1|Page
HERS Rater Training Exam 2025 — Study Guide, Practice
Questions & Home Energy Rating Certification Prep
Prepare for the HERS Rater Training Exam 2025 with a complete study guide, practice
questions, and certification review materials. Learn essential home energy rating standards,
building science principles, HVAC efficiency, insulation, and blower door testing to pass
your HERS Rater certification exam and advance your career in energy auditing and building
performance.
• HERS Rater Training Exam 2025
• HERS certification study guide
• Home Energy Rating System exam
• HERS practice test questions
Which of the following types of heat transfer inside an insulated assembly can cause air leakage?
Radiation
Convection
Conduction
Transpiration - ANSWER-Convection
Which of the following can cause a reduction in an insulating material's R-value?
Air Flow
Compression
Moisture
All of the above - ANSWER-All of the above
,2|Page
What is the main advantage(s) of fiberglass batts for insulating assemblies?
Cost
High R-valve per inch
Availability
Ability to stop airflow
Both A & C - ANSWER-Both A & C
Which of the following is NOT a function of insulation?
Slows Heat transmission
Decreases size of heating and cooling equipment
Enhanced comfort
Reduces mechanical ventilation required - ANSWER-Reduces mechanical ventilation required
Which of the following is the term for thermal resistance?
R-Value
U-Value
Diffusion
Density - ANSWER-R-Value
Which of the following insulating materials has the highest R-value per inch?
Blown Cellulose
Polyisocyanurate Board
Extruded Polystyrene
,3|Page
Fiberglass - ANSWER-Polyisocyanurate Board
Which of the following wall assembly types would have the lowest R-value?
Six Inch, Structural EPS insulated panel
2x6 wood stud wall
Standard 2x4 wall
Steel frame wall - ANSWER-Steel frame wall
Why is it important to cut batt insulation around wires and pipes in wall assemblies?
To avoid the insulation from being compressed
To ensure full coverage
To avoid an air pocket in the wall
To ensure full R-value potential
All of the above - ANSWER-All of the above
Which of the following is the best way to reduce thermal bridging?
Utilize insulated sheathing
Compressing Batts between studs
Utilize Steel Studs for exterior walls
Dense pack walls with Cellulose - ANSWER-Utilize insulated sheathing
Which of the following is NOT a type of blown insulation?
Fiberglass
Extruded Polystyrene
, 4|Page
Wool
Cellulose - ANSWER-Extruded Polystyrene
What is the primary disadvantage of cellulose insulation?
Poor resistance value
Cannot pack into cracks and crevices very well
Water absorption
Can only achieve low density in walls - ANSWER-Water absorption
Which of the following is NOT true about air barriers?
They reduce materials R-value
They prevent moisture laden air from entering cavities
They reduce wind driven intrusion
They reduce air convection - ANSWER-They reduce materials R-value
What is the difference between a vapor barrier and a vapor retarder?
A vapor barrier is necessary in all climates and a vapor retarder is rarely used.
A vapor barrier slows down vapor diffusion and a vapor retarder stops vapor diffusion.
A vapor retarder slows down vapor diffusion and a vapor barrier stops vapors diffusion.
There is no difference. - ANSWER-A vapor retarder slows down vapor diffusion and a vapor barrier stops
vapors diffusion
In retrofit applications, which of the following is NOT a consideration when choosing which assembly to
insulate?
Color
HERS Rater Training Exam 2025 — Study Guide, Practice
Questions & Home Energy Rating Certification Prep
Prepare for the HERS Rater Training Exam 2025 with a complete study guide, practice
questions, and certification review materials. Learn essential home energy rating standards,
building science principles, HVAC efficiency, insulation, and blower door testing to pass
your HERS Rater certification exam and advance your career in energy auditing and building
performance.
• HERS Rater Training Exam 2025
• HERS certification study guide
• Home Energy Rating System exam
• HERS practice test questions
Which of the following types of heat transfer inside an insulated assembly can cause air leakage?
Radiation
Convection
Conduction
Transpiration - ANSWER-Convection
Which of the following can cause a reduction in an insulating material's R-value?
Air Flow
Compression
Moisture
All of the above - ANSWER-All of the above
,2|Page
What is the main advantage(s) of fiberglass batts for insulating assemblies?
Cost
High R-valve per inch
Availability
Ability to stop airflow
Both A & C - ANSWER-Both A & C
Which of the following is NOT a function of insulation?
Slows Heat transmission
Decreases size of heating and cooling equipment
Enhanced comfort
Reduces mechanical ventilation required - ANSWER-Reduces mechanical ventilation required
Which of the following is the term for thermal resistance?
R-Value
U-Value
Diffusion
Density - ANSWER-R-Value
Which of the following insulating materials has the highest R-value per inch?
Blown Cellulose
Polyisocyanurate Board
Extruded Polystyrene
,3|Page
Fiberglass - ANSWER-Polyisocyanurate Board
Which of the following wall assembly types would have the lowest R-value?
Six Inch, Structural EPS insulated panel
2x6 wood stud wall
Standard 2x4 wall
Steel frame wall - ANSWER-Steel frame wall
Why is it important to cut batt insulation around wires and pipes in wall assemblies?
To avoid the insulation from being compressed
To ensure full coverage
To avoid an air pocket in the wall
To ensure full R-value potential
All of the above - ANSWER-All of the above
Which of the following is the best way to reduce thermal bridging?
Utilize insulated sheathing
Compressing Batts between studs
Utilize Steel Studs for exterior walls
Dense pack walls with Cellulose - ANSWER-Utilize insulated sheathing
Which of the following is NOT a type of blown insulation?
Fiberglass
Extruded Polystyrene
, 4|Page
Wool
Cellulose - ANSWER-Extruded Polystyrene
What is the primary disadvantage of cellulose insulation?
Poor resistance value
Cannot pack into cracks and crevices very well
Water absorption
Can only achieve low density in walls - ANSWER-Water absorption
Which of the following is NOT true about air barriers?
They reduce materials R-value
They prevent moisture laden air from entering cavities
They reduce wind driven intrusion
They reduce air convection - ANSWER-They reduce materials R-value
What is the difference between a vapor barrier and a vapor retarder?
A vapor barrier is necessary in all climates and a vapor retarder is rarely used.
A vapor barrier slows down vapor diffusion and a vapor retarder stops vapor diffusion.
A vapor retarder slows down vapor diffusion and a vapor barrier stops vapors diffusion.
There is no difference. - ANSWER-A vapor retarder slows down vapor diffusion and a vapor barrier stops
vapors diffusion
In retrofit applications, which of the following is NOT a consideration when choosing which assembly to
insulate?
Color
