Home Inspection Certificate Practice Exam || Free Practice Test 2025

Welcome to the Home Inspection Certificate Practice Exam, your comprehensive resource for testing your knowledge before pursuing a career in home inspection. This exam is designed to simulate real-world certification tests, helping you identify strengths and areas needing improvement.

1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?

 
 
 
 

2. What is the first step of a home inspection?

 
 
 
 

3. Home inspectors are generally not required to:

 
 
 
 

4. Which organization provides a widely accepted standard of practice for inspectors?

 
 
 
 

5. How long is a typical home inspection report valid?

 
 
 
 

6. What should an inspector do if unsafe conditions are found?

 
 
 
 

7. What should you wear during a home inspection?

 
 
 
 

8. Which of the following is a limitation of a home inspection?

 
 
 
 

9. An inspector should refuse an inspection if:

 
 
 
 

10. Which of the following should be included in an inspection report?

 
 
 
 

11. What type of foundation is most prone to moisture intrusion?

 
 
 
 

12. What type of foundation is most prone to moisture intrusion?

 
 
 
 

13. Cracks in a concrete foundation that are wider than 1/4 inch may indicate:

 
 
 
 

14. Which framing component supports the roof at its peak?

 
 
 
 

15. What is the purpose of a sill plate?

 
 
 
 

16. What does a sagging floor commonly indicate?

 
 
 
 

17. Efflorescence on basement walls is a sign of:

 
 
 
 

18. What is the maximum spacing between wood floor joists in residential construction (typical)?

 
 
 
 

19. Which material is best for termite resistance in framing?

 
 
 
 

20. Which tool helps locate wood rot or soft spots in framing?

 
 
 
 

21. What is the most common type of residential roofing material in the U.S.?

 
 
 
 

22. What is the minimum pitch for asphalt shingle installation?

 
 
 
 

23. Which roof component prevents water from entering at joints?

 
 
 
 

24. Granule loss on shingles typically means:

 
 
 
 

25. Which area of the roof is most prone to leaks?

 
 
 
 

26. A sag in the roof surface may indicate:

 
 
 
 

27. What tool is used to inspect roof surfaces from the ground?

 
 
 
 

28. Roof decking is typically made of:

 
 
 
 

29. What is the typical pressure range for residential water systems?

 
 
 
 

30. Galvanized steel pipes are most commonly associated with:

 
 
 
 

31. Which pipe is best suited for main water supply lines?

 
 
 
 

32. Cross-connection in plumbing refers to:

 
 
 
 

33. Which component prevents sewer gases from entering the home?

 
 
 
 

34. What is the primary purpose of a pressure relief valve on a water heater?

 
 
 
 

35. PEX piping is typically color-coded. What does red indicate?

 
 
 
 

36. A constantly running toilet usually indicates:

 
 
 
 

37. What is the standard voltage for most U.S. homes?

 
 
 
 

38. A GFCI is required in all the following EXCEPT:

 
 
 
 

39. What color wire is typically the “hot” wire?

 
 
 
 

40. What device prevents electrical fires caused by arcing?

 
 
 
 

41. A double-tapped breaker is a:

 
 
 
 

42. Aluminum wiring can be hazardous due to:

 
 
 
 

43. Where is the electrical main panel typically located?

 
 
 
 

44. What is the maximum number of outlets on a 15A circuit (typical)?

 
 
 
 

45. What is the most common fuel type for residential furnaces?

 
 
 
 

46. Which HVAC filter is considered high-efficiency?

 
 
 
 

47. An HVAC condensate line should drain to:

 
 
 
 

48. What is a common sign of poor attic ventilation?

 
 
 
 

49. A stair handrail is required when there are more than:

 
 
 
 

50. What is the minimum ceiling height in habitable rooms?

 
 
 
 

51. What is spalling?

 
 
 
 

52. What exterior defect can lead to basement flooding?

 
 
 
 

53. Which material is most resistant to rot on exteriors?

 
 
 
 

Question 1 of 53

📚 Home Inspection Certificate Practice Exam Sections & Topics Covered

Section 1: Inspection Process & Standards (10 Questions)

Understand the foundational knowledge every inspector must know, including:

  • Inspection objectives and limitations
  • Standards of practice (InterNACHI, ASHI)
  • Safety guidelines and reporting procedures

Section 2: Structural Components (10 Questions)

Test your understanding of a home’s skeleton:

  • Foundations, framing, and floor systems
  • Common structural defects and causes
  • Tools used to assess structural integrity

Section 3: Roofing Systems (8 Questions)

Assess your knowledge of roof types and components:

  • Roofing materials and installation practices
  • Signs of wear, leaks, and flashing issues
  • Roof inspection tools and safety tips

Section 4: Plumbing Systems (8 Questions)

Get familiar with how water moves through a home:

  • Pipe materials and water pressure
  • Cross-connections and contamination risks
  • Water heater safety and drainage

Section 5: Electrical Systems (8 Questions)

Master the basics of residential electrical systems:

  • Circuit types, wire colors, and breaker panels
  • GFCI and AFCI requirements
  • Common electrical defects and safety standards

Section 6: HVAC, Interiors, and Exteriors (9 Questions)

Round out your knowledge with vital components of the home:

  • HVAC components and efficiency
  • Interior safety features (stairs, handrails, ceiling heights)
  • Ventilation, insulation, and exterior inspection essentials

✅ Why Take This Practice Exam?

  • Realistic questions aligned with national standards
  • Detailed coverage across all major inspection areas
  • Instant feedback with correct answers clearly marked
  • Boost your confidence before taking the actual certification test

📌 Tips for Success

  • Review industry standards (InterNACHI, ASHI) before starting
  • Pay close attention to questions involving safety and code limitations
  • Use this practice as a timed exam to simulate real test conditions
  • Retake the exam as needed to reinforce learning

🎓 Who This Exam Is For

  • Aspiring home inspectors
  • Students enrolled in home inspection training programs
  • Real estate professionals seeking knowledge on home condition assessments
  • Anyone preparing for InterNACHI, ASHI, or state certification exams