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This practice test is designed to help you prepare for the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) Certification Exam.
It covers a broad range of topics commonly encountered during home inspections, including structural components, HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, and professional practices.
The test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, each with four options.
Only one answer per question is correct.
Good luck!
ASHI Home Inspector Certification Practice Test
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Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1 |
What is the typical spacing for floor joists in residential construction?
12 inches | |
16 inches | |
20 inches | |
24 inches |
Question 2 |
What type of foundation is most susceptible to water intrusion?
Concrete slab | |
Pier and beam | |
Stone foundation | |
Precast foundation |
Question 3 |
What is the main function of a GFCI outlet?
Protect against fire | |
Prevent circuit overload | |
Monitor voltage fluctuations | |
Protect against ground faults |
Question 4 |
A double-tapped breaker is considered:
Acceptable if wires are same gauge | |
A potential fire hazard | |
Only problematic in older homes | |
Required in tandem circuits |
Question 5 |
Which of the following materials is most prone to rust?
Copper | |
PVC | |
Galvanized steel | |
PEX |
Question 6 |
What is the minimum clearance between a flue pipe and combustible materials
1 inch | |
3 inches | |
6 inches | |
9 inches |
Question 7 |
In a modern home, where is the trap typically located in a plumbing system?
Main sewer line | |
Just below the fixture drain | |
Attic | |
Roof vent |
Question 8 |
What does an anti-tip bracket prevent?
Tripping hazards | |
Oven from tipping forward | |
Dishwasher leaks | |
Water heater movement |
Question 9 |
The minimum R-value for attic insulation in most U.S. climates is approximately:
R-13 | |
R-19 | |
R-30 | |
R-38 |
Question 10 |
What is spalling in masonry?
Settling of the foundation | |
Erosion of mortar joints | |
Flaking of concrete or brick surface | |
Cracking in block walls |
Question 11 |
What is the typical life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof?
5–10 years | |
10–15 years | |
20–30 years | |
40–50 years |
Question 12 |
What device prevents backflow in a plumbing system?
Check valve | |
Pressure reducer | |
Vacuum breaker | |
Air admittance valve |
Question 13 |
What is the function of a weephole in a brick wall?
Allow ventilation | |
Prevent cracking | |
Drain moisture from the cavity | |
Release internal pressure |
Question 14 |
Which HVAC component typically houses the evaporator coil?
Furnace | |
Compressor | |
Air handler | |
Condenser |
Question 15 |
A “sistered” joist is used to:
Reduce noise | |
Strengthen a damaged joist | |
Insulate floor systems | |
Support HVAC ducting |
Question 16 |
What is the acceptable slope for the ground around a home for proper drainage?
1/2 inch per foot | |
1 inch per foot | |
2 inches per foot | |
3 inches per foot |
Question 17 |
Which of the following indicates knob-and-tube wiring?
Plastic-sheathed cable | |
Conduit tubing | |
Ceramic insulators | |
Armored cable |
Question 18 |
A Zinsco panel is known for:
Energy efficiency | |
Poor grounding | |
Safety concerns | |
High load capacity |
Question 19 |
What is the primary danger of a cross-connection in plumbing?
Water hammer | |
Backflow contamination | |
Leaking joints | |
High pressure |
Question 20 |
Where is flashing typically installed on a roof?
At the ridge cap | |
Beneath underlayment | |
At intersections and penetrations | |
Across the entire surface |
Question 21 |
What is efflorescence?
Crumbling mortar | |
White powdery deposit | |
Mold growth | |
Rusting rebar |
Question 22 |
What is the purpose of a thermal expansion tank in plumbing?
Increase water pressure | |
Store hot water | |
Absorb pressure changes | |
Reduce scaling |
Question 23 |
A three-prong outlet without a ground wire should be:
Left as is | |
Tagged | |
Rewired or replaced | |
Repainted |
Question 24 |
What indicates improper venting in a plumbing system?
