MARYLAND STATE INSPECTION EXAM
ACTUAL PREP QUESTIONS AND WELL
REVISED ANSWERS - LATEST AND COMPLETE
UPDATE WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS –
ASSURES PASS
1. During a residential property inspection, the inspector notices a minor crack
in a foundation wall. Which is the most appropriate next step?
A. Ignore the crack because minor cracks are normal
B. Recommend immediate demolition of the wall
C. Document the crack, describe its size and location, and suggest
monitoring or further evaluation by a structural engineer if necessary
D. Advise the homeowner to paint over the crack
Rationale: Minor foundation cracks can be typical due to settling; inspectors
should document and provide recommendations without giving repair orders
themselves.
2. A home built in 1950 has knob-and-tube wiring. What is the inspector’s
professional responsibility?
A. Replace all wiring themselves
B. Note the presence of knob-and-tube wiring and recommend
evaluation by a licensed electrician
, C. Ignore the wiring if it appears functional
D. Certify the home as electrically safe
Rationale: Inspectors must identify potential electrical hazards but cannot perform
repairs; documentation and referral are standard practice.
3. Which of the following best describes “material defect” in home
inspections?
A. Cosmetic issue that does not affect safety
B. A problem with a system or component that significantly affects
safety, function, or value
C. Minor wear and tear from normal use
D. An issue the homeowner chooses to ignore
Rationale: Material defects are significant issues affecting safety or functionality,
which must be reported.
4. While inspecting a bathroom, the inspector notices water pooling under the
sink when the faucet is off. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Ignore it as temporary condensation
B. Document the leak and recommend evaluation or repair by a licensed
plumber
, C. Attempt to tighten pipes themselves
D. Advise the client to mop up water occasionally
Rationale: Inspectors identify and report water leaks; they do not perform repairs.
5. A client asks whether a property contains radon gas. How should the
inspector respond?
A. Test immediately themselves and guarantee results
B. Inform the client that radon testing is outside the standard home
inspection unless specifically requested, and refer to certified radon
testers
C. Ignore the question
D. Suggest installing an air purifier as a solution
Rationale: Radon testing requires specialized equipment; inspectors must clarify
the scope of their inspection.
6. Which of the following is a common indicator of a roof leak visible during
an exterior inspection?
A. Cracked driveway
B. Stained or sagging roof decking, missing shingles, or damaged
flashing
, C. Peeling paint on interior doors
D. Broken mailbox
Rationale: Exterior signs of roof damage include missing shingles, damaged
flashing, and sagging decking.
7. During an inspection, the inspector observes that the electrical panel has
double-tapped breakers. What is the proper action?
A. Fix the breakers themselves
B. Ignore it if the system is working
C. Document the condition and recommend evaluation by a licensed
electrician
D. Remove one breaker to correct the issue
Rationale: Double-tapped breakers can be a safety hazard; inspectors report
unsafe conditions and refer qualified professionals.
8. A gas furnace is producing soot around the burners. What does this most
likely indicate?
A. Normal operation
B. Low fuel efficiency only
C. Incomplete combustion, which can be hazardous and requires
ACTUAL PREP QUESTIONS AND WELL
REVISED ANSWERS - LATEST AND COMPLETE
UPDATE WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS –
ASSURES PASS
1. During a residential property inspection, the inspector notices a minor crack
in a foundation wall. Which is the most appropriate next step?
A. Ignore the crack because minor cracks are normal
B. Recommend immediate demolition of the wall
C. Document the crack, describe its size and location, and suggest
monitoring or further evaluation by a structural engineer if necessary
D. Advise the homeowner to paint over the crack
Rationale: Minor foundation cracks can be typical due to settling; inspectors
should document and provide recommendations without giving repair orders
themselves.
2. A home built in 1950 has knob-and-tube wiring. What is the inspector’s
professional responsibility?
A. Replace all wiring themselves
B. Note the presence of knob-and-tube wiring and recommend
evaluation by a licensed electrician
, C. Ignore the wiring if it appears functional
D. Certify the home as electrically safe
Rationale: Inspectors must identify potential electrical hazards but cannot perform
repairs; documentation and referral are standard practice.
3. Which of the following best describes “material defect” in home
inspections?
A. Cosmetic issue that does not affect safety
B. A problem with a system or component that significantly affects
safety, function, or value
C. Minor wear and tear from normal use
D. An issue the homeowner chooses to ignore
Rationale: Material defects are significant issues affecting safety or functionality,
which must be reported.
4. While inspecting a bathroom, the inspector notices water pooling under the
sink when the faucet is off. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Ignore it as temporary condensation
B. Document the leak and recommend evaluation or repair by a licensed
plumber
, C. Attempt to tighten pipes themselves
D. Advise the client to mop up water occasionally
Rationale: Inspectors identify and report water leaks; they do not perform repairs.
5. A client asks whether a property contains radon gas. How should the
inspector respond?
A. Test immediately themselves and guarantee results
B. Inform the client that radon testing is outside the standard home
inspection unless specifically requested, and refer to certified radon
testers
C. Ignore the question
D. Suggest installing an air purifier as a solution
Rationale: Radon testing requires specialized equipment; inspectors must clarify
the scope of their inspection.
6. Which of the following is a common indicator of a roof leak visible during
an exterior inspection?
A. Cracked driveway
B. Stained or sagging roof decking, missing shingles, or damaged
flashing
, C. Peeling paint on interior doors
D. Broken mailbox
Rationale: Exterior signs of roof damage include missing shingles, damaged
flashing, and sagging decking.
7. During an inspection, the inspector observes that the electrical panel has
double-tapped breakers. What is the proper action?
A. Fix the breakers themselves
B. Ignore it if the system is working
C. Document the condition and recommend evaluation by a licensed
electrician
D. Remove one breaker to correct the issue
Rationale: Double-tapped breakers can be a safety hazard; inspectors report
unsafe conditions and refer qualified professionals.
8. A gas furnace is producing soot around the burners. What does this most
likely indicate?
A. Normal operation
B. Low fuel efficiency only
C. Incomplete combustion, which can be hazardous and requires
