer: The blower operates but only cool air is delivered from supply registers

If the blower is running but only cool or room-temperature air exits the supply registers on an electric furnace, one or more heating elements have likely failed.

Question 4: When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Property Evaluation & Analysis, what should a CHI professional prioritize?

Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation (Correct answer)
Strict adherence to written procedures without exception
The most cost-effective solution available
The preference of the client or stakeholder

Correct answer: Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation

Safety and ethics always take priority in Property Evaluation & Analysis. When standard procedures don't adequately address a unique situation, consulting with experienced colleagues or supervisors ensures both safety and professional standards are maintained.

Question 5: What is the primary function of a home's foundation?

Provide attic access
Provide ventilation
Support and distribute structural load (Correct answer)
Support landscaping

Correct answer: Support and distribute structural load

A home's foundation is the critical base upon which the entire structure rests. Its primary function is to bear the weight of the house, including walls, roof, and contents, and distribute that load evenly to the underlying soil. This prevents settling, ensures stability, and protects the building from ground movement.

Question 6: Which type of lease clause allows a landlord to increase rent annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

CPI escalation clause (Correct answer)
Step-up rent rider
Revaluation clause
Market adjustment provision

Correct answer: CPI escalation clause

A CPI escalation clause ties periodic rent increases to the CPI, ensuring rent keeps pace with inflation without requiring renegotiation.

Question 7: 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?

Cast iron
Polybutylene (Correct answer)
ABS
PVC

Correct answer: Polybutylene

Polybutylene (PB) pipe, typically gray, was widely installed from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s and is known to fail at fittings due to chlorine reactions.

Question 8: A tenant requests to sublease their unit. The lease requires landlord approval. Under most state laws, can the landlord unreasonably withhold consent?

No, most states require landlords to have a reasonable basis for denying a sublease request (Correct answer)
No, tenants have an absolute right to sublease regardless of lease terms
Yes, if the original lease was signed before 1990
Yes, the landlord has absolute discretion to deny any sublease

Correct answer: No, most states require landlords to have a reasonable basis for denying a sublease request

Many states prohibit landlords from unreasonably withholding consent to sublease; denial must be based on legitimate, objective criteria.

Question 9: Which practice best demonstrates a landlord's commitment to tenant retention through property maintenance?

Implementing a preventive maintenance schedule and tracking all work orders (Correct answer)
Completing repairs only when legally required
Deferring non-emergency repairs until lease renewal discussions
Allowing tenants to manage their own repairs for cost savings

Correct answer: Implementing a preventive maintenance schedule and tracking all work orders

A proactive preventive maintenance schedule reduces emergency repairs, extends property life, and demonstrates care for tenant comfort, improving retention.

Question 10: Which condition is indicated when a home inspector finds aluminum wiring connected directly to a standard duplex receptacle rated for copper only?

Acceptable if the wire is 10 AWG or larger
Safe as long as the receptacle is GFCI protected
A potential fire hazard due to galvanic incompatibility (Correct answer)
Normal practice in homes built before 1980

Correct answer: A potential fire hazard due to galvanic incompatibility

Aluminum wiring connected to copper-only devices creates a galvanic reaction that can cause overheating and fire hazard.

Question 11: Which of the following building code types sets minimum safety standards for new construction and is most commonly adopted at the state or local level in the US?

International Residential Code (IRC) (Correct answer)
International Building Code (IBC)
National Electrical Code (NEC)
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

Correct answer: International Residential Code (IRC)

The IRC is specifically designed for one- and two-family dwellings and is the most widely adopted residential building code in the US.

Question 12: What is the recommended clearance between the bottom of a wooden structural member and the soil in a crawl space?

24 inches
12 inches
18 inches (Correct answer)
6 inches

Correct answer: 18 inches

A minimum 18-inch clearance between soil and wood framing in a crawl space is recommended to reduce moisture and pest damage.

