ICA Exam 1 – Practice Study Guide (2026/2027 A+ Edition) Already Graded
A+
If water infiltration is suspected behind a finished surface. What tool would be the best choice to verify
dampness? - (answer)a non-contact moisture meter
Gas-fired furnace heat exchangers most often fail from - (answer)rust and metal fatigue
Relative Humidity (RH) is expressed as - (answer)percentage
Connections of dissimilar metal in a plumbing system, such as galvanized steel pipe and copper pipe, will
usually cause - (answer)electrolysis
Which has the LEAST effect on the deflection of a dimension lumber floor system? - (answer)joist width
The normal MAXIMUM rise of residential stair treads is - (answer)7 3/4 inches / depth is 10 inches
An ungrounded receptacle may be replaced by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed -
(answer)upstream from the receptacle
Circuit breakers - (answer)protect the wire from an electrical overload
In a forced air heating system containing a split system air conditioner and a humidifier, humidity is
reduced by - (answer)condensation at the evaporator coil
A home inspection report MUST include - (answer)the general life expectancy of the roofing material
Water hammer can occur as a result of - (answer)a lack of air chambers.
faulty shutoff valves.
loose piping.
low static water pressure.
,ICA Exam 1 – Practice Study Guide (2026/2027 A+ Edition) Already Graded
A+
If a system designed for use with natural gas is supplied with propane gas - (answer)no changes are
needed for the equipment to function properly.
the flame will be too high unless a smaller orifice is installed.
the flame will be too low unless a larger orifice is installed.
the gas regulator and valve must be replaced.
When looking at the exterior wall of a sixty year old brick masonry house with a gable roof, you notice a
horizontal crack in the mortar and outward brick displacement along the gutter edge of the roof. The
displacement is greatest at the center of the top three courses of brick. This condition is MOST likely
caused by - (answer)excessive sand in the mortar mix.
defective brick bonding.
improper ceiling joist installation.
differential settlement.
You inspect a wood framed cantilevered balcony off a second-story bedroom. You find significant wood
deterioration (at least one-half member depth) of all cantilever joists at the bearing point of the house.
You should - (answer)notify the occupants of the significant hazard, advise immediate repair to both the
occupant and client in the report.
note the significant hazard and recommend immediate repair, by licensed professional, in your report.
refer the wood deterioration to a structural pest control operator for professional opinion.
recommend sistering existing framing members to increase strength, prior to further use.
When a cooling unit is located in an attic where damage may result from condensate overflow -
(answer)attic ventilation must be increased to avoid condensation.
steel ducting is not allowed because of potential damage from condensation.
an auxiliary condensate drain system is required.
a supplemental condensate pump is required.
, ICA Exam 1 – Practice Study Guide (2026/2027 A+ Edition) Already Graded
A+
Asphalt shingles are NOT allowed to be installed on roofs with slopes less than - (answer)1 in 12.
2 in 12.
3 in 12.
4 in 12.
If a poured concrete foundation has an unusually large number of vertical cracks, each no wider than
1/32 inch, the cause is likely to be - (answer)differential settlement from adverse drainage conditions.
excessive amounts of aggregate in the concrete mix.
settlement from compaction of soils below the footings.
shrinkage of the concrete from excess water at the time of pouring.
Where should squash blocks (web blocking) be found in a wood I-joist floor system? - (answer)at bearing
ends and load bearing walls above with support girders below
at bearing ends and all splices
at bearing ends and plumbing penetrations
at perimeter ends, plumbing penetrations, and splices over girders
Columns typically support - (answer)footers.
walls.
girders.
joists.
