NHIE (National Home Inspector Exam) questions
and correct answers rationales 2026
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To determine compliance with building codes
B. To identify material defects
C. To estimate repair costs
D. To provide a warranty
A home inspection identifies visible, material defects in accessible
systems and components; it is not a code compliance inspection.
2. Which system is NOT typically evaluated during a standard home
inspection?
A. Structural
B. Electrical
C. Interior décor
D. HVAC
Inspection focuses on physical structure and safety systems, not
aesthetics or décor.
3. What does GFCI stand for?
A. Ground Fault Central Inverter
B. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
C. Global Fault Current Indicator
D. Ground Frequency Converter
GFCI devices protect against electrical shock by quickly
interrupting current when an imbalance is detected.
,4. A typical home inspection should include which of the following?
A. Chimney interior sweep
B. Roof surface inspection
C. Hazardous material removal
D. Pest extermination
Inspectors evaluate visible roof surfaces, not perform removal or
cleaning tasks.
5. What component prevents backflow in a plumbing system?
A. Check valve
B. Backflow preventer
C. Pressure regulator
D. Sump pump
Backflow preventers stop contaminated water from entering the
potable water supply.
6. Which roof slope is considered low slope?
A. 6:12
B. 4:12
C. 3:12
D. 2:12
Low slope roofs have gentler pitches and are more prone to water
infiltration.
7. What is the main purpose of a home’s foundation?
, A. Support structural loads
B. Provide insulation
C. House utilities
D. Aesthetic appearance
Foundations distribute structural loads safely to the ground.
8. What does AFCI protect against?
A. Low voltage drop
B. Arc faults
C. Water intrusion
D. Overheating insulation
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters reduce fire risk from electrical
arcing.
9. What is the minimum headroom required for a stairway?
A. 6 ft 8 in
B. 6 ft 8 in
C. 7 ft 2 in
D. 5 ft 6 in
Standard minimum headroom is 6′-8″ to prevent injury.
10. What is a common sign of foundation settlement?
A. Fresh paint
B. Cracks in walls and floors
C. New carpet
D. Clean gutters
Cracking can indicate differential movement in the foundation.
and correct answers rationales 2026
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To determine compliance with building codes
B. To identify material defects
C. To estimate repair costs
D. To provide a warranty
A home inspection identifies visible, material defects in accessible
systems and components; it is not a code compliance inspection.
2. Which system is NOT typically evaluated during a standard home
inspection?
A. Structural
B. Electrical
C. Interior décor
D. HVAC
Inspection focuses on physical structure and safety systems, not
aesthetics or décor.
3. What does GFCI stand for?
A. Ground Fault Central Inverter
B. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
C. Global Fault Current Indicator
D. Ground Frequency Converter
GFCI devices protect against electrical shock by quickly
interrupting current when an imbalance is detected.
,4. A typical home inspection should include which of the following?
A. Chimney interior sweep
B. Roof surface inspection
C. Hazardous material removal
D. Pest extermination
Inspectors evaluate visible roof surfaces, not perform removal or
cleaning tasks.
5. What component prevents backflow in a plumbing system?
A. Check valve
B. Backflow preventer
C. Pressure regulator
D. Sump pump
Backflow preventers stop contaminated water from entering the
potable water supply.
6. Which roof slope is considered low slope?
A. 6:12
B. 4:12
C. 3:12
D. 2:12
Low slope roofs have gentler pitches and are more prone to water
infiltration.
7. What is the main purpose of a home’s foundation?
, A. Support structural loads
B. Provide insulation
C. House utilities
D. Aesthetic appearance
Foundations distribute structural loads safely to the ground.
8. What does AFCI protect against?
A. Low voltage drop
B. Arc faults
C. Water intrusion
D. Overheating insulation
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters reduce fire risk from electrical
arcing.
9. What is the minimum headroom required for a stairway?
A. 6 ft 8 in
B. 6 ft 8 in
C. 7 ft 2 in
D. 5 ft 6 in
Standard minimum headroom is 6′-8″ to prevent injury.
10. What is a common sign of foundation settlement?
A. Fresh paint
B. Cracks in walls and floors
C. New carpet
D. Clean gutters
Cracking can indicate differential movement in the foundation.