Question 13: A home inspector discovers visible mold on drywall in a basement. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Scrub and document the mold during the inspection
Note the finding and recommend evaluation by a qualified mold remediation specialist (Correct answer)
Spray bleach on the mold and mark it as resolved
Ignore it if the mold area is smaller than 10 square feet

Correct answer: Note the finding and recommend evaluation by a qualified mold remediation specialist

Home inspectors identify and document mold presence but defer remediation assessment to qualified specialists.

Question 14: What does GFCI stand for in the context of electrical safety?

General Fault Current Indicator
Ground Frequency Circuit Isolator
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (Correct answer)
Grounded Fixture Connection Interface

Correct answer: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, a safety device that cuts power when it detects current leakage.

Question 15: What is the recommended location for a home thermostat?

Near windows
On an interior wall away from vents (Correct answer)
In a kitchen
Above a radiator

Correct answer: On an interior wall away from vents

Thermostats should be placed on interior walls away from direct sunlight and vents to get accurate readings.

Question 16: A home inspector observes that bathroom exhaust fans vent into the attic space. This is reported as a defect because:

Fan noise is amplified into the attic
Moist air discharged into the attic promotes mold growth and wood rot (Correct answer)
The fan will lose suction efficiency without exterior termination
Attic ventilation is reduced by the fan output

Correct answer: Moist air discharged into the attic promotes mold growth and wood rot

Venting bathroom fans into the attic introduces warm, moist air that condenses on cold structural members, creating conditions for mold and rot.

Question 17: Which element of a home inspection website is most critical for converting visitors into booked appointments?

A clear and prominent call-to-action with easy online scheduling (Correct answer)
A blog with daily posts about home maintenance
An extensive photo gallery of past inspections
A detailed biography of the inspector's personal history

Correct answer: A clear and prominent call-to-action with easy online scheduling

A clear call-to-action with frictionless online scheduling removes barriers to booking and directly drives conversions from site visitors.

Question 18: When inspecting ductwork, which condition indicates a significant problem that should be reported?

Metal duct joints sealed with foil-backed tape
Minor dust accumulation on exterior duct surfaces
Flexible duct with less than 45-degree bends
Disconnected or separated duct sections in unconditioned spaces (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Disconnected or separated duct sections in unconditioned spaces

Disconnected or separated ducts in unconditioned spaces such as attics or crawlspaces cause conditioned air to be delivered outside the living area, significantly reducing system efficiency and potentially creating moisture problems.

Question 19: What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Financial Analysis & Reporting for CHI professionals?

Earning additional credentials for career advancement
Networking with other professionals in the field
Fulfilling mandatory regulatory requirements only
Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves

Continuing education in Financial Analysis & Reporting ensures professionals maintain current knowledge and skills as standards, technologies, and best practices evolve in the Certified Home Inspector field.

Question 20: Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Environmental & Safety Assessment?

Using the most advanced technology available regardless of need
Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances (Correct answer)
Minimizing documentation to focus on practical work
Strictly adhering to the same procedure in every situation

Correct answer: Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances

Evidence-based protocols provide a foundation of proven practices, but effective Certified Home Inspector professionals must also adapt their approach based on specific circumstances and individual case needs within Environmental & Safety Assessment.

Question 21: What is the primary function of soffit vents in an attic ventilation system?

Provide cool intake air at the lower roof edge (Correct answer)
Prevent moisture from entering the attic
Allow hot air to escape at the ridge
Support insulation in the rafter bays

Correct answer: Provide cool intake air at the lower roof edge

Soffit vents serve as the intake air source at the lowest point of the roof, allowing cool fresh air to enter and push hot, moist air out through ridge or gable vents higher in the attic.

Question 22: What is the primary hazard associated with knob-and-tube wiring in older homes?

It uses aluminum instead of copper conductors
It produces higher electromagnetic fields than modern wiring
It always lacks a ground wire and may be insulated with degraded materials (Correct answer)
It is incompatible with modern light fixtures

Correct answer: It always lacks a ground wire and may be insulated with degraded materials

Knob-and-tube wiring lacks grounding and its rubber insulation degrades over time, creating shock and fire hazards.

