Professional Home Inspector Exam
(NHIE–TREC) 2026 – Updated Actual
Exam with Verified Questions &
Solutions
Professional Home Inspector Exam (NHIE/TREC) Practice Test
1. The primary purpose of a home inspection is to:
A. Estimate the market value of the property.
B. Provide a code-compliance report for the entire structure.
C. Assess the condition of the visible and accessible components of the home at the time of the
inspection.
D. Issue a warranty for all major systems. (✓)
2. A home inspector is required to operate all of the following, EXCEPT:
A. Readily accessible thermostats.
B. Main water shut-off valves.
C. Safety switches on electrical panels.
D. Shut-off valves for gas appliances. (✓)
3. When inspecting a roof, which of the following is the LEAST important to report?
A. The approximate remaining life expectancy of the roof covering. (✓)
B. Damaged or missing shingles.
C. Improper flashing details.
D. Evidence of active leakage.
4. A "double-tapped" circuit breaker is a condition where:
A. Two circuit breakers are connected to serve one appliance.
B. Two neutral wires are connected to a single terminal. (✓)
C. Two hot wires are connected to a single circuit breaker terminal.
D. A GFCI breaker is installed on an ungrounded circuit.
5. Knob-and-tube wiring is considered a deficiency primarily because it:
A. Is ungrounded and may have deteriorated insulation. (✓)
,B. Is always aluminum and prone to oxidation.
C. Cannot be used for lighting circuits.
D. Is significantly more expensive to repair than modern wiring.
6. The minimum required clearance between wood framing and a masonry chimney in an
attic is typically:
A. 1 inch.
B. 2 inches. (✓)
C. 6 inches.
D. 12 inches.
7. A "TREC" is a common acronym for:
A. Technical Residential Evaluation Code.
B. Texas Real Estate Commission. (✓)
C. Total Roofing and Exterior Checklist.
D. Thermal Radiation and Energy Conservation.
8. Which of the following is a safety concern an inspector MUST report?
A. A single-tread variation in step riser height on an interior staircase. (✓)
B. Carpeting in a bedroom.
C. The lack of a handrail on a porch with only two steps.
D. A bathroom vanity that is not anchored to the wall.
9. The presence of "active" water penetration is best determined by:
A. Measuring moisture content with a meter. (✓)
B. Observing water stains from a past event.
C. Reviewing the seller's disclosure statement.
D. A client's report of a leak during a rainstorm two months ago.
10. A 15-amp electrical circuit is typically protected by a:
A. 15-amp fuse or circuit breaker. (✓)
B. 20-amp fuse or circuit breaker.
C. 15/20 amp dual-rated breaker.
D. 30-amp fuse for safety headroom.
11. The component designed to prevent water from seeping under a exterior door is the:
A. Sill pan.
B. Door sweep.
C. Threshold. (✓)
D. Jamb.
,12. A heat exchanger crack in a forced-air furnace is a critical defect because it can:
A. Reduce the efficiency of the unit.
B. Cause the unit to short cycle.
C. Allow combustion gases to mix with the circulating air. (✓)
D. Create a fire hazard from overheating.
13. The slope of the ground (grading) around a foundation should be:
A. Level for a uniform appearance.
B. Sloped downward away from the foundation at a minimum of 6 inches for the first 10 feet.
(✓)
C. Sloped toward the foundation to direct water to drain tiles.
D. Sloped at a minimum of 1 inch per foot for 4 feet.
14. A plumbing vent stack that terminates directly beneath a window is a problem because:
A. It can cause the window frame to rot.
B. Sewer gases can be drawn into the home. (✓)
C. It violates plumbing code only if the window is openable.
D. It can cause the drain pipes to siphon.
15. Which tool is specifically designed to detect the presence of energized electrical wires
inside a wall?
