NEW MEXICO HOME INSPECTOR
LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection in New Mexico?
A. To appraise the value of the property
B. To evaluate the current condition of the home’s major systems
C. To estimate repair costs
D. To enforce building codes
Rationale: Home inspections in New Mexico aim to assess the condition of
a property's components, not to determine value or enforce code.
2. In New Mexico, which document outlines the ethical conduct and standards
a home inspector must follow?
A. NM Uniform Building Code
B. International Residential Code
C. New Mexico Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
D. NM Real Estate Practices Manual
, Rationale: New Mexico inspectors are bound by the state’s Standards of
Practice and Code of Ethics, detailing duties, scope, and limitations.
3. What type of license must a home inspector hold to legally perform
inspections in New Mexico?
A. General contractor license
B. Home inspector license issued by the New Mexico Regulation and
Licensing Department (RLD)
C. Electrician license
D. Building code enforcement certification
Rationale: New Mexico law requires a home inspector to hold a license
from the RLD’s Construction Industries Division.
4. Which of the following is NOT typically included in a standard home
inspection in New Mexico?
A. Roof covering condition
B. Mold sampling and lab analysis
C. HVAC system performance
D. Structural foundation assessment
Rationale: Mold testing goes beyond the standard visual inspection scope
and requires additional licensing.
5. How long must New Mexico home inspectors retain their inspection
reports?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
, D. Indefinitely
Rationale: New Mexico inspectors must maintain inspection records,
including reports, for a minimum of 3 years.
6. What must a home inspector in New Mexico do before beginning an
inspection?
A. Obtain permits
B. Notify the county
C. Provide a written pre-inspection agreement
D. Call 811 for utility location
Rationale: The inspector must present and have the client sign a pre-
inspection agreement outlining scope and limitations.
7. A home inspection report in New Mexico must include which of the
following?
A. Building permit history
B. Summary of major deficiencies
C. Cost estimates for all repairs
D. Surveyor’s map
Rationale: Inspectors are required to summarize deficiencies that
significantly affect safety or habitability.
8. Which of the following roofing materials is most prone to damage from hail
in New Mexico?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Metal roofing
C. Clay tiles
LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection in New Mexico?
A. To appraise the value of the property
B. To evaluate the current condition of the home’s major systems
C. To estimate repair costs
D. To enforce building codes
Rationale: Home inspections in New Mexico aim to assess the condition of
a property's components, not to determine value or enforce code.
2. In New Mexico, which document outlines the ethical conduct and standards
a home inspector must follow?
A. NM Uniform Building Code
B. International Residential Code
C. New Mexico Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
D. NM Real Estate Practices Manual
, Rationale: New Mexico inspectors are bound by the state’s Standards of
Practice and Code of Ethics, detailing duties, scope, and limitations.
3. What type of license must a home inspector hold to legally perform
inspections in New Mexico?
A. General contractor license
B. Home inspector license issued by the New Mexico Regulation and
Licensing Department (RLD)
C. Electrician license
D. Building code enforcement certification
Rationale: New Mexico law requires a home inspector to hold a license
from the RLD’s Construction Industries Division.
4. Which of the following is NOT typically included in a standard home
inspection in New Mexico?
A. Roof covering condition
B. Mold sampling and lab analysis
C. HVAC system performance
D. Structural foundation assessment
Rationale: Mold testing goes beyond the standard visual inspection scope
and requires additional licensing.
5. How long must New Mexico home inspectors retain their inspection
reports?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
, D. Indefinitely
Rationale: New Mexico inspectors must maintain inspection records,
including reports, for a minimum of 3 years.
6. What must a home inspector in New Mexico do before beginning an
inspection?
A. Obtain permits
B. Notify the county
C. Provide a written pre-inspection agreement
D. Call 811 for utility location
Rationale: The inspector must present and have the client sign a pre-
inspection agreement outlining scope and limitations.
7. A home inspection report in New Mexico must include which of the
following?
A. Building permit history
B. Summary of major deficiencies
C. Cost estimates for all repairs
D. Surveyor’s map
Rationale: Inspectors are required to summarize deficiencies that
significantly affect safety or habitability.
8. Which of the following roofing materials is most prone to damage from hail
in New Mexico?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Metal roofing
C. Clay tiles