Question 23: A home inspector observes that floor joists are notched at mid-span. What is the primary concern?

Mid-span notching is standard practice for utility routing
Notching mid-span improves airflow through the floor system
Notching only matters at joist ends near supports
Notching mid-span significantly weakens the joist's load-bearing capacity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notching mid-span significantly weakens the joist's load-bearing capacity

Notching a joist at mid-span removes material from the highest stress zone, dramatically reducing the joist's ability to carry loads.

Question 24: When inspecting a property, an inspector finds the crawl space access hatch is too small to enter. The correct course of action is:

Skip the crawl space and note nothing in the report
Require the seller to enlarge the access before completing the inspection
Assume the crawl space is in acceptable condition if no exterior signs exist
Document the limited access, inspect as much as visible from the opening, and note what could not be inspected (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Document the limited access, inspect as much as visible from the opening, and note what could not be inspected

Home inspectors must document all access limitations and clearly state what areas could not be inspected so clients understand the scope of the evaluation.

Question 25: What does the presence of polybutylene (PB) piping in a home's plumbing system indicate to a home inspector?

The plumbing system is exceptionally durable and low-maintenance
PB pipe is interchangeable with copper and presents no special concern
PB pipe has a known history of premature failure and should be disclosed with a recommendation for evaluation (Correct answer)
PB pipe is only a concern in cold climates

Correct answer: PB pipe has a known history of premature failure and should be disclosed with a recommendation for evaluation

Polybutylene pipe was widely recalled and is known to fail unexpectedly, causing significant water damage; its presence requires disclosure and professional evaluation.

Question 26: A certified home inspector discovers asbestos-containing materials during an inspection. The inspector's regulated duty is to:

Report the presence of suspect materials and recommend a licensed asbestos professional (Correct answer)
Notify the EPA within 24 hours
Sample and test all suspected materials on-site
Remove the materials immediately for safety

Correct answer: Report the presence of suspect materials and recommend a licensed asbestos professional

Inspectors identify and report suspect materials but are not licensed abatement contractors; they refer clients to qualified specialists.

Question 27: A tenant requests a lease clause allowing them to sublet the property. Which term best describes the original tenant's ongoing liability if subletting is permitted?

Primary liability
Concurrent tenancy
Vicarious obligation
Privity of contract (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Privity of contract

Privity of contract means the original tenant remains legally bound to the landlord even when a subtenant occupies the property.

Question 28: What type of ventilation relies solely on natural forces such as temperature differences and wind pressure to move air, without any mechanical equipment?

Natural ventilation (Correct answer)
Mechanical ventilation
Exhaust-only ventilation
Energy recovery ventilation

Correct answer: Natural ventilation

Natural ventilation uses buoyancy (stack effect) and wind pressure differentials to move air through openings in the building envelope without any fans or powered equipment.

Question 29: When inspecting a chimney, which condition requires immediate notation as a safety hazard?

Missing or deteriorated chimney cap allowing rain entry (Correct answer)
Flue liner with minor staining from creosote
Chimney crown with a hairline crack near the edge
Mortar joints that are slightly recessed

Correct answer: Missing or deteriorated chimney cap allowing rain entry

A missing or damaged chimney cap allows water, animals, and debris to enter the flue, creating fire hazards, moisture damage, and blocked draft conditions.

Question 30: A home inspector's report shows the furnace is 22 years old with a typical useful life of 20 years. What financial disclosure is most appropriate?

The furnace has exceeded its expected useful life and immediate replacement should be budgeted (Correct answer)
The furnace qualifies for an energy tax credit if replaced
The furnace is still acceptable because it is currently operational
The furnace adds value to the home as a vintage system

Correct answer: The furnace has exceeded its expected useful life and immediate replacement should be budgeted

A furnace that has surpassed its useful life presents a high probability of imminent failure, and buyers should budget for near-term replacement.

National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) - Certified Home Inspector

The NHIE is the industry-standard certification exam for professional home inspectors, testing competency across property and building inspection systems, analysis and reporting skills, and professional responsibilities. It is developed and administered by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI).

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds