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New York Home Inspector License Exam — 100 Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales
Domain 1: Licensing Law & Professional Practice (Questions 1–20)
Question 1: What is the minimum approved course of study required for a person qualifying
for New York home inspector licensure through the education pathway?
A) 40 hours
B) 80 hours
C) 120 hours
D) 140 hours
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The New York education pathway requires completion of an approved home-
inspection course of study consisting of at least 140 hours. The curriculum is designed to
provide instruction in the major technical and professional areas required for competent
home inspection practice .
Question 2: A licensed home inspector in New York completes an inspection and delivers the
written report to the client. Under 19 NYCRR Part 197, how long must the inspector retain a
copy of this report?
A) 1 year
B) 3 years
C) 5 years
D) 6 years
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NY regulations require licensed home inspectors to keep a copy of each written
report for at least six years. This retention requirement ensures records are available for
client reference, regulatory review, or dispute resolution .
Question 3: A real estate agent approaches you and offers to feature your home inspection
business in their office brochure for a fee, in exchange for promoting you as a preferred
vendor. What should you do?
A) Accept, as this is an acceptable marketing method
B) Accept only if there is nothing that precludes your responsibility to clients
C) Refuse because such an arrangement may compromise your integrity
D) Accept but only if the agent also uses other inspectors
, 2
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Accepting referral fees or paying for preferred vendor status from real estate
agents is considered a violation of ethical practice and may compromise the inspector's
objectivity and integrity. Inspectors must maintain independence and avoid any
arrangement that could create a conflict of interest .
Question 4: Which of the following is the primary purpose of a residential home inspection?
A) To determine the market value of the property
B) To identify and report observable conditions of specified building systems and
components
C) To guarantee that the property has no defects
D) To determine whether the buyer qualifies for a mortgage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A home inspection is primarily an evaluation of observable conditions of specified
residential systems and components. The inspector communicates significant observations
to the client through the inspection report. The inspection is not an appraisal, warranty, or
guarantee that every defect has been discovered .
Question 5: A home inspector is asked by a client to provide a cost estimate for replacing the
roof. Under the NYS Standards of Practice, what should the inspector do?
A) Provide a verbal estimate based on experience
B) Provide a written estimate after the inspection
C) Decline to provide an estimate, as estimating is outside the scope of a home inspection
D) Refer the client to a roofing contractor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The home inspection Standards of Practice limit the inspector to describing the
condition of the roof and reporting defects or signs of leaks. Estimating repair or
replacement costs is outside the scope of a home inspection and could create liability issues
.
Question 6: What is the minimum general liability insurance coverage required for a New
York home inspector?
A) $100,000 per occurrence
B) $250,000 per occurrence
, 3
C) $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate
D) $150,000 per occurrence (bodily injury) and $50,000 property
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: New York law requires home inspectors to carry at least $300,000 in general
liability coverage per occurrence with a $600,000 aggregate. Proof of insurance must be
maintained and submitted with the license application .
Question 7: Which statement BEST describes the action a home inspector should take when
a safety issue is found in a home?
A) Determine the degree of immediacy, and report to the appropriate parties
B) Explain verbally to the client, but do not include in a written report
C) Repair the problem when possible
D) Shut down the system and call a repair contractor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a safety issue is found, the inspector should determine the degree of
immediacy and report it to the appropriate parties. The inspector should not repair the
problem, as that is outside the scope of a home inspection .
Question 8: An inspector who is asked to inspect a property owned by the inspector's close
relative should primarily consider:
A) Whether the house is large
B) Whether the inspection is profitable
C) Whether the relationship creates a conflict of interest
D) Whether the seller has insurance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Personal relationships can compromise or appear to compromise impartiality.
Professional inspection requires independence and avoidance of conflicts .
Question 9: What is the main purpose of a foundation?
A) To support and transfer building loads to the supporting soil or rock
B) To provide interior ventilation
C) To serve as a decorative element
D) To anchor the roof structure
, 4
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The foundation supports and transfers building loads to the supporting soil or
rock. It is a critical structural component evaluated during a home inspection .
Question 10: Which condition should generally be considered a significant safety concern
during a home inspection?
A) A loose decorative picture frame
B) An exposed energized electrical conductor
C) Slightly faded interior paint
D) Minor carpet discoloration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exposed energized conductors can create shock, electrocution, and fire hazards.
An inspector should recognize and document significant safety concerns and recommend
appropriate evaluation or correction when necessary .
Question 11: Which statement best describes an inspector's responsibility when a
component is inaccessible?
A) The inspector should assume the component is satisfactory
B) The inspector should report the limitation appropriately
C) The inspector should dismantle the component regardless of risk
D) The inspector should omit the entire inspection report
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inspectors should not represent that they inspected a component that was
inaccessible. When access is restricted by stored items, finishes, unsafe conditions, locked
areas, or other limitations, the limitation should be documented in the report .
Question 12: Which of the following is generally considered a limitation of a visual home
inspection?
