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Asbestos Building Inspector Exam, ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE
THIS YEAR
Asbestos Building Inspector Exam,
1. During a pre-inspection walkthrough of a 1970s school, you notice 9x9-inch floor tiles that are brittle
and show black mastic. What is the most appropriate initial action?
A) Assume the tiles are non-asbestos vinyl
B) Collect a bulk sample from the center of a broken tile
C) Treat the material as presumed asbestos-containing material (PACM)
D) Wet-wipe the tiles to check for fiber release
Answer: C
Rationale: 9x9 tiles and black mastic are strong indicators of asbestos, and PACM rules apply under
NESHAP.
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2. A homeowner requests an inspection for asbestos before renovation. The building was constructed in
2015. What should you do?
A) Collect samples from drywall and ceiling texture
B) Inform the client that asbestos is unlikely in a post-1990 building, but recommend sampling suspect
materials
C) Refuse the inspection because no risk exists
D) Sample only the flooring materials
Answer: B
Rationale: Asbestos was not banned entirely; some materials (e.g., imported products, gaskets) may still
contain asbestos even in newer buildings.
3. Under the AHERA rule, which of the following is a required element of a management plan for a
school?
A) Annual air sampling in all classrooms
B) A list of all PACM categories
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C) A description of response actions and periodic surveillance
D) Phase contrast microscopy (PCM) results for every room
Answer: C
Rationale: AHERA requires response actions, re-inspection schedules, and periodic surveillance, not
universal air sampling.
4. You collect a bulk sample of suspected pipe insulation. Laboratory analysis reports 15% chrysotile and
85% non-fibrous material. How should you classify the material?
A) Non-asbestos-containing material (non-ACM)
B) Friable ACM (asbestos-containing material)
C) Category I non-friable ACM
D) PACM
Answer: B
Rationale: Any material with >1% asbestos by weight is ACM; pipe insulation is typically friable if it can
be crumbled by hand pressure.
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5. While inspecting a mechanical room, you see a gray, cement-like coating on three large boiler pipes. It
is peeling and powdery. What is the correct classification?
A) Category II non-friable ACM
B) Friable ACM
C) Non-ACM
D) PACM but non-friable
Answer: B
Rationale: The description "peeling and powdery" indicates the material can be crumbled with hand
pressure, making it friable ACM.
6. A building owner wants to demolish a warehouse built in 1964. What must be done before demolition
begins?
A) A complete asbestos inspection by a certified inspector
B) Only a visual assessment of thermal system insulation
Asbestos Building Inspector Exam, ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE
THIS YEAR
Asbestos Building Inspector Exam,
1. During a pre-inspection walkthrough of a 1970s school, you notice 9x9-inch floor tiles that are brittle
and show black mastic. What is the most appropriate initial action?
A) Assume the tiles are non-asbestos vinyl
B) Collect a bulk sample from the center of a broken tile
C) Treat the material as presumed asbestos-containing material (PACM)
D) Wet-wipe the tiles to check for fiber release
Answer: C
Rationale: 9x9 tiles and black mastic are strong indicators of asbestos, and PACM rules apply under
NESHAP.
, Page 2 of 131
2. A homeowner requests an inspection for asbestos before renovation. The building was constructed in
2015. What should you do?
A) Collect samples from drywall and ceiling texture
B) Inform the client that asbestos is unlikely in a post-1990 building, but recommend sampling suspect
materials
C) Refuse the inspection because no risk exists
D) Sample only the flooring materials
Answer: B
Rationale: Asbestos was not banned entirely; some materials (e.g., imported products, gaskets) may still
contain asbestos even in newer buildings.
3. Under the AHERA rule, which of the following is a required element of a management plan for a
school?
A) Annual air sampling in all classrooms
B) A list of all PACM categories
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C) A description of response actions and periodic surveillance
D) Phase contrast microscopy (PCM) results for every room
Answer: C
Rationale: AHERA requires response actions, re-inspection schedules, and periodic surveillance, not
universal air sampling.
4. You collect a bulk sample of suspected pipe insulation. Laboratory analysis reports 15% chrysotile and
85% non-fibrous material. How should you classify the material?
A) Non-asbestos-containing material (non-ACM)
B) Friable ACM (asbestos-containing material)
C) Category I non-friable ACM
D) PACM
Answer: B
Rationale: Any material with >1% asbestos by weight is ACM; pipe insulation is typically friable if it can
be crumbled by hand pressure.
, Page 4 of 131
5. While inspecting a mechanical room, you see a gray, cement-like coating on three large boiler pipes. It
is peeling and powdery. What is the correct classification?
A) Category II non-friable ACM
B) Friable ACM
C) Non-ACM
D) PACM but non-friable
Answer: B
Rationale: The description "peeling and powdery" indicates the material can be crumbled with hand
pressure, making it friable ACM.
6. A building owner wants to demolish a warehouse built in 1964. What must be done before demolition
begins?
A) A complete asbestos inspection by a certified inspector
B) Only a visual assessment of thermal system insulation
