Preparing for the NAESA QEI exam? A printable QEI practice test PDF puts the core inspection knowledge you need in a portable, distraction-free format. The Qualified Elevator Inspector certification tests a broad range of technical domains — elevator types, ASME safety codes, inspection procedures, safety device operation, and maintenance requirements. This guide covers all the major QEI exam content areas so you can study with confidence.
The Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) certification is administered by the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International (NAESA International). It is the primary professional credential for elevator inspectors in North America and is recognized or required in numerous state and local jurisdictions as evidence of inspector competency.
The QEI exam tests knowledge of elevator, escalator, moving walk, and related equipment inspection as defined in the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. Candidates must demonstrate understanding of equipment types, code requirements, inspection procedures, safety device function, and the documentation requirements for elevator inspections.
Eligibility typically requires a combination of industry experience (direct hands-on work with elevator equipment) and/or formal education in elevator mechanics or inspection. NAESA publishes specific experience requirements on their website, and these change with each exam cycle.
The QEI exam requires detailed knowledge of different elevator types, their drive systems, and the code requirements specific to each. The major categories:
Electric Traction Elevators — The most common type in commercial and high-rise buildings. A traction elevator uses a motor-driven sheave (wheel) over which ropes (or flat belts in newer MRL installations) are draped, with the car on one side and counterweight on the other. Subtypes include:
Hydraulic Elevators — Use a hydraulic piston driven by a pump unit to raise and lower the car. Subtypes:
Key code requirements for hydraulic elevators that appear on QEI exams: pressure relief valve settings, rupture valve (underslung piping), lowering valve and manual lowering capability, power unit location, fluid containment requirements.
Limited Use/Limited Application (LU/LA) Elevators — Smaller elevators with reduced travel and capacity used primarily for ADA accessibility in low-rise buildings where a standard elevator is not justified. LU/LA elevators have separate ASME A17.1 code requirements (Rule 5.3) with specific cab size, travel, speed, and safety device requirements that differ from standard electric traction.
Inclined Elevators and Stairway Chairlifts — Travel on an inclined path. Chairlifts, stair lifts, and inclined platform lifts are covered under ASME A18.1 (Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts), not A17.1. QEI candidates must know which code applies to which equipment type.
The ASME A17.1/CSA B44 is the primary reference for QEI exam content. Understanding its structure is as important as knowing individual requirements.
The code is organized into major parts (Sections 1 through 9 for the core code, with appendices). The section structure the QEI exam draws from most heavily:
Section 8 is among the most tested sections because it directly defines the inspector's job. Key concepts: the distinction between periodic inspection (routine inspections of in-service equipment) and acceptance inspection (inspection of new or altered installations before being placed in service), the frequency requirements for periodic inspections, and the documentation requirements for both.
Safety devices are heavily tested on the QEI exam. Each device has a specific function, operating condition, and code requirement that inspectors must know in detail.
Governor and Safety (Car Safety) — The governor is a centrifugal speed-sensing device located in the machine room (or hoistway for some MRL designs). When the car descends at overspeed, the governor trips and sets the car safety by applying the safety jaws to the guide rails. The car safety is the last line of defense against uncontrolled descent.
Types of car safeties:
Buffers — Located in the pit below the car and counterweight to absorb kinetic energy in the event of over-travel to the bottom terminal. Types:
Hoistway Door Interlocks — Prevent hoistway doors from being opened from the landing side unless the car is in the landing zone AND the car is stopped or nearly stopped. The interlock also prevents the car from moving unless all hoistway doors are locked. Door interlocks are among the most safety-critical components on an elevator — their failure has caused the majority of fatal elevator entrapment incidents.
Key interlock code requirements: each hoistway door must have an interlock; the interlock must prevent door opening unless the car is within the landing zone (typically within 18 inches); the interlock must lock the door closed and prove locking before car movement; testing must verify the lock strength meets code requirements.
Electrical Safety Devices — The safety circuit (safety chain) is a series circuit of all safety switches. Any open switch de-energizes the elevator control circuit and stops the car. Components in the safety circuit include: governor switch, pit stop switch, car safety switch, buffer switches, door interlocks, terminal stopping devices, slack rope/chain switches, and others. The QEI inspector must verify that each safety device in the circuit is functional and that the circuit cannot be bypassed.
Counterweight Safeties — Required when the hoistway extends below the pit floor or when clearances below the counterweight are insufficient for personnel safety. Counterweight safeties function similarly to car safeties but protect against counterweight overspeed in the upward direction.
Escalators and moving walks are covered under ASME A17.1 Section 6 (escalators) and Section 7 (moving walks), and QEI candidates are tested on their unique inspection requirements.
Escalator Safety Devices:
Escalator Inspection Key Points: Tread depth, riser height, and tread edge markings must meet code. Step level device confirms all steps are level in the passenger area. Escalator braking distance (stopping distance under overspeed or reversal) must be within code limits. Handrail entry guards prevent hands/objects from being drawn into the handrail newel.
Section 8 of ASME A17.1 defines inspection procedures in detail. QEI exam questions focus on what inspectors must check, how, and the documentation requirements.
Acceptance Inspection — Conducted before new or altered equipment is placed in service. The inspector verifies that all equipment meets the applicable code edition. A certificate of compliance is issued if the inspection passes. For new installations, the acceptance inspection includes witnessing full-load tests, safety device tests, and firefighters' service tests.
Periodic Inspection — Conducted at intervals defined by code or local jurisdiction (typically annually, though some jurisdictions require more frequent inspection for high-use equipment). The periodic inspection includes a visual inspection of all accessible components plus operational tests of safety-critical functions.
Required Tests — The QEI exam tests knowledge of specific test procedures and acceptance criteria:
When an elevator accident or near-miss occurs, the inspector has specific obligations under ASME A17.1 and most state/local elevator codes. QEI exam questions address the inspector's role in post-accident procedures.
Key accident investigation principles: