HOME INSPECTOR LICENCISING EXAMINER EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALE 2025/2026
Q&A/INSTANTDOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following systems is a home inspector typically required to evaluate?
A. Plumbing system
B. Interior design aesthetics
C. Landscaping layout
D. Security alarm system
Correct answer: A — Inspectors must evaluate major home systems like plumbing, electrical,
roofing, and structural integrity, not cosmetic or aesthetic elements.
2. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To appraise property value
B. To identify visible defects and safety concerns
C. To guarantee the home’s performance
D. To enforce building codes
Correct answer: B — Home inspections assess condition and safety, not valuation, code
enforcement, or performance guarantees.
3. When inspecting an electrical panel, the inspector should NOT:
A. Remove the dead front if unsafe
B. Look for double tapping
C. Note missing breakers
D. Test the voltage with a live wire
Correct answer: D — Inspectors observe and report conditions; direct electrical testing is
beyond scope and unsafe.
4. What is the typical moisture content threshold indicating possible wood rot?
A. 5%
B. 12%
C. 20%
D. 35%
Correct answer: C — Moisture content above 20% encourages fungal growth and decay.
,5. A GFCI outlet is primarily used to:
A. Prevent overloading of circuits
B. Reduce power surges
C. Protect against electrical shock in wet areas
D. Improve electrical efficiency
Correct answer: C — GFCIs detect ground faults to prevent electrical shock, especially in
kitchens and bathrooms.
6. The term “flashing” in roofing refers to:
A. A type of roof shingle
B. Sealant used on gutters
C. Metal used to prevent water intrusion at joints
D. A ventilation component
Correct answer: C — Flashing is metal placed at roof intersections and penetrations to direct
water away.
7. What is the maximum allowable rise for residential stair steps according to most
building standards?
A. 6 inches
B. 7.75 inches
C. 8.5 inches
D. 9 inches
Correct answer: B — A rise of about 7.75 inches ensures safe and uniform step design per
typical IRC standards.
8. A double-tapped breaker is:
A. Two breakers connected to one wire
B. Two wires attached to one breaker terminal
C. A tandem breaker in one slot
D. A subpanel with double feeds
Correct answer: B — Double-tapping occurs when two wires share one breaker terminal, which
can cause overheating.
9. Efflorescence on basement walls is usually a sign of:
A. Mold growth
B. Termite damage
C. Water intrusion through masonry
D. Paint failure
, Correct answer: C — Efflorescence is salt residue left by evaporating water, indicating moisture
migration through walls.
10. A home inspector should report the absence of a handrail when stairs have:
A. Three or more risers
B. Five or more risers
C. Two risers
D. Any number of steps
Correct answer: A — Most standards require a handrail for stairs with three or more risers for
safety.
11. The primary purpose of attic ventilation is to:
A. Increase insulation efficiency
B. Remove heat and moisture
C. Keep pests away
D. Circulate air into living spaces
Correct answer: B — Proper attic ventilation prevents moisture buildup and overheating,
extending roof life.
12. Which component prevents sewer gases from entering the home?
A. Drain trap
B. Vent stack
C. Cleanout plug
D. Check valve
Correct answer: A — The water-filled trap blocks gases from backing up through drains.
13. Horizontal foundation cracks wider than 1/4 inch typically indicate:
A. Minor settlement
B. Structural movement from lateral soil pressure
C. Harmless shrinkage
D. Improper painting
Correct answer: B — Horizontal cracks often signify soil pressure or wall bowing, which are
serious structural concerns.
14. Aluminum wiring in older homes poses risk because:
A. It corrodes rapidly in dry air
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALE 2025/2026
Q&A/INSTANTDOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following systems is a home inspector typically required to evaluate?
A. Plumbing system
B. Interior design aesthetics
C. Landscaping layout
D. Security alarm system
Correct answer: A — Inspectors must evaluate major home systems like plumbing, electrical,
roofing, and structural integrity, not cosmetic or aesthetic elements.
2. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To appraise property value
B. To identify visible defects and safety concerns
C. To guarantee the home’s performance
D. To enforce building codes
Correct answer: B — Home inspections assess condition and safety, not valuation, code
enforcement, or performance guarantees.
3. When inspecting an electrical panel, the inspector should NOT:
A. Remove the dead front if unsafe
B. Look for double tapping
C. Note missing breakers
D. Test the voltage with a live wire
Correct answer: D — Inspectors observe and report conditions; direct electrical testing is
beyond scope and unsafe.
4. What is the typical moisture content threshold indicating possible wood rot?
A. 5%
B. 12%
C. 20%
D. 35%
Correct answer: C — Moisture content above 20% encourages fungal growth and decay.
,5. A GFCI outlet is primarily used to:
A. Prevent overloading of circuits
B. Reduce power surges
C. Protect against electrical shock in wet areas
D. Improve electrical efficiency
Correct answer: C — GFCIs detect ground faults to prevent electrical shock, especially in
kitchens and bathrooms.
6. The term “flashing” in roofing refers to:
A. A type of roof shingle
B. Sealant used on gutters
C. Metal used to prevent water intrusion at joints
D. A ventilation component
Correct answer: C — Flashing is metal placed at roof intersections and penetrations to direct
water away.
7. What is the maximum allowable rise for residential stair steps according to most
building standards?
A. 6 inches
B. 7.75 inches
C. 8.5 inches
D. 9 inches
Correct answer: B — A rise of about 7.75 inches ensures safe and uniform step design per
typical IRC standards.
8. A double-tapped breaker is:
A. Two breakers connected to one wire
B. Two wires attached to one breaker terminal
C. A tandem breaker in one slot
D. A subpanel with double feeds
Correct answer: B — Double-tapping occurs when two wires share one breaker terminal, which
can cause overheating.
9. Efflorescence on basement walls is usually a sign of:
A. Mold growth
B. Termite damage
C. Water intrusion through masonry
D. Paint failure
, Correct answer: C — Efflorescence is salt residue left by evaporating water, indicating moisture
migration through walls.
10. A home inspector should report the absence of a handrail when stairs have:
A. Three or more risers
B. Five or more risers
C. Two risers
D. Any number of steps
Correct answer: A — Most standards require a handrail for stairs with three or more risers for
safety.
11. The primary purpose of attic ventilation is to:
A. Increase insulation efficiency
B. Remove heat and moisture
C. Keep pests away
D. Circulate air into living spaces
Correct answer: B — Proper attic ventilation prevents moisture buildup and overheating,
extending roof life.
12. Which component prevents sewer gases from entering the home?
A. Drain trap
B. Vent stack
C. Cleanout plug
D. Check valve
Correct answer: A — The water-filled trap blocks gases from backing up through drains.
13. Horizontal foundation cracks wider than 1/4 inch typically indicate:
A. Minor settlement
B. Structural movement from lateral soil pressure
C. Harmless shrinkage
D. Improper painting
Correct answer: B — Horizontal cracks often signify soil pressure or wall bowing, which are
serious structural concerns.
14. Aluminum wiring in older homes poses risk because:
A. It corrodes rapidly in dry air