A. Multimeter.
B. Non-contact voltage tester. (✓)
C. Receptacle tester.
D. Clamp-on ammeter.
16. The primary function of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is to protect people from:
A. Overloaded circuits.
B. Short circuits.
C. Electrical shock. (✓)
D. Power surges.
17. A "scuttle" opening provides access to:
A. A crawlspace.
B. An attic. (✓)
C. A plumbing cleanout.
D. An electrical panel.
18. Efflorescence on a foundation wall is an indication of:
A. Structural settlement.
, B. Past or present moisture. (✓)
C. Insect activity.
D. Inadequate concrete strength.
19. A 3-tab asphalt shingle roof near the end of its service life will most likely show:
A. Widespread granule loss in gutters and curling/brittleness of shingles. (✓)
B. Rusted flashing at the chimney.
C. Moss growth in shaded areas.
D. A single layer of shingles.
20. The temperature-pressure relief valve on a water heater is designed to discharge:
A. Only water.
B. Water and steam. (✓)
C. Only steam.
D. A harmless gas.
21. An inspector notes that a 20-amp appliance is plugged into an outlet on a 15-amp circuit.
This is:
A. Acceptable if the cord is heavy-duty.
B. A potential fire hazard due to circuit overload. (✓)
C. Only a problem if the appliance is in a kitchen.
D. Acceptable because the breaker will protect the circuit.
22. The presence of "ghosting" - dark streaks on walls and ceilings - is often caused by:
A. Poor quality paint.
B. Airborne dust being deposited on cold surfaces due to thermal bridging. (✓)
C. High indoor humidity.
D. Soot from candle burning.
23. A condensate drain line from an air conditioner should terminate:
A. Directly onto the roof.
B. Into a sanitary sewer line.
C. In a conspicuous location where discharge is readily observable. (✓)
D. Into the home's footing drain.
24. A masonry crack that is wider at the top than the bottom is often indicative of:
A. Settlement of the center of the wall.
B. Settlement of the foundation at the ends of the wall. (✓)
C. Normal curing shrinkage.
D. Heaving of the foundation.
(NHIE–TREC) 2026 – Updated Actual
Exam with Verified Questions &
Solutions
Professional Home Inspector Exam (NHIE/TREC) Practice Test
1. The primary purpose of a home inspection is to:
A. Estimate the market value of the property.
B. Provide a code-compliance report for the entire structure.
C. Assess the condition of the visible and accessible components of the home at the time of the
inspection.
D. Issue a warranty for all major systems. (✓)
2. A home inspector is required to operate all of the following, EXCEPT:
A. Readily accessible thermostats.
B. Main water shut-off valves.
C. Safety switches on electrical panels.
D. Shut-off valves for gas appliances. (✓)
3. When inspecting a roof, which of the following is the LEAST important to report?
A. The approximate remaining life expectancy of the roof covering. (✓)
B. Damaged or missing shingles.
C. Improper flashing details.
D. Evidence of active leakage.
4. A "double-tapped" circuit breaker is a condition where:
A. Two circuit breakers are connected to serve one appliance.
B. Two neutral wires are connected to a single terminal. (✓)
C. Two hot wires are connected to a single circuit breaker terminal.
D. A GFCI breaker is installed on an ungrounded circuit.
5. Knob-and-tube wiring is considered a deficiency primarily because it:
A. Is ungrounded and may have deteriorated insulation. (✓)
,B. Is always aluminum and prone to oxidation.
