MARYLAND HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A) To provide an appraisal value
B) To identify visible defects and safety issues
C) To negotiate the sales price
D) To estimate repair costs
Answer: B) To identify visible defects and safety issues
Rationale: The home inspector’s role is to identify visible and accessible defects
and safety concerns, not to appraise or negotiate price.
2. What type of foundation is most common in Maryland residential homes?
A) Concrete slab
B) Basement foundation
,C) Crawl space foundation
D) Pier and beam
Answer: B) Basement foundation
Rationale: In Maryland, homes typically have basement foundations due to
climate and soil conditions.
3. Which tool is essential for detecting moisture intrusion in walls?
A) Infrared thermometer
B) Moisture meter
C) Multimeter
D) Refractometer
Answer: B) Moisture meter
Rationale: A moisture meter helps detect elevated moisture levels, indicating
potential leaks or water intrusion.
4. When inspecting an electrical panel, what is a common defect to look for?
A) Double-tapped breakers
B) Painted breakers
C) Clean wiring
D) GFCI breakers installed
Answer: A) Double-tapped breakers
Rationale: Double-tapping breakers (two wires under one breaker screw) can
cause overheating and is generally a defect.
5. What is the minimum clearance height for residential stairways?
, A) 6 feet 6 inches
B) 6 feet 8 inches
C) 7 feet
D) 8 feet
Answer: B) 6 feet 8 inches
Rationale: The International Residential Code requires at least 6'8" clearance in
stairways.
6. What is the typical spacing for floor joists in residential construction?
A) 12 inches on center
B) 16 inches on center
C) 24 inches on center
D) 36 inches on center
Answer: B) 16 inches on center
Rationale: 16 inches on center is the most common spacing for floor joists in
residential buildings.
7. What does GFCI stand for?
A) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
B) General Fault Control Indicator
C) Ground Flow Circuit Installer
D) General Fixture Control Interface
Answer: A) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
Rationale: GFCIs protect people from electrical shock by interrupting circuits
during ground faults.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A) To provide an appraisal value
B) To identify visible defects and safety issues
C) To negotiate the sales price
D) To estimate repair costs
Answer: B) To identify visible defects and safety issues
Rationale: The home inspector’s role is to identify visible and accessible defects
and safety concerns, not to appraise or negotiate price.
2. What type of foundation is most common in Maryland residential homes?
A) Concrete slab
B) Basement foundation
,C) Crawl space foundation
D) Pier and beam
Answer: B) Basement foundation
Rationale: In Maryland, homes typically have basement foundations due to
climate and soil conditions.
3. Which tool is essential for detecting moisture intrusion in walls?
A) Infrared thermometer
B) Moisture meter
C) Multimeter
D) Refractometer
Answer: B) Moisture meter
Rationale: A moisture meter helps detect elevated moisture levels, indicating
potential leaks or water intrusion.
4. When inspecting an electrical panel, what is a common defect to look for?
A) Double-tapped breakers
B) Painted breakers
C) Clean wiring
D) GFCI breakers installed
Answer: A) Double-tapped breakers
Rationale: Double-tapping breakers (two wires under one breaker screw) can
cause overheating and is generally a defect.
5. What is the minimum clearance height for residential stairways?
, A) 6 feet 6 inches
B) 6 feet 8 inches
C) 7 feet
D) 8 feet
Answer: B) 6 feet 8 inches
Rationale: The International Residential Code requires at least 6'8" clearance in
stairways.
6. What is the typical spacing for floor joists in residential construction?
A) 12 inches on center
B) 16 inches on center
C) 24 inches on center
D) 36 inches on center
Answer: B) 16 inches on center
Rationale: 16 inches on center is the most common spacing for floor joists in
residential buildings.
7. What does GFCI stand for?
A) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
B) General Fault Control Indicator
C) Ground Flow Circuit Installer
D) General Fixture Control Interface
Answer: A) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
Rationale: GFCIs protect people from electrical shock by interrupting circuits
during ground faults.
