Oregon Home Inspector Licensing Exam
Questions with Detailed Rationales latest 2026
Latest version Q&A |INSTANT DOWNLOAD
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1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a home
inspection?
A. To guarantee the home is free of defects
B. To provide an objective evaluation of the property’s condition
C. To estimate the property’s market value
D. To repair issues found during the inspection
Correct Answer: B – A home inspection is meant to provide an objective
evaluation of the property’s condition, not guarantee it or appraise its
value.
2. When inspecting a roof, what is a major concern for a home
inspector?
A. Presence of cosmetic shingles
B. Age and condition of roofing material
C. Roof color
D. Landscaping around the home
Correct Answer: B – The age and condition of roofing materials indicate
potential leaks or failures.
3. Which tool is commonly used to check for moisture in walls?
A. Flashlight
B. Moisture meter
C. Tape measure
D. Ladder
,Correct Answer: B – A moisture meter detects elevated moisture levels
that may indicate leaks or water intrusion.
4. What is a key safety concern when inspecting attics?
A. Temperature differences
B. Presence of rodents
C. Structural integrity and ventilation
D. Color of insulation
Correct Answer: C – Inspectors must check for structural integrity and
proper ventilation to ensure safety and proper home function.
5. During a foundation inspection, cracks wider than what
measurement are generally considered concerning?
A. 1/16 inch
B. 1/8 inch
C. 1/4 inch
D. 1/2 inch
Correct Answer: C – Cracks wider than 1/4 inch may indicate structural
movement or settlement issues.
6. What is the primary function of GFCI outlets?
A. Increase power supply
B. Prevent electrical shocks
C. Reduce electricity bills
D. Control lighting
Correct Answer: B – GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets
protect people from electrical shock, especially in wet areas.
7. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a home inspector?
A. Identifying major safety hazards
B. Performing invasive testing
C. Reporting visible defects
D. Evaluating structural components
, Correct Answer: B – Inspectors generally do not perform invasive
testing; they report visible and accessible issues.
8. When inspecting plumbing, what is an indicator of a potential leak?
A. Plastic pipes
B. Corrosion or water stains
C. Presence of shutoff valves
D. Pipe diameter
Correct Answer: B – Corrosion, rust, and water stains suggest leaks or
potential failure in the plumbing system.
9. What is the minimum slope recommended for a home’s exterior
grading away from the foundation?
A. 1/2 inch per foot
B. 1 inch per 5 feet
C. 1/4 inch per foot
D. 2 inches per foot
Correct Answer: A – Proper grading is typically at least 1/2 inch per foot
to direct water away from the foundation.
10. Which HVAC component should a home inspector test during an
inspection?
A. Only the thermostat
B. Heating and cooling systems’ operation
C. Duct cleaning efficiency
D. Manufacturer warranties
Correct Answer: B – Inspectors ensure that HVAC systems operate
properly and safely.
11. What is the main purpose of flashing on a roof?
A. Decoration
B. Prevent water intrusion at joints
C. Support shingles
Questions with Detailed Rationales latest 2026
Latest version Q&A |INSTANT DOWNLOAD
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a home
inspection?
A. To guarantee the home is free of defects
B. To provide an objective evaluation of the property’s condition
C. To estimate the property’s market value
D. To repair issues found during the inspection
Correct Answer: B – A home inspection is meant to provide an objective
evaluation of the property’s condition, not guarantee it or appraise its
value.
2. When inspecting a roof, what is a major concern for a home
inspector?
A. Presence of cosmetic shingles
B. Age and condition of roofing material
C. Roof color
D. Landscaping around the home
Correct Answer: B – The age and condition of roofing materials indicate
potential leaks or failures.
3. Which tool is commonly used to check for moisture in walls?
A. Flashlight
B. Moisture meter
C. Tape measure
D. Ladder
,Correct Answer: B – A moisture meter detects elevated moisture levels
that may indicate leaks or water intrusion.
4. What is a key safety concern when inspecting attics?
A. Temperature differences
B. Presence of rodents
C. Structural integrity and ventilation
D. Color of insulation
Correct Answer: C – Inspectors must check for structural integrity and
proper ventilation to ensure safety and proper home function.
5. During a foundation inspection, cracks wider than what
measurement are generally considered concerning?
A. 1/16 inch
B. 1/8 inch
C. 1/4 inch
D. 1/2 inch
Correct Answer: C – Cracks wider than 1/4 inch may indicate structural
movement or settlement issues.
6. What is the primary function of GFCI outlets?
A. Increase power supply
B. Prevent electrical shocks
C. Reduce electricity bills
D. Control lighting
Correct Answer: B – GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets
protect people from electrical shock, especially in wet areas.
7. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a home inspector?
A. Identifying major safety hazards
B. Performing invasive testing
C. Reporting visible defects
D. Evaluating structural components
, Correct Answer: B – Inspectors generally do not perform invasive
testing; they report visible and accessible issues.
8. When inspecting plumbing, what is an indicator of a potential leak?
A. Plastic pipes
B. Corrosion or water stains
C. Presence of shutoff valves
D. Pipe diameter
Correct Answer: B – Corrosion, rust, and water stains suggest leaks or
potential failure in the plumbing system.
9. What is the minimum slope recommended for a home’s exterior
grading away from the foundation?
A. 1/2 inch per foot
B. 1 inch per 5 feet
C. 1/4 inch per foot
D. 2 inches per foot
Correct Answer: A – Proper grading is typically at least 1/2 inch per foot
to direct water away from the foundation.
10. Which HVAC component should a home inspector test during an
inspection?
A. Only the thermostat
B. Heating and cooling systems’ operation
C. Duct cleaning efficiency
D. Manufacturer warranties
Correct Answer: B – Inspectors ensure that HVAC systems operate
properly and safely.
11. What is the main purpose of flashing on a roof?
A. Decoration
B. Prevent water intrusion at joints
C. Support shingles
