NATIONAL HOME INSPECTOR
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A home inspector’s primary role is to:
A. Provide a repair estimate
B. Identify material defects
C. Guarantee the condition of the property
D. Certify code compliance
Rationale: Inspectors identify observable defects; they do not estimate
repairs, guarantee conditions, or certify code compliance.
2. The main purpose of a home inspection is to:
A. Appraise the property value
B. Evaluate the visible condition of the home
C. Ensure future performance
D. Provide a warranty
Rationale: Inspection is a snapshot of visible conditions, not valuation,
predictions, or warranties.
3. Means of egress refers to:
A. Electrical disconnect
B. Path for emergency exit
C. Roof access
D. Sewer line location
Rationale: Means of egress is the continuous exit path for occupants.
,4. A GFCI protects against:
A. Overcurrent
B. Ground faults
C. Short circuits
D. Arc faults
Rationale: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters respond to imbalances to
prevent shock.
5. The slope of a properly draining exterior grade should be at least:
A. 1/8 inch per foot
B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 6 inches in the first 10 feet
D. Level
Rationale: Standard grading directs water away ~6 in. per 10 ft.
6. A typical residential water heater’s TPR valve must discharge to:
A. The roof
B. A bucket
C. A safe place near floor drain or outside
D. A sewer cleanout
Rationale: TPR discharge must be directed safely to reduce scalding and
flooding risk.
7. A sagging roof rafter most likely indicates:
A. Proper venting
B. Structural uplift
C. Excessive load or structural issue
D. Good design
Rationale: Sagging suggests load or support problems.
8. Knob-and-tube wiring is a concern because it:
A. Is waterproof
B. Lacks grounding conductor
C. Has no insulation
D. Is fireproof
, Rationale: Knob-and-tube lacks grounding and may be unsafe with
modern loads.
9. A duct system should be sealed with:
A. Cloth tape
B. UL-approved mastic or metal tape
C. Electrical tape
D. Duct wrap only
Rationale: Only UL-rated sealants ensure air tightness; cloth tape fails.
10.The primary purpose of attic ventilation is to:
A. Increase attic temperature
B. Reduce moisture and heat buildup
C. Eliminate insulation
D. Attract wildlife
Rationale: Ventilation controls moisture and heat to protect structure and
insulation.
11.A double-hung window is characterized by:
A. Single fixed pane
B. Two operable sashes
C. Sliding horizontally
D. Tilt door style
Rationale: Double-hung windows have upper and lower sashes that move.
12.Signs of foundation settlement include:
A. Level walls
B. New paint
C. Stair-step cracks in masonry
D. Smooth floors
Rationale: Stair-step cracks in block/brick indicate differential movement.
13.A main electrical service panel should have a:
A. Fuse puller
B. Grounding electrode conductor
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A home inspector’s primary role is to:
A. Provide a repair estimate
B. Identify material defects
C. Guarantee the condition of the property
D. Certify code compliance
Rationale: Inspectors identify observable defects; they do not estimate
repairs, guarantee conditions, or certify code compliance.
2. The main purpose of a home inspection is to:
A. Appraise the property value
B. Evaluate the visible condition of the home
C. Ensure future performance
D. Provide a warranty
Rationale: Inspection is a snapshot of visible conditions, not valuation,
predictions, or warranties.
3. Means of egress refers to:
A. Electrical disconnect
B. Path for emergency exit
C. Roof access
D. Sewer line location
Rationale: Means of egress is the continuous exit path for occupants.
,4. A GFCI protects against:
A. Overcurrent
B. Ground faults
C. Short circuits
D. Arc faults
Rationale: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters respond to imbalances to
prevent shock.
5. The slope of a properly draining exterior grade should be at least:
A. 1/8 inch per foot
B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 6 inches in the first 10 feet
D. Level
Rationale: Standard grading directs water away ~6 in. per 10 ft.
6. A typical residential water heater’s TPR valve must discharge to:
A. The roof
B. A bucket
C. A safe place near floor drain or outside
D. A sewer cleanout
Rationale: TPR discharge must be directed safely to reduce scalding and
flooding risk.
7. A sagging roof rafter most likely indicates:
A. Proper venting
B. Structural uplift
C. Excessive load or structural issue
D. Good design
Rationale: Sagging suggests load or support problems.
8. Knob-and-tube wiring is a concern because it:
A. Is waterproof
B. Lacks grounding conductor
C. Has no insulation
D. Is fireproof
, Rationale: Knob-and-tube lacks grounding and may be unsafe with
modern loads.
9. A duct system should be sealed with:
A. Cloth tape
B. UL-approved mastic or metal tape
C. Electrical tape
D. Duct wrap only
Rationale: Only UL-rated sealants ensure air tightness; cloth tape fails.
10.The primary purpose of attic ventilation is to:
A. Increase attic temperature
B. Reduce moisture and heat buildup
C. Eliminate insulation
D. Attract wildlife
Rationale: Ventilation controls moisture and heat to protect structure and
insulation.
11.A double-hung window is characterized by:
A. Single fixed pane
B. Two operable sashes
C. Sliding horizontally
D. Tilt door style
Rationale: Double-hung windows have upper and lower sashes that move.
12.Signs of foundation settlement include:
A. Level walls
B. New paint
C. Stair-step cracks in masonry
D. Smooth floors
Rationale: Stair-step cracks in block/brick indicate differential movement.
13.A main electrical service panel should have a:
A. Fuse puller
B. Grounding electrode conductor
