InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)

According to the InterNACHI Standards of Practice, what is the definition of a 'material defect'?

• AAny repair over $500, even when safety and value are unaffected
• BAn issue that may significantly affect value or pose unreasonable risk
• CAny code deviation, including minor cosmetic noncompliance
• DA condition that legally condemns the home as uninhabitable

Which roofing condition is MOST likely to be reported as a material defect during an InterNACHI CPI inspection?

• AMinor granule loss on young shingles with no active leaks
• BSurface moss on a north slope without moisture intrusion
• CActive chimney flashing separation allowing water intrusion
• DMismatched shingle color from an isolated prior repair

During a roof inspection, an inspector observes step flashing at a wall-to-roof junction that has been caulked over rather than properly lapped under the siding. What is the correct assessment?

• AAcceptable when intact caulk is less than five years old
• BDeferred maintenance only if the caulk shows cracking
• CImproper installation; report as defect regardless of caulk
• DCompliant if the homeowner provides a written caulk warranty

An inspector walks a low-slope roof with a TPO membrane and observes seam separations near HVAC curbs. What is the PRIMARY concern?

• AUV degradation causing color fading
• BWater infiltration at the unsealed seams
• CIncreased energy loss through the roof assembly
• DAccelerated wear of the HVAC unit base

What does proper roof ventilation require according to standard practices for asphalt shingle roofs?

• A1 sq ft of net free vent area per 100 sq ft of attic floor area with balanced intake and…
• B1 sq ft of net free vent area per 150 sq ft of attic floor area with balanced intake and…
• CRidge vents only, without soffit vents, to prevent moisture infiltration
• DPowered attic fans to replace all passive ventilation

During an exterior inspection, an inspector notices that the soil grade slopes toward the foundation on the north side of the house. What is the minimum recommended slope away from the foundation?

• A1 inch of fall per 10 feet away from the foundation
• B2 inches of fall per 6 feet toward the foundation
• C6 inches of fall in the first 10 feet away from the foundation
• D3 inches of fall per 20 feet toward the foundation

An inspector observes horizontal cracking in a poured concrete foundation wall at mid-height. What does this pattern most likely indicate?

• ANormal curing shrinkage without structural movement
• BDifferential settlement at the footing level
• CLateral soil pressure causing mid-height wall bending
• DThermal expansion cycling without soil loading

What is the InterNACHI Code of Ethics requirement regarding conflicts of interest?

• AInspectors may repair inspected homes after a 30-day waiting period
• BInspectors must disclose conflicts of interest before accepting work
• CInspectors may accept agent gifts up to $50 without disclosure
• DConflicts of interest apply only to commercial inspections

Which condition in a crawl space would be of GREATEST concern to an InterNACHI inspector?

• AFiberglass batt insulation installed between floor joists with kraft facing down
• BPlastic vapor retarder with minor tears at wall transitions
• CStanding water with visible mold growth on wooden structural members
• DUnsealed vents during winter months in a cold climate

An inspector enters an attic and observes dark staining on the roof sheathing above the bathroom exhaust fan duct. The duct terminates inside the attic. What is the correct finding?

• ANormal condensation from attic temperature differentials
• BImproper bath fan termination causing sheathing moisture damage
• CEvidence of a prior roof leak that has since been repaired
• DAcceptable when the exhaust duct is insulated in the attic

When inspecting an electrical panel, an inspector observes double-tapped breakers (two wires under a single breaker terminal). What is the correct reporting approach?

• AReport only when the breaker rating exceeds 20 amps
• BAcceptable if the panel label lists dual-tap lugs for that breaker
• CAlways report as an immediate safety defect requiring correction
• DReport unless the breaker manufacturer allows two conductors

What is the required minimum clearance between the bottom of a wood structural member and the soil in a crawl space per standard building practice?

• A6 inches
• B12 inches
• C18 inches
• D24 inches

An inspector observes a gas-fired forced air furnace with an orange or yellow flame visible at the burner. What does this indicate?

• ANormal natural-gas burner flame color during heating cycles
• BIncomplete combustion with possible carbon monoxide production
• CLow utility gas pressure at the meter during peak demand
• DHigh-efficiency secondary heat exchanger operation

What is the purpose of a temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve on a water heater?

• ARegulate fixture water temperature throughout the home
• BRelieve excessive tank pressure or temperature to prevent rupture
• CReduce energy use by limiting maximum tank temperature
• DPrevent hot water backflow into the cold supply piping

When inspecting a gas furnace, an inspector suspects a cracked heat exchanger. Which of the following observations would be the MOST direct indicator?

• ABurner flame rolls out briefly when the blower starts
• BA slight delay of 30 seconds before the burner ignites
• CRust staining on the exterior of the furnace cabinet
• DA buzzing sound from the transformer during operation

An inspector tests a receptacle in the kitchen and finds it does not trip when tested with a GFCI tester. The receptacle is located within 6 feet of the kitchen sink. What should be reported?