A) The inspector can see through finished walls
B) The inspector can determine hidden conditions without access
C) The inspector evaluates readily observable conditions
D) The inspector must remove all building finishes
Correct Answer: C
New York Home Inspector License Exam — 100 Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales
Domain 1: Licensing Law & Professional Practice (Questions 1–20)
Question 1: What is the minimum approved course of study required for a person qualifying
for New York home inspector licensure through the education pathway?
A) 40 hours
B) 80 hours
C) 120 hours
D) 140 hours
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The New York education pathway requires completion of an approved home-
inspection course of study consisting of at least 140 hours. The curriculum is designed to
provide instruction in the major technical and professional areas required for competent
home inspection practice .
Question 2: A licensed home inspector in New York completes an inspection and delivers the
written report to the client. Under 19 NYCRR Part 197, how long must the inspector retain a
copy of this report?
A) 1 year
B) 3 years
C) 5 years
D) 6 years
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NY regulations require licensed home inspectors to keep a copy of each written
report for at least six years. This retention requirement ensures records are available for
client reference, regulatory review, or dispute resolution .
Question 3: A real estate agent approaches you and offers to feature your home inspection
business in their office brochure for a fee, in exchange for promoting you as a preferred
vendor. What should you do?
A) Accept, as this is an acceptable marketing method
B) Accept only if there is nothing that precludes your responsibility to clients
C) Refuse because such an arrangement may compromise your integrity
D) Accept but only if the agent also uses other inspectors
, 2
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Accepting referral fees or paying for preferred vendor status from real estate
agents is considered a violation of ethical practice and may compromise the inspector's
objectivity and integrity. Inspectors must maintain independence and avoid any
arrangement that could create a conflict of interest .
Question 4: Which of the following is the primary purpose of a residential home inspection?
A) To determine the market value of the property
B) To identify and report observable conditions of specified building systems and
components
C) To guarantee that the property has no defects
D) To determine whether the buyer qualifies for a mortgage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A home inspection is primarily an evaluation of observable conditions of specified
residential systems and components. The inspector communicates significant observations
to the client through the inspection report. The inspection is not an appraisal, warranty, or
guarantee that every defect has been discovered .
Question 5: A home inspector is asked by a client to provide a cost estimate for replacing the
roof. Under the NYS Standards of Practice, what should the inspector do?
A) Provide a verbal estimate based on experience
B) Provide a written estimate after the inspection
C) Decline to provide an estimate, as estimating is outside the scope of a home inspection
D) Refer the client to a roofing contractor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The home inspection Standards of Practice limit the inspector to describing the
condition of the roof and reporting defects or signs of leaks. Estimating repair or
replacement costs is outside the scope of a home inspection and could create liability issues
.
Question 6: What is the minimum general liability insurance coverage required for a New
York home inspector?
A) $100,000 per occurrence
B) $250,000 per occurrence
, 3
C) $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate
D) $150,000 per occurrence (bodily injury) and $50,000 property
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: New York law requires home inspectors to carry at least $300,000 in general
liability coverage per occurrence with a $600,000 aggregate. Proof of insurance must be
maintained and submitted with the license application .
Question 7: Which statement BEST describes the action a home inspector should take when
a safety issue is found in a home?
A) Determine the degree of immediacy, and report to the appropriate parties
B) Explain verbally to the client, but do not include in a written report
C) Repair the problem when possible
D) Shut down the system and call a repair contractor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a safety issue is found, the inspector should determine the degree of
immediacy and report it to the appropriate parties. The inspector should not repair the
problem, as that is outside the scope of a home inspection .
Question 8: An inspector who is asked to inspect a property owned by the inspector's close
relative should primarily consider:
A) Whether the house is large
B) Whether the inspection is profitable
C) Whether the relationship creates a conflict of interest
D) Whether the seller has insurance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Personal relationships can compromise or appear to compromise impartiality.
Professional inspection requires independence and avoidance of conflicts .
Question 9: What is the main purpose of a foundation?
A) To support and transfer building loads to the supporting soil or rock
B) To provide interior ventilation
C) To serve as a decorative element
D) To anchor the roof structure
, 4
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The foundation supports and transfers building loads to the supporting soil or
rock. It is a critical structural component evaluated during a home inspection .
Question 10: Which condition should generally be considered a significant safety concern
during a home inspection?
A) A loose decorative picture frame
B) An exposed energized electrical conductor
C) Slightly faded interior paint
D) Minor carpet discoloration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exposed energized conductors can create shock, electrocution, and fire hazards.
An inspector should recognize and document significant safety concerns and recommend
appropriate evaluation or correction when necessary .
Question 11: Which statement best describes an inspector's responsibility when a
component is inaccessible?
A) The inspector should assume the component is satisfactory
B) The inspector should report the limitation appropriately
C) The inspector should dismantle the component regardless of risk
D) The inspector should omit the entire inspection report
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inspectors should not represent that they inspected a component that was
inaccessible. When access is restricted by stored items, finishes, unsafe conditions, locked
areas, or other limitations, the limitation should be documented in the report .
Question 12: Which of the following is generally considered a limitation of a visual home
inspection?
A) The inspector can see through finished walls
B) The inspector can determine hidden conditions without access
C) The inspector evaluates readily observable conditions
D) The inspector must remove all building finishes
Correct Answer: C