C. Cannot be used for lighting circuits.
D. Is significantly more expensive to repair than modern wiring.
6. The minimum required clearance between wood framing and a masonry chimney in an
attic is typically:
A. 1 inch.
B. 2 inches. (✓)
C. 6 inches.
D. 12 inches.
7. A "TREC" is a common acronym for:
A. Technical Residential Evaluation Code.
B. Texas Real Estate Commission. (✓)
C. Total Roofing and Exterior Checklist.
D. Thermal Radiation and Energy Conservation.
8. Which of the following is a safety concern an inspector MUST report?
A. A single-tread variation in step riser height on an interior staircase. (✓)
B. Carpeting in a bedroom.
C. The lack of a handrail on a porch with only two steps.
D. A bathroom vanity that is not anchored to the wall.
9. The presence of "active" water penetration is best determined by:
A. Measuring moisture content with a meter. (✓)
B. Observing water stains from a past event.
C. Reviewing the seller's disclosure statement.
D. A client's report of a leak during a rainstorm two months ago.
10. A 15-amp electrical circuit is typically protected by a:
A. 15-amp fuse or circuit breaker. (✓)
B. 20-amp fuse or circuit breaker.
C. 15/20 amp dual-rated breaker.
D. 30-amp fuse for safety headroom.
11. The component designed to prevent water from seeping under a exterior door is the:
A. Sill pan.
B. Door sweep.
C. Threshold. (✓)
D. Jamb.
,12. A heat exchanger crack in a forced-air furnace is a critical defect because it can:
A. Reduce the efficiency of the unit.
B. Cause the unit to short cycle.
C. Allow combustion gases to mix with the circulating air. (✓)
D. Create a fire hazard from overheating.
13. The slope of the ground (grading) around a foundation should be:
A. Level for a uniform appearance.
B. Sloped downward away from the foundation at a minimum of 6 inches for the first 10 feet.
(✓)
C. Sloped toward the foundation to direct water to drain tiles.
D. Sloped at a minimum of 1 inch per foot for 4 feet.
14. A plumbing vent stack that terminates directly beneath a window is a problem because:
A. It can cause the window frame to rot.
B. Sewer gases can be drawn into the home. (✓)
C. It violates plumbing code only if the window is openable.
D. It can cause the drain pipes to siphon.
15. Which tool is specifically designed to detect the presence of energized electrical wires
inside a wall?
A. Multimeter.
B. Non-contact voltage tester. (✓)
C. Receptacle tester.
D. Clamp-on ammeter.
16. The primary function of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is to protect people from:
A. Overloaded circuits.
B. Short circuits.
C. Electrical shock. (✓)
D. Power surges.
17. A "scuttle" opening provides access to:
A. A crawlspace.
B. An attic. (✓)
C. A plumbing cleanout.
D. An electrical panel.
18. Efflorescence on a foundation wall is an indication of:
A. Structural settlement.
, B. Past or present moisture. (✓)
C. Insect activity.
D. Inadequate concrete strength.
19. A 3-tab asphalt shingle roof near the end of its service life will most likely show:
A. Widespread granule loss in gutters and curling/brittleness of shingles. (✓)
B. Rusted flashing at the chimney.
C. Moss growth in shaded areas.
D. A single layer of shingles.
20. The temperature-pressure relief valve on a water heater is designed to discharge:
A. Only water.
B. Water and steam. (✓)
C. Only steam.
D. A harmless gas.
21. An inspector notes that a 20-amp appliance is plugged into an outlet on a 15-amp circuit.
This is:
A. Acceptable if the cord is heavy-duty.
B. A potential fire hazard due to circuit overload. (✓)
C. Only a problem if the appliance is in a kitchen.
D. Acceptable because the breaker will protect the circuit.
22. The presence of "ghosting" - dark streaks on walls and ceilings - is often caused by:
A. Poor quality paint.
B. Airborne dust being deposited on cold surfaces due to thermal bridging. (✓)
C. High indoor humidity.
D. Soot from candle burning.
23. A condensate drain line from an air conditioner should terminate:
A. Directly onto the roof.
B. Into a sanitary sewer line.
C. In a conspicuous location where discharge is readily observable. (✓)
D. Into the home's footing drain.
24. A masonry crack that is wider at the top than the bottom is often indicative of:
A. Settlement of the center of the wall.
B. Settlement of the foundation at the ends of the wall. (✓)
C. Normal curing shrinkage.
D. Heaving of the foundation.