Noisy pipes | |
Odors and gurgling drains | |
Discolored water | |
High pressure |
Question 25 |
Where should smoke alarms be installed?
Only in kitchens | |
Every room | |
Inside and outside sleeping areas | |
Only near the furnace |
Question 26 |
What is the term for a wall that supports structural load?
Curtain wall | |
Retaining wall | |
Bearing wall | |
Partition wall |
Question 27 |
Which part of the house typically supports rafters?
Sill plate | |
Top plate | |
Beam | |
Ridge board |
Question 28 |
What does “underfired” refer to in a gas furnace?
Too much air | |
Too little gas | |
No flame | |
Weak ignitor |
Question 29 |
Which is not part of a septic system?
Leach field | |
Distribution box | |
Backflow valve | |
Baffle |
Question 30 |
What is the typical amperage for a residential main panel?
60 amps | |
100 amps | |
200 amps | |
400 amps |
Question 31 |
What does a sagging ridge line often indicate?
Ice damming | |
Structural settlement | |
Wind damage | |
Poor ventilation |
Question 32 |
A missing handrail is a concern when:
Steps have more than one riser | |
Landing is wider than 36 inches | |
Stairs have four or more risers | |
Guardrail is over 24 inches tall |
Question 33 |
What is the maximum riser height in residential stairs per IRC?
6 inches | |
7 inches | |
7.75 inches | |
8 inches |
Question 34 |
What appliance typically uses a condensate drain?
Refrigerator | |
Dishwasher | |
Furnace with A/C | |
Range hood |
Question 35 |
Which of the following is considered a safety defect in an electric panel?
Plastic knockout | |
Loose labeling | |
Double tapping | |
Missing bonding screw |
Question 36 |
The function of soffit vents is to:
Provide interior airflow | |
Prevent ice dams | |
Allow attic ventilation | |
Keep pests out |
Question 37 |
What is a common symptom of an unbalanced HVAC system?
Noisy blower motor | |
Uneven room temperatures | |
High energy bills | |
Tripped breaker |
Question 38 |
The typical cause of stair stringer cracking is:
Moisture exposure | |
Foot traffic | |
Insect damage | |
Improper cutting |
Question 39 |
What is a sign of termite infestation?
Water stains | |
Hollow-sounding wood | |
Black mold | |
Rusted nails |
Question 40 |
A 3-tab asphalt shingle is usually rated for:
10 years | |
15 years | |
20 years | |
25 years |
Question 41 |
What is the standard size of a breaker for most household lighting circuits?
10 amps | |
15 amps | |
20 amps | |
25 amps |
Question 42 |
Why are TPR (Temperature Pressure Relief) valves important on water heaters?
Prevent scalding | |
Reduce sediment | |
Prevent tank explosion | |
Enhance flow rate |
Question 43 |
What is the best inspection method for a chimney flue?
Visual from roof | |
Tap test | |
Interior camera scope | |
Infrared scan |
Question 44 |
Cracks wider than 1/4 inch in a foundation wall generally indicate:
Shrinkage | |
Cosmetic issue | |
Structural concern | |
Temperature changes |
Question 45 |
Which appliance typically requires a dedicated 220V circuit?
Microwave | |
Garbage disposal | |
Electric dryer | |
Gas range |
Question 46 |
What is the most common cause of mold in attics?
Dust accumulation | |
Animal activity | |
Poor ventilation | |
Tree debris |
Question 47 |
Which type of insulation is sprayed in place and expands?
Fiberglass | |
Rock wool | |
Spray foam | |
Cellulose |
Question 48 |
The main function of a sump pump is to:
Remove greywater | |
Prevent sewage backup | |
Pump out collected groundwater | |
Drain roof runoff |
Question 49 |
When should a home inspector move personal belongings?
When they block outlets | |
When they cover plumbing | |
Never without permission | |
When it's safe to do so |
Question 50 |
What is the standard headroom clearance for stairs?
6 ft | |
6 ft 4 in | |
6 ft 8 in | |
7 ft |
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect.
There are 50 questions to complete.
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