1
Maryland Home Inspector Licensing Exam: 100 Practice Questions, Correct Answers and
Rationales
Section 1: Maryland licensing and home inspection standards (Questions 1–15)
Maryland’s official requirements state that applicants generally need an approved 72-hour
on-site training course, a passing score on the National Home Inspector Examination, and
proof of a high school diploma or equivalent. The state’s minimum standards apply to visual
inspections of readily accessible areas in residential buildings containing one to four dwelling
units.
dllr.state.md.us
+2
Questions 1–15: Licensing, ethics and inspection procedures
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To guarantee that a house has no defects B. To evaluate the condition of accessible
components and systems C. To determine the property's market value D. To certify that the
house meets every current building code
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: A home inspection is a visual evaluation of accessible systems and components. It
does not guarantee the absence of hidden defects or certify complete code compliance.
2. Which examination must an applicant generally pass to obtain a Maryland home inspector
license?
A. National Electrical Examination B. National Home Inspector Examination C. Maryland Real
Estate Salesperson Examination D. General Contractor Licensing Examination
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: Maryland requires applicants to pass the National Home Inspector Examination,
along with the other applicable licensing requirements.
dllr.state.md.us
+1
3. How many hours of approved on-site training are generally required for an initial
Maryland home inspector license?
, 2
A. 24 hours B. 40 hours C. 72 hours D. 120 hours
Correct answer: C.
Rationale: Maryland's licensing requirements specify a 72-hour approved on-site home
inspector training course.
dllr.state.md.us
+1
4. What is the best description of a standard home inspection?
A. A destructive examination of every building component B. A visual inspection of readily
accessible areas C. A guarantee against future repairs D. An appraisal of the property's resale
value
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: Standard inspections focus on visible and accessible conditions. Destructive
testing and specialized investigations are separate services.
5. What should an inspector do when a component is inaccessible?
A. Assume it is functioning properly B. Dismantle it regardless of risk C. Report the limitation
and explain that it was not inspected D. Ignore the component in the report
Correct answer: C.
Rationale: The inspector should disclose limitations accurately rather than imply that an
inaccessible component was examined.
6. Which statement best describes an inspector's responsibility when a serious safety hazard
is discovered?
A. Ignore it if the seller requests secrecy B. Document it and communicate the hazard
promptly to the client C. Guarantee that the hazard will never cause injury D. Repair it
without permission
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: Safety hazards should be clearly documented and communicated, with
appropriate recommendations for evaluation or correction.
7. What is the most appropriate response when an inspector has a financial interest in a
repair company being recommended?
, 3
A. Recommend the company without disclosure B. Conceal the relationship C. Disclose the
conflict and maintain impartiality D. Increase the inspection price without explanation
Correct answer: C.
Rationale: Maryland's professional ethics rules require impartiality and disclosure of
business interests or circumstances that could influence professional judgment.
Library of Maryland Regulations
8. Who is the primary recipient of the inspection report?
A. The inspector's preferred contractor B. The client identified in the inspection agreement
C. Every neighbor in the area D. The local tax assessor
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: The report is prepared for the client according to the inspection agreement and
applicable confidentiality requirements.
9. Which action is outside the normal purpose of a home inspection?
A. Identifying visible roof deterioration B. Reporting a leaking plumbing fixture C.
Establishing the property's market value D. Identifying visible structural concerns
Correct answer: C.
Rationale: Property valuation is generally an appraisal function, not the purpose of a
standard home inspection.
10. Why should an inspector take photographs of significant defects?
A. To replace the written report entirely B. To document visible conditions and support
findings C. To prove that every hidden component is defective D. To advertise the property
without consent
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: Photographs provide useful evidence of observed conditions, but they should
accompany clear written explanations.
11. What should an inspector do if asked to guarantee that a property will remain defect-
free for five years?
