Alberta Home Inspector Licensing
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To provide a warranty for the home
B. To determine market value
C. To identify visible defects and safety hazards
D. To enforce building codes
Rationale: The primary purpose of a home inspection is to identify
observable defects and safety hazards, not to assess market value or
enforce codes.
2. What is the minimum recommended slope for exterior grading away
from a foundation to prevent water intrusion?
A. 1 inch per foot for 2 feet
B. 6 inches over the first 10 feet
C. 12 inches over the first 5 feet
D. 3 inches over the first 5 feet
Rationale: Proper grading directs water away from the foundation,
and 6 inches over 10 feet is the commonly recommended standard.
3. Which type of roof covering is most susceptible to moss growth in
shaded, damp climates?
A. Metal
B. Clay tile
C. Asphalt shingles
D. Slate
Rationale: Asphalt shingles retain moisture in shaded areas, making
them prone to moss growth.
,4. A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is required in which
location?
A. Living room
B. Bedroom
C. Bathroom
D. Dining room
Rationale: GFCI outlets are required in areas where water is present,
such as bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior outlets.
5. What is the standard spacing for residential smoke detectors?
A. Every 50 feet
B. Every 10 feet
C. Inside each bedroom and on each floor
D. Only in the basement
Rationale: Smoke detectors should be installed inside each bedroom,
outside sleeping areas, and on every floor.
6. Which type of foundation is most prone to water infiltration in high-
water table areas?
A. Poured concrete
B. Crawl space
C. Slab-on-grade
D. Basement
Rationale: Crawl spaces are often lower than grade and more
susceptible to water intrusion if not properly drained.
7. Which is a common indicator of foundation settlement?
A. New paint
B. Cracks in walls or floors
C. Clean gutters
D. Functioning plumbing
Rationale: Vertical or stair-step cracks in walls, floors, or foundation
are classic signs of settlement.
8. What is the maximum allowable slope for a roof to be considered low-
slope?
A. 3:12
B. 4:12
C. 2:12
D. 1:12
, Rationale: Roofs with a slope of 2:12 or less are generally considered
low-slope or flat roofs.
9. Which type of insulation has the highest R-value per inch?
A. Fiberglass batts
B. Cellulose
C. Polyisocyanurate foam board
D. Mineral wool
Rationale: Polyisocyanurate has the highest thermal resistance per
inch among common insulation types.
10. A sagging ceiling in the middle of a room most likely indicates:
A. Water damage or structural failure
B. Termite activity
C. Both A and B
D. Electrical wiring issues
Rationale: Sagging ceilings usually indicate water damage, structural
failure, or pest-related damage.
11. What is the primary purpose of an attic ventilation system?
A. To reduce noise
B. To prevent rodents
C. To prevent moisture buildup and extend roof life
D. To heat the attic
Rationale: Proper attic ventilation reduces moisture accumulation
and helps maintain roof and insulation integrity.
12. Which type of water heater is most energy-efficient for homes
with low water demand?
A. Tankless coil
B. Storage tank
C. Tankless (on-demand)
D. Solar thermal
Rationale: Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand
without maintaining a tank of hot water, improving energy efficiency
for low-demand households.
13. A home inspector discovers a corroded electrical panel. The most
appropriate action is to:
A. Replace the panel immediately
B. Report it as a safety concern
C. Ignore it if it works
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To provide a warranty for the home
B. To determine market value
C. To identify visible defects and safety hazards
D. To enforce building codes
Rationale: The primary purpose of a home inspection is to identify
observable defects and safety hazards, not to assess market value or
enforce codes.
2. What is the minimum recommended slope for exterior grading away
from a foundation to prevent water intrusion?
A. 1 inch per foot for 2 feet
B. 6 inches over the first 10 feet
C. 12 inches over the first 5 feet
D. 3 inches over the first 5 feet
Rationale: Proper grading directs water away from the foundation,
and 6 inches over 10 feet is the commonly recommended standard.
3. Which type of roof covering is most susceptible to moss growth in
shaded, damp climates?
A. Metal
B. Clay tile
C. Asphalt shingles
D. Slate
Rationale: Asphalt shingles retain moisture in shaded areas, making
them prone to moss growth.
,4. A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is required in which
location?
A. Living room
B. Bedroom
C. Bathroom
D. Dining room
Rationale: GFCI outlets are required in areas where water is present,
such as bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior outlets.
5. What is the standard spacing for residential smoke detectors?
A. Every 50 feet
B. Every 10 feet
C. Inside each bedroom and on each floor
D. Only in the basement
Rationale: Smoke detectors should be installed inside each bedroom,
outside sleeping areas, and on every floor.
6. Which type of foundation is most prone to water infiltration in high-
water table areas?
A. Poured concrete
B. Crawl space
C. Slab-on-grade
D. Basement
Rationale: Crawl spaces are often lower than grade and more
susceptible to water intrusion if not properly drained.
7. Which is a common indicator of foundation settlement?
A. New paint
B. Cracks in walls or floors
C. Clean gutters
D. Functioning plumbing
Rationale: Vertical or stair-step cracks in walls, floors, or foundation
are classic signs of settlement.
8. What is the maximum allowable slope for a roof to be considered low-
slope?
A. 3:12
B. 4:12
C. 2:12
D. 1:12
, Rationale: Roofs with a slope of 2:12 or less are generally considered
low-slope or flat roofs.
9. Which type of insulation has the highest R-value per inch?
A. Fiberglass batts
B. Cellulose
C. Polyisocyanurate foam board
D. Mineral wool
Rationale: Polyisocyanurate has the highest thermal resistance per
inch among common insulation types.
10. A sagging ceiling in the middle of a room most likely indicates:
A. Water damage or structural failure
B. Termite activity
C. Both A and B
D. Electrical wiring issues
Rationale: Sagging ceilings usually indicate water damage, structural
failure, or pest-related damage.
11. What is the primary purpose of an attic ventilation system?
A. To reduce noise
B. To prevent rodents
C. To prevent moisture buildup and extend roof life
D. To heat the attic
Rationale: Proper attic ventilation reduces moisture accumulation
and helps maintain roof and insulation integrity.
12. Which type of water heater is most energy-efficient for homes
with low water demand?
A. Tankless coil
B. Storage tank
C. Tankless (on-demand)
D. Solar thermal
Rationale: Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand
without maintaining a tank of hot water, improving energy efficiency
for low-demand households.
13. A home inspector discovers a corroded electrical panel. The most
appropriate action is to:
A. Replace the panel immediately
B. Report it as a safety concern
C. Ignore it if it works
