TX-HI-LIC Texas Home Inspector Practice
Exam 2026 – Questions, Answers &
Rationales
1. What agency regulates home inspectors in Texas?
Correct Answer: Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
Texas home inspectors are licensed and regulated by TREC under the
Texas Occupations Code.
2. What is the minimum age to obtain a Texas home inspector
license?
Correct Answer: 18 years old
Texas law requires inspectors to be at least 18 years of age to be
licensed.
3. Which document outlines the required inspection procedures in
Texas?
Correct Answer: Texas Standards of Practice (SOP)
The SOP defines minimum inspection requirements for all licensed
inspectors.
4. Which foundation type is MOST common in Texas residential
construction?
Correct Answer: Slab-on-grade
Due to expansive clay soils and climate, slab foundations are widely
used in Texas.
,5. What is the PRIMARY purpose of a GFCI outlet?
Correct Answer: Protect against electrical shock
GFCIs interrupt current flow when ground faults are detected.
6. Where are GFCI outlets required in Texas homes?
Correct Answer: Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and exterior outlets
These locations are prone to moisture and require GFCI protection.
7. What defect is commonly caused by expansive soils in Texas?
Correct Answer: Foundation movement and cracking
Expansive clay soils expand when wet and shrink when dry, stressing
foundations.
8. Which roof covering is most common in Texas?
Correct Answer: Asphalt shingles
They are cost-effective and perform well in Texas climates.
9. What does TPR valve stand for?
Correct Answer: Temperature and Pressure Relief valve
It prevents water heaters from exploding due to excess pressure or
heat.
10. What is the MINIMUM clearance between soil and wood siding?
Correct Answer: 6 inches
This clearance helps prevent moisture damage and termite
infestation.
, 11. Which system component is NOT required to be inspected
under SOP?
Correct Answer: Cosmetic features
TREC SOP focuses on functional and safety aspects, not aesthetics.
12. What is the purpose of flashing on a roof?
Correct Answer: Prevent water intrusion at roof penetrations
Flashing directs water away from vulnerable areas.
13. What is a common sign of electrical overloading?
Correct Answer: Frequently tripping breakers
Overloaded circuits draw more current than designed.
14. Which plumbing material is known to fail prematurely?
Correct Answer: Polybutylene
Polybutylene is prone to cracking and leaks.
15. What does AFCI stand for?
Correct Answer: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter
AFCIs protect against fires caused by arcing faults.
16. What attic condition reduces energy efficiency?
Correct Answer: Inadequate insulation
Proper insulation reduces heat transfer and energy loss.
17. Which HVAC component removes moisture from indoor air?
Correct Answer: Evaporator coil
As air cools over the coil, moisture condenses and drains away.
Exam 2026 – Questions, Answers &
Rationales
1. What agency regulates home inspectors in Texas?
Correct Answer: Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
Texas home inspectors are licensed and regulated by TREC under the
Texas Occupations Code.
2. What is the minimum age to obtain a Texas home inspector
license?
Correct Answer: 18 years old
Texas law requires inspectors to be at least 18 years of age to be
licensed.
3. Which document outlines the required inspection procedures in
Texas?
Correct Answer: Texas Standards of Practice (SOP)
The SOP defines minimum inspection requirements for all licensed
inspectors.
4. Which foundation type is MOST common in Texas residential
construction?
Correct Answer: Slab-on-grade
Due to expansive clay soils and climate, slab foundations are widely
used in Texas.
,5. What is the PRIMARY purpose of a GFCI outlet?
Correct Answer: Protect against electrical shock
GFCIs interrupt current flow when ground faults are detected.
6. Where are GFCI outlets required in Texas homes?
Correct Answer: Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and exterior outlets
These locations are prone to moisture and require GFCI protection.
7. What defect is commonly caused by expansive soils in Texas?
Correct Answer: Foundation movement and cracking
Expansive clay soils expand when wet and shrink when dry, stressing
foundations.
8. Which roof covering is most common in Texas?
Correct Answer: Asphalt shingles
They are cost-effective and perform well in Texas climates.
9. What does TPR valve stand for?
Correct Answer: Temperature and Pressure Relief valve
It prevents water heaters from exploding due to excess pressure or
heat.
10. What is the MINIMUM clearance between soil and wood siding?
Correct Answer: 6 inches
This clearance helps prevent moisture damage and termite
infestation.
, 11. Which system component is NOT required to be inspected
under SOP?
Correct Answer: Cosmetic features
TREC SOP focuses on functional and safety aspects, not aesthetics.
12. What is the purpose of flashing on a roof?
Correct Answer: Prevent water intrusion at roof penetrations
Flashing directs water away from vulnerable areas.
13. What is a common sign of electrical overloading?
Correct Answer: Frequently tripping breakers
Overloaded circuits draw more current than designed.
14. Which plumbing material is known to fail prematurely?
Correct Answer: Polybutylene
Polybutylene is prone to cracking and leaks.
15. What does AFCI stand for?
Correct Answer: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter
AFCIs protect against fires caused by arcing faults.
16. What attic condition reduces energy efficiency?
Correct Answer: Inadequate insulation
Proper insulation reduces heat transfer and energy loss.
17. Which HVAC component removes moisture from indoor air?
Correct Answer: Evaporator coil
As air cools over the coil, moisture condenses and drains away.
