RHODE ISLAND HOME INSPECTOR
LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A) To estimate the market value of the home
B) To evaluate the condition of the home’s major systems and components
C) To provide a repair estimate for the buyer
D) To enforce local building codes
B) To evaluate the condition of the home’s major systems and
components
This is the main goal of a home inspection—to identify existing conditions
and potential defects.
2. When inspecting a roof, what is the most common material you will
examine in Rhode Island residential homes?
A) Slate
B) Wood shakes
, C) Asphalt shingles
D) Metal panels
C) Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material on residential
properties in Rhode Island.
3. Which of the following is NOT typically part of a standard home inspection?
A) HVAC system evaluation
B) Plumbing system examination
C) Pest inspection for termites
D) Structural components assessment
C) Pest inspection for termites
Pest inspections are usually performed by licensed pest control
professionals, not home inspectors.
4. What type of foundation is most common in older Rhode Island homes?
A) Poured concrete slab
B) Basement with concrete block or stone walls
C) Crawl space with wooden piers
D) Steel pilings
B) Basement with concrete block or stone walls
Older homes in Rhode Island often have basements with stone or concrete
block foundations.
5. How should a home inspector report the presence of asbestos?
A) Remove it during the inspection
B) Note its presence and recommend a specialist for testing
, C) Ignore it as it is not part of the inspection
D) Advise immediate removal by the inspector
B) Note its presence and recommend a specialist for testing
Home inspectors do not test or remove asbestos but should report
suspected asbestos-containing materials.
6. What is the minimum clearance that should be maintained around
electrical panels for safe access?
A) 12 inches
B) 24 inches
C) 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep
D) No clearance required
C) 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep
The National Electrical Code requires a clear working space around
electrical panels for safety.
7. When inspecting a chimney, what is an indication of possible structural
problems?
A) White paint on bricks
B) Cracks in the mortar joints or bricks
C) A metal chimney cap
D) Presence of a damper
B) Cracks in the mortar joints or bricks
Cracks may indicate settling or deterioration which can compromise
chimney stability.
LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A) To estimate the market value of the home
B) To evaluate the condition of the home’s major systems and components
C) To provide a repair estimate for the buyer
D) To enforce local building codes
B) To evaluate the condition of the home’s major systems and
components
This is the main goal of a home inspection—to identify existing conditions
and potential defects.
2. When inspecting a roof, what is the most common material you will
examine in Rhode Island residential homes?
A) Slate
B) Wood shakes
, C) Asphalt shingles
D) Metal panels
C) Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material on residential
properties in Rhode Island.
3. Which of the following is NOT typically part of a standard home inspection?
A) HVAC system evaluation
B) Plumbing system examination
C) Pest inspection for termites
D) Structural components assessment
C) Pest inspection for termites
Pest inspections are usually performed by licensed pest control
professionals, not home inspectors.
4. What type of foundation is most common in older Rhode Island homes?
A) Poured concrete slab
B) Basement with concrete block or stone walls
C) Crawl space with wooden piers
D) Steel pilings
B) Basement with concrete block or stone walls
Older homes in Rhode Island often have basements with stone or concrete
block foundations.
5. How should a home inspector report the presence of asbestos?
A) Remove it during the inspection
B) Note its presence and recommend a specialist for testing
, C) Ignore it as it is not part of the inspection
D) Advise immediate removal by the inspector
B) Note its presence and recommend a specialist for testing
Home inspectors do not test or remove asbestos but should report
suspected asbestos-containing materials.
6. What is the minimum clearance that should be maintained around
electrical panels for safe access?
A) 12 inches
B) 24 inches
C) 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep
D) No clearance required
C) 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep
The National Electrical Code requires a clear working space around
electrical panels for safety.
7. When inspecting a chimney, what is an indication of possible structural
problems?
A) White paint on bricks
B) Cracks in the mortar joints or bricks
C) A metal chimney cap
D) Presence of a damper
B) Cracks in the mortar joints or bricks
Cracks may indicate settling or deterioration which can compromise
chimney stability.
