National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) — Study Guide
Free, topic-by-topic study notes for the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) exam. Read a chapter, then practice it.
Property & Building Inspection
This is by far the largest domain on the NHIE, covering the physical inspection of every major system in a home. You must understand how roofing, exterior, structure, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, interior, insulation/ventilation, and fireplaces are built and how they fail. The emphasis is on recognizing defects and safety hazards during a visual, non-invasive inspection.
Analysis of Findings & Reporting
Inspecting is only half the job; the inspector must interpret what they observe and communicate it clearly. This domain covers evaluating defects, distinguishing symptoms from causes, prioritizing by risk, and writing reports clients can act on. Accurate, defensible language protects both the client and the inspector.
Professional Responsibilities
Beyond technical skill, home inspectors are held to standards that define the scope of their work and the ethics of their conduct. This domain covers Standards of Practice, codes of ethics, business and legal responsibilities, and avoiding conflicts of interest. These rules protect the public and preserve the credibility of the profession.
Practice by topic
Jump straight into free practice questions for any single National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) topic.