• ANo defect because kitchen receptacles need no GFCI protection
• BDefect — sink-area kitchen receptacles require working GFCI protection
• CMaintenance item — clean receptacle contacts and retest later
• DNo defect if installed before the GFCI code requirement

What does 'knob-and-tube wiring' refer to, and what is the primary concern an inspector should report?

• A1960s aluminum branch wiring with failing connection points
• BEarly knob-and-tube wiring with ungrounded ceramic-supported conductors
• CArmored BX cable common in older commercial construction
• DMetal conduit routed through ceramic wall penetration plates

An inspector observes that a wood deck's ledger board is attached to the house rim joist through the exterior siding. No flashing is visible between the ledger and the siding. What is the primary defect?

• ALag bolt spacing likely does not meet current deck standards
• BMoisture behind the ledger can rot the rim joist and framing
• CThe deck should be freestanding instead of ledger-attached
• DThe exterior siding material is incompatible with deck hardware

When should an InterNACHI inspector walk the roof surface during an inspection?

• AAlways — InterNACHI SOP requires walking every roof surface
• BOnly on roof pitches steeper than 6/12 for safety
• CWhen safe and accessible; otherwise inspect from ground or eaves
• DNever — drones must be used instead of walking roofs

What is the function of AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection in residential electrical systems?

• AProtect against ground faults in wet kitchen and bath locations
• BDetect arcing faults that can ignite wiring and connections
• CLimit overload current like a standard thermal circuit breaker
• DMonitor voltage swings to protect sensitive electronics

An inspector notices that a chimney crown is cracked and has open joints. What is the primary function of the chimney crown and why is this a defect?

• ASupport the chimney cap structurally against wind uplift
• BSeal the chimney top to keep water out of masonry and the flue
• CImprove draft with an aerodynamic profile at the chimney top
• DHold the chimney cap in place when mortar joints crack

An InterNACHI inspector is testing windows and finds that several double-pane windows have a foggy appearance between the panes. What does this indicate?

• AExterior glass condensation from winter humidity differences
• BFailed IGU seal with moisture between the glass panes
• CImproper window orientation causing solar condensation
• DManufacturing defect requiring immediate safety replacement

What is the required minimum headroom clearance over a stairway according to the IRC?

• A6 feet 4 inches
• B6 feet 8 inches
• C7 feet 0 inches
• D6 feet 6 inches

An inspector uses an infrared (IR) camera during an inspection and detects a cold spot behind an interior wall near a plumbing chase. What does this most likely indicate?

• AMissing or thin insulation in the wall cavity only
• BPossible plumbing leak moisture causing evaporative cooling
• CNormal thermal bridging at a wood stud location
• DHVAC supply duct leakage behind the finished wall

Under the InterNACHI SOP, what systems and components are inspectors required to inspect?

• AAll accessible systems and components present at inspection
• BOnly operational systems visible from grade without ladders
• CAll systems even when disassembly is required for access
• DOnly systems specifically requested by the client or agent

An inspector notices that a home's main electrical service entrance cable is attached to the house using staples rather than proper service entrance cable (SEC) fittings. What is the correct assessment?

• AAcceptable when the cable is rated for outdoor wet locations
• BImproper — SEC cable needs listed supports, not cable staples
• CAcceptable when the service cable is less than ten years old
• DMinor defect only if the cable jacket shows visible damage

What is the purpose of the P-trap in a plumbing drain-waste-vent (DWV) system?

• AIncrease fixture drain pressure for faster drainage
• BMaintain a water seal that blocks sewer gas from the living space
• CFilter debris before it enters the building drain piping
• DAdmit air to the drain line to prevent siphon vacuum

During an inspection of a finished basement, an inspector's moisture meter reads elevated levels at the base of the exterior walls. No visible water staining is present. What is the most appropriate action?

• ANormal concrete moisture variation requiring no comment
• BElevated moisture warranting further investigation for leakage or mold
• CImmediate full drywall removal to expose the foundation wall
• DReport only when basement relative humidity exceeds 60 percent

What is the minimum number of smoke alarms required in a typical single-family home per current life safety codes?

• AOne smoke alarm on each floor level only
• BOne outside sleeping areas plus one on each level including basement
• COne inside every bedroom plus one in the kitchen area
• DOne alarm per 1,000 square feet of finished living space

An inspector observes that a home's main water supply shutoff valve is a gate valve. What should be noted?

• AGate valves are preferred over ball valves at main shutoffs
• BGate valves need no comment when they operate smoothly
• CGate valves may seize closed and fail after years of disuse
• DGate valves are prohibited in homes built after year 2000

What is the correct spacing for deck guard rail balusters to meet safety standards?

