TEXAS PROFESSIONAL INSPECTOR
LICENSING EXAM PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the minimum headroom clearance required for stairways in
Texas residential homes?
A. 6 feet
B. 6 feet 4 inches
C. 6 feet 8 inches
D. 7 feet
Rationale: The IRC and TREC standards require a minimum headroom of 6
feet 8 inches for stairways to ensure safety and accessibility.
2. A double-tapped breaker is acceptable only when:
A. It’s installed on a GFCI circuit
B. The panel is over 20 years old
C. The breaker is rated for two conductors
D. The panel is manufactured by Square D
,Rationale: Only breakers specifically rated for two conductors are allowed
to be double-tapped; otherwise, it's a defect.
3. Which of the following is an acceptable method of checking the
temperature differential in HVAC systems?
A. Use an IR camera
B. Measure supply and return air temperatures
C. Test refrigerant pressure
D. Listen for compressor noise
Rationale: Measuring the temperature difference between supply and
return registers is a standard method to assess HVAC performance.
4. The maximum allowable rise for a step in a residential stairway is:
A. 8 inches
B. 7.75 inches
C. 7 inches
D. 6.5 inches
Rationale: The IRC limits stair risers to a maximum of 7.75 inches, but TREC
often recommends using 7 inches as a more conservative guideline.
5. Which of the following is a reportable deficiency under TREC
standards?
A. Water heater lacks a TPR discharge pipe
B. A fireplace has a metal flue
C. A deck is less than 30 inches above ground
D. A dishwasher has plastic tubing
Rationale: TREC requires inspectors to report missing or improper TPR
discharge piping on water heaters as a safety hazard.
, 6. When inspecting a GFCI outlet in a bathroom, the outlet fails to trip
when tested. What should you report?
A. Normal operation
B. Recommend replacement in five years
C. Deficiency, GFCI failed to respond
D. Not within the scope of inspection
Rationale: GFCI devices that fail to trip when tested are considered
defective and must be reported.
7. Which of the following must be reported as a deficiency in a home
inspection?
A. Double-pane windows
B. Lack of bonding on gas piping
C. A steel garage door
D. A masonry chimney
Rationale: Gas piping must be bonded to reduce the risk of arcing from
electrical faults; lack of bonding is a reportable issue.
8. The minimum slope for a garage floor draining toward the exterior is:
A. 1/8 inch per foot
B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 1/2 inch per foot
D. No slope required
Rationale: The IRC requires a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot for
garage floors to ensure proper drainage.
9. A TREC inspector is required to:
A. Move personal belongings
B. Operate all appliances
LICENSING EXAM PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the minimum headroom clearance required for stairways in
Texas residential homes?
A. 6 feet
B. 6 feet 4 inches
C. 6 feet 8 inches
D. 7 feet
Rationale: The IRC and TREC standards require a minimum headroom of 6
feet 8 inches for stairways to ensure safety and accessibility.
2. A double-tapped breaker is acceptable only when:
A. It’s installed on a GFCI circuit
B. The panel is over 20 years old
C. The breaker is rated for two conductors
D. The panel is manufactured by Square D
,Rationale: Only breakers specifically rated for two conductors are allowed
to be double-tapped; otherwise, it's a defect.
3. Which of the following is an acceptable method of checking the
temperature differential in HVAC systems?
A. Use an IR camera
B. Measure supply and return air temperatures
C. Test refrigerant pressure
D. Listen for compressor noise
Rationale: Measuring the temperature difference between supply and
return registers is a standard method to assess HVAC performance.
4. The maximum allowable rise for a step in a residential stairway is:
A. 8 inches
B. 7.75 inches
C. 7 inches
D. 6.5 inches
Rationale: The IRC limits stair risers to a maximum of 7.75 inches, but TREC
often recommends using 7 inches as a more conservative guideline.
5. Which of the following is a reportable deficiency under TREC
standards?
A. Water heater lacks a TPR discharge pipe
B. A fireplace has a metal flue
C. A deck is less than 30 inches above ground
D. A dishwasher has plastic tubing
Rationale: TREC requires inspectors to report missing or improper TPR
discharge piping on water heaters as a safety hazard.
, 6. When inspecting a GFCI outlet in a bathroom, the outlet fails to trip
when tested. What should you report?
A. Normal operation
B. Recommend replacement in five years
C. Deficiency, GFCI failed to respond
D. Not within the scope of inspection
Rationale: GFCI devices that fail to trip when tested are considered
defective and must be reported.
7. Which of the following must be reported as a deficiency in a home
inspection?
A. Double-pane windows
B. Lack of bonding on gas piping
C. A steel garage door
D. A masonry chimney
Rationale: Gas piping must be bonded to reduce the risk of arcing from
electrical faults; lack of bonding is a reportable issue.
8. The minimum slope for a garage floor draining toward the exterior is:
A. 1/8 inch per foot
B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 1/2 inch per foot
D. No slope required
Rationale: The IRC requires a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot for
garage floors to ensure proper drainage.
9. A TREC inspector is required to:
A. Move personal belongings
B. Operate all appliances