In new construction, the MINIMUM overhead electrical service clearances are - (answer)walkway: 8 feet,
roadway: 16 feet, deck: 10 feet
walkway: 9 feet, roadway: 15 feet, deck: 12 feet
walkway: 10 feet, roadway: 18 feet, deck: 10 feet
walkway: 12 feet, roadway: 20 feet, deck: 12 feet
A+
If water infiltration is suspected behind a finished surface. What tool would be the best choice to verify
dampness? - (answer)a non-contact moisture meter
Gas-fired furnace heat exchangers most often fail from - (answer)rust and metal fatigue
Relative Humidity (RH) is expressed as - (answer)percentage
Connections of dissimilar metal in a plumbing system, such as galvanized steel pipe and copper pipe, will
usually cause - (answer)electrolysis
Which has the LEAST effect on the deflection of a dimension lumber floor system? - (answer)joist width
The normal MAXIMUM rise of residential stair treads is - (answer)7 3/4 inches / depth is 10 inches
An ungrounded receptacle may be replaced by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed -
(answer)upstream from the receptacle
Circuit breakers - (answer)protect the wire from an electrical overload
In a forced air heating system containing a split system air conditioner and a humidifier, humidity is
reduced by - (answer)condensation at the evaporator coil
A home inspection report MUST include - (answer)the general life expectancy of the roofing material
Water hammer can occur as a result of - (answer)a lack of air chambers.
faulty shutoff valves.
loose piping.
low static water pressure.
,ICA Exam 1 – Practice Study Guide (2026/2027 A+ Edition) Already Graded
A+
If a system designed for use with natural gas is supplied with propane gas - (answer)no changes are
needed for the equipment to function properly.
the flame will be too high unless a smaller orifice is installed.
the flame will be too low unless a larger orifice is installed.
the gas regulator and valve must be replaced.
When looking at the exterior wall of a sixty year old brick masonry house with a gable roof, you notice a
horizontal crack in the mortar and outward brick displacement along the gutter edge of the roof. The
displacement is greatest at the center of the top three courses of brick. This condition is MOST likely
caused by - (answer)excessive sand in the mortar mix.
defective brick bonding.
improper ceiling joist installation.
differential settlement.
You inspect a wood framed cantilevered balcony off a second-story bedroom. You find significant wood
deterioration (at least one-half member depth) of all cantilever joists at the bearing point of the house.
You should - (answer)notify the occupants of the significant hazard, advise immediate repair to both the
occupant and client in the report.
note the significant hazard and recommend immediate repair, by licensed professional, in your report.
refer the wood deterioration to a structural pest control operator for professional opinion.
recommend sistering existing framing members to increase strength, prior to further use.
When a cooling unit is located in an attic where damage may result from condensate overflow -
(answer)attic ventilation must be increased to avoid condensation.
steel ducting is not allowed because of potential damage from condensation.
an auxiliary condensate drain system is required.
a supplemental condensate pump is required.
, ICA Exam 1 – Practice Study Guide (2026/2027 A+ Edition) Already Graded
A+
Asphalt shingles are NOT allowed to be installed on roofs with slopes less than - (answer)1 in 12.
2 in 12.
3 in 12.
4 in 12.
If a poured concrete foundation has an unusually large number of vertical cracks, each no wider than
1/32 inch, the cause is likely to be - (answer)differential settlement from adverse drainage conditions.
excessive amounts of aggregate in the concrete mix.
settlement from compaction of soils below the footings.
shrinkage of the concrete from excess water at the time of pouring.
Where should squash blocks (web blocking) be found in a wood I-joist floor system? - (answer)at bearing
ends and load bearing walls above with support girders below
at bearing ends and all splices
at bearing ends and plumbing penetrations
at perimeter ends, plumbing penetrations, and splices over girders
Columns typically support - (answer)footers.
walls.
girders.
joists.
In new construction, the MINIMUM overhead electrical service clearances are - (answer)walkway: 8 feet,
roadway: 16 feet, deck: 10 feet
walkway: 9 feet, roadway: 15 feet, deck: 12 feet
walkway: 10 feet, roadway: 18 feet, deck: 10 feet
walkway: 12 feet, roadway: 20 feet, deck: 12 feet