• ANo more than 6 inches apart
• BNo more than 4 inches apart
• CNo more than 5 inches apart
• DNo more than 3 inches apart

During an air conditioning system inspection, an inspector finds that the evaporator coil drain pan has standing water and the condensate drain line appears clogged. What is the primary concern?

• AReduced cooling efficiency at the evaporator coil only
• BOverflow risk to ceilings and structure below the air handler
• CIncreased refrigerant consumption from condensate backup
• DReduced indoor air quality from outdoor air recirculation

An inspector observes that a sump pump in the basement discharges to the sanitary drain system inside the house. What is the correct finding?

• AAcceptable when the sump discharge includes a check valve
• BImproper — sump discharge must not tie into sanitary sewer
• CAcceptable only on municipal sewer with a backflow preventer
• DNo defect because discharge conserves treated sewer capacity

What is 'safety glazing,' and where is it required in residential construction?

• ATempered or laminated glass in hazardous breakage locations
• BDouble-pane glass required for energy code in all new homes
• CUV-filtering glass required within three feet of exterior doors
• DWired glass required at every stairway window opening

An inspector finds that the hot and cold supply connections to the bathroom lavatory faucet are reversed (hot on right, cold on left). What should be reported?

• ANo defect — hot and cold sides may be reversed on lavatories
• BDefect — hot left and cold right is standard safe practice
• CDefect only when scalding risk exists at the fixture
• DCosmetic issue that needs no mention in the report

What is the purpose of a combustion air supply for a gas-fired furnace installed in a utility room or closet?

• AEqualize flue pressure to prevent occasional backdrafting
• BProvide combustion air to support complete burning and draft
• CCool the furnace cabinet to extend equipment service life
• DDilute refrigerant vapors from adjacent cooling equipment

Which of the following best describes an inspector's obligation when they discover a condition that is outside their area of expertise during an inspection?

• ASkip the component and omit it entirely from the report
• BReport observations, note limits, and recommend specialist review
• CProvide a definitive specialist diagnosis in the report
• DCancel the inspection and refer the client elsewhere

An EPDM flat roof has open lap seams visible at a field seam joint. What is the correct finding?

• ANormal EPDM weathering when seams open slightly over time
• BDefect — open EPDM seams can admit water and need repair
• CAcceptable when sealant is visible along the seam edge
• DConcern only when seam separation exceeds one inch

An inspector notices that the service entrance panel has a 200-amp main breaker, but the service entrance conductors appear to be sized for 100 amps. What is the safety concern?

• AOversized panel is generally safer than undersized equipment
• BUndersized SEC conductors can overheat under heavy load
• CAcceptable because the utility transformer limits total current
• DConcern applies only when aluminum service conductors are used

What does a 'sticker price' approach to inspection reporting mean in the context of InterNACHI training?

• AListing every minor cosmetic blemish regardless of significance
• BPrioritizing defects by severity so clients know urgent items
• CProviding repair cost estimates for every noted defect
• DUsing a numeric score to rate overall home condition

What is the minimum height requirement for guard rails (guardrails) on decks and balconies more than 30 inches above grade?

• A30 inches
• B36 inches
• C42 inches
• D48 inches

An inspector observes that a wood-burning fireplace damper is in the open position with no fire burning. What should be noted in the report?

• ADefect — dampers must stay closed whenever no fire is burning
• BInformational — open dampers waste heat when fireplace is idle
• CNo comment — damper position is owner preference only
• DSafety hazard — open dampers always admit combustion gases

What is 'galvanic corrosion' and when is it a concern during a home inspection?

• ARust on iron pipes exposed to high-chlorine municipal water
• BElectrochemical corrosion where dissimilar metals contact in water
• CMineral scale buildup inside hot-water distribution piping
• DSurface oxidation of copper in mildly acidic water supplies

An inspector finds that the water heater flue pipe is connected to the furnace flue (Category I natural draft) using an elbow that dips below the water heater draft hood collar before rising to the furnace connector. What is the defect?

• AShared flue is never permitted for gas-fired appliances
• BDipping connector can trap condensate and cause backdrafting
• CWater heater and furnace flues must be separated by six inches
• DConnector material is likely wrong for the appliance category

According to the InterNACHI SOP, which of the following is NOT within the scope of a standard home inspection?

• AInspecting the roofing system for visible material defects
• BTesting permanently installed heating systems with normal controls
• CDetermining adequacy of foundation footings and soil bearing
• DInspecting electrical panels and readily accessible wiring

An inspector observes that wood siding at the base of an exterior wall is in direct contact with the soil. What is the primary defect?

• ASiding material is not rated for direct ground contact use
• BSoil contact invites moisture and wood-destroying organisms
• CFoundation exposure is inadequate for inspection access
• DExterior paint will peel faster from ground splash moisture