A. Provide the guarantee immediately B. Guarantee only the plumbing C. Explain that a
standard inspection cannot guarantee future performance D. Refuse to inspect any other
part of the house
Maryland Home Inspector Licensing Exam: 100 Practice Questions, Correct Answers and
Rationales
Section 1: Maryland licensing and home inspection standards (Questions 1–15)
Maryland’s official requirements state that applicants generally need an approved 72-hour
on-site training course, a passing score on the National Home Inspector Examination, and
proof of a high school diploma or equivalent. The state’s minimum standards apply to visual
inspections of readily accessible areas in residential buildings containing one to four dwelling
units.
dllr.state.md.us
+2
Questions 1–15: Licensing, ethics and inspection procedures
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To guarantee that a house has no defects B. To evaluate the condition of accessible
components and systems C. To determine the property's market value D. To certify that the
house meets every current building code
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: A home inspection is a visual evaluation of accessible systems and components. It
does not guarantee the absence of hidden defects or certify complete code compliance.
2. Which examination must an applicant generally pass to obtain a Maryland home inspector
license?
A. National Electrical Examination B. National Home Inspector Examination C. Maryland Real
Estate Salesperson Examination D. General Contractor Licensing Examination
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: Maryland requires applicants to pass the National Home Inspector Examination,
along with the other applicable licensing requirements.
dllr.state.md.us
+1
3. How many hours of approved on-site training are generally required for an initial
Maryland home inspector license?
, 2
A. 24 hours B. 40 hours C. 72 hours D. 120 hours
Correct answer: C.
Rationale: Maryland's licensing requirements specify a 72-hour approved on-site home
inspector training course.
dllr.state.md.us
+1
4. What is the best description of a standard home inspection?
A. A destructive examination of every building component B. A visual inspection of readily
accessible areas C. A guarantee against future repairs D. An appraisal of the property's resale
value
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: Standard inspections focus on visible and accessible conditions. Destructive
testing and specialized investigations are separate services.
5. What should an inspector do when a component is inaccessible?
A. Assume it is functioning properly B. Dismantle it regardless of risk C. Report the limitation
and explain that it was not inspected D. Ignore the component in the report
Correct answer: C.
Rationale: The inspector should disclose limitations accurately rather than imply that an
inaccessible component was examined.
6. Which statement best describes an inspector's responsibility when a serious safety hazard
is discovered?
A. Ignore it if the seller requests secrecy B. Document it and communicate the hazard
promptly to the client C. Guarantee that the hazard will never cause injury D. Repair it
without permission
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: Safety hazards should be clearly documented and communicated, with
appropriate recommendations for evaluation or correction.
7. What is the most appropriate response when an inspector has a financial interest in a
repair company being recommended?
, 3
A. Recommend the company without disclosure B. Conceal the relationship C. Disclose the
conflict and maintain impartiality D. Increase the inspection price without explanation
Correct answer: C.
Rationale: Maryland's professional ethics rules require impartiality and disclosure of
business interests or circumstances that could influence professional judgment.
Library of Maryland Regulations
8. Who is the primary recipient of the inspection report?
A. The inspector's preferred contractor B. The client identified in the inspection agreement
C. Every neighbor in the area D. The local tax assessor
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: The report is prepared for the client according to the inspection agreement and
applicable confidentiality requirements.
9. Which action is outside the normal purpose of a home inspection?
A. Identifying visible roof deterioration B. Reporting a leaking plumbing fixture C.
Establishing the property's market value D. Identifying visible structural concerns
Correct answer: C.
Rationale: Property valuation is generally an appraisal function, not the purpose of a
standard home inspection.
10. Why should an inspector take photographs of significant defects?
A. To replace the written report entirely B. To document visible conditions and support
findings C. To prove that every hidden component is defective D. To advertise the property
without consent
Correct answer: B.
Rationale: Photographs provide useful evidence of observed conditions, but they should
accompany clear written explanations.
11. What should an inspector do if asked to guarantee that a property will remain defect-
free for five years?
A. Provide the guarantee immediately B. Guarantee only the plumbing C. Explain that a
standard inspection cannot guarantee future performance D. Refuse to inspect any other
part of the house
