1|Page
HERS Rater Training Exam Newest 2026/2027 ||Just Out!!!
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
Wool
Cellulose - ANSWER-Extruded Polystyrene
What is the primary disadvantage of cellulose insulation?
Poor resistance value
Cannot pack into cracks and crevices very well
,2|Page
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.
,3|Page
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
Air Barrier Location
Cost
Existing Insulation - ANSWER-Color
Which of the following is NOT a proper way to support
fiberglass insulation in floors?
Lath
Plastic Sheathing
Wire supports
Stapled Twine - ANSWER-Plastic Sheathing
Which of the following NOT considered advanced framing?
, 4|Page
Steel Studs at 16" o.c.
Wood Framing at 24" o.c.
Staggered Stud Walls
Raised Heel Trusses - ANSWER-Steel Studs at 16" o.c.
For home built in the 1980s with 2x4 exterior walls, which of
the following would be a good assumption for the wall's cavity
R-value?
R-11
R-15
R-19
R-21 - ANSWER-R-11
To rate batt or loose-fill insulation Grade 1, no more than
_____% of the total insulated area shall be compressed below
the thickness required to attain the labeled R-Value.
10
5
2
HERS Rater Training Exam Newest 2026/2027 ||Just Out!!!
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
Wool
Cellulose - ANSWER-Extruded Polystyrene
What is the primary disadvantage of cellulose insulation?
Poor resistance value
Cannot pack into cracks and crevices very well
,2|Page
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.
,3|Page
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
Air Barrier Location
Cost
Existing Insulation - ANSWER-Color
Which of the following is NOT a proper way to support
fiberglass insulation in floors?
Lath
Plastic Sheathing
Wire supports
Stapled Twine - ANSWER-Plastic Sheathing
Which of the following NOT considered advanced framing?
, 4|Page
Steel Studs at 16" o.c.
Wood Framing at 24" o.c.
Staggered Stud Walls
Raised Heel Trusses - ANSWER-Steel Studs at 16" o.c.
For home built in the 1980s with 2x4 exterior walls, which of
the following would be a good assumption for the wall's cavity
R-value?
R-11
R-15
R-19
R-21 - ANSWER-R-11
To rate batt or loose-fill insulation Grade 1, no more than
_____% of the total insulated area shall be compressed below
the thickness required to attain the labeled R-Value.
10
5
2
