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100+ Free ACI Practice Questions

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Which ASHI Standard of Practice section governs the inspection of roofing systems?

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B
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to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ACI Exam

250

Inspections Required

ASHI ACI requirement

500/800

NHIE Passing Score

EBPHI scaled score

$225

NHIE Exam Fee

2026 rate

4 hrs

NHIE Time Limit

200 questions

50-60%

Est. First-Attempt Pass Rate

Industry estimate

$61K+

Median Inspector Income

Industry data

The ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) is earned by completing 250 fee-paid home inspections and passing the NHIE — a 200-question, 4-hour exam with a 500/800 scaled passing score. ASHI is the oldest and most recognized home inspection association in the U.S. Home inspectors earn a median income of $61,000–$80,000+, with experienced ACI-designated inspectors typically earning significantly more.

Sample ACI Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ACI exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which ASHI Standard of Practice section governs the inspection of roofing systems?
A.Section 4 — Electrical Systems
B.Section 3 — Roofing
C.Section 2 — Structural Components
D.Section 7 — Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
Explanation: ASHI Standards of Practice Section 3 covers Roofing. It requires inspectors to inspect roofing materials, flashing, gutters, downspouts, skylights, and other roof penetrations. Understanding the section structure helps inspectors ensure comprehensive and compliant reports.
2What is the minimum number of inspections required before a candidate is eligible to apply for the ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) designation?
A.100 inspections
B.150 inspections
C.250 inspections
D.500 inspections
Explanation: ASHI requires candidates to complete a minimum of 250 fee-paid home inspections to qualify for ACI designation. This requirement ensures inspectors have substantial real-world experience across diverse residential properties before earning the certification.
3According to the ASHI Standards of Practice, which of the following is a home inspector NOT required to inspect?
A.Visible roof drainage systems
B.Presence of GFCI protection in kitchens
C.Cosmetic deficiencies such as paint condition
D.Accessible attic insulation
Explanation: ASHI Standards explicitly exclude cosmetic deficiencies (paint, wallpaper, floor coverings, and similar surface finishes) from the required scope of inspection. Inspectors focus on material defects affecting safety, function, or habitability, not aesthetic conditions.
4A home inspector observes step cracking in brick veneer at the corner of a foundation. This pattern is most consistent with:
A.Shrinkage cracking from normal concrete curing
B.Differential settlement causing diagonal shear stress
C.Thermal expansion at a control joint
D.Alkali-silica reaction in the masonry units
Explanation: Step cracking following mortar joints in a staircase pattern is the hallmark of differential settlement, where one portion of the foundation moves more than adjacent areas. The masonry cracks along the weakest path — the mortar joints — creating the characteristic step pattern. This is a material defect requiring further evaluation by a structural engineer.
5Which type of foundation crack is most likely to indicate a serious structural concern requiring immediate engineer evaluation?
A.Vertical hairline crack less than 1/16" wide in poured concrete
B.Horizontal crack running along a basement block wall near mid-height
C.Shrinkage crack with no differential displacement
D.Small efflorescence stain with no visible crack
Explanation: Horizontal cracks in basement block or poured walls near mid-height indicate lateral soil pressure exceeding the wall's bending capacity — a serious structural failure mode. Water-saturated or expanding soils exert inward pressure; horizontal cracking signals that the wall is bowing inward and may be at risk of collapse. This always warrants structural engineer evaluation.
6What is the standard electrical service size for most modern single-family homes built after 1990?
A.60-ampere, 120-volt single phase
B.100-ampere, 240-volt single phase
C.200-ampere, 240-volt single phase
D.400-ampere, 480-volt three phase
Explanation: 200-ampere, 240-volt single-phase service is the standard for modern single-family homes built after 1990. This capacity accommodates air conditioning, electric dryers, ranges, and future EV charging. Homes with only 100A service may be adequate but can be a limitation for buyers with high-load demands.
7A home inspector observes two wires connected to a single circuit breaker in the main panel. This condition is called:
A.Tandem breaker installation
B.Double-tapped breaker
C.Split-bus configuration
D.Shared neutral arrangement
Explanation: A double-tapped (or double-lugged) breaker occurs when two conductors are connected to a single breaker terminal not rated for multiple conductors. Unless the breaker is specifically listed for multiple conductors (some Square D QO breakers allow it), this is a defect that can cause loose connections, arcing, and fire risk.
8Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels are considered a significant concern by home inspectors primarily because:
A.They are limited to 100-ampere service and cannot be upgraded
B.The breakers may fail to trip on overcurrent, posing a fire risk
C.They do not accept AFCI breakers as replacements
D.The panels lack a main disconnect, violating current NEC
Explanation: FPE Stab-Lok panels have been documented by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and independent researchers to have breakers that fail to trip under overcurrent conditions. This means circuits may not be protected from overheating and fire. The presence of an FPE panel is a material defect requiring disclosure and evaluation by a licensed electrician.
9Aluminum branch circuit wiring in single-family homes is most problematic at:
A.The service entrance cables where it connects to the meter base
B.Connections to devices (outlets, switches) rated for copper only
C.Junction boxes where it is spliced using wire nuts
D.Long runs in conduit that are properly secured
Explanation: Aluminum branch wiring (#12 or #10 AWG) is problematic at connections to devices rated for copper only (CU). Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, causing loosening over time, which leads to arcing and fire. Solutions include replacing devices with CO/ALR-rated ones, using AlumiConn connectors, or pigtailing with copper. Service entrance conductors and feeders in larger gauges are not subject to the same concern.
10Per NEC 210.8, GFCI protection is required in which of the following locations?
A.All interior receptacles within 10 feet of a water source
B.Bathrooms, garages, outdoors, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, kitchens within 6 feet of a sink, and boathouses
C.Only exterior receptacles and swimming pool areas
D.Only receptacles installed after 2002 in new construction
Explanation: NEC 210.8 requires GFCI protection in bathrooms, garages, outdoors, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, kitchens (receptacles within 6 feet of a sink), boathouses, and other damp/wet locations. The requirements have expanded over time; inspectors note locations lacking GFCI and recommend upgrading for safety.

About the ACI Exam

The ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) designation is the premier credential from the American Society of Home Inspectors. To earn ACI, candidates must complete 250 fee-paid home inspections and pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). The exam covers residential building systems including roofing, structure, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, interiors, insulation, and fireplaces.

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

500/800 (NHIE scaled score)

Exam Fee

$225 (ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors))

ACI Exam Content Outline

~63%

Property & Building Inspection

Roofing, exterior, structure, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, interior, insulation/ventilation, and fireplaces

~25%

Analysis & Reporting

Defect identification, report communication, and professional judgment

~12%

Professional Responsibilities

ASHI Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, legal liability, and scope

How to Pass the ACI Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 500/800 (NHIE scaled score)
  • Exam length: 200 questions
  • Time limit: 4 hours
  • Exam fee: $225

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ACI Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master electrical defects — FPE/Zinsco panels, double-tapped breakers, GFCI/AFCI locations, and aluminum wiring make up a large share of exam questions
2Memorize foundation crack patterns — horizontal vs. step vs. vertical hairline cracks and their structural significance
3Study ASHI Standards of Practice section by section — know what is and isn't within scope
4Know all water supply pipe types (PEX, copper, polybutylene, galvanized) and their deficiency modes
5Learn stair and guardrail code numbers — riser max 7-3/4", run min 10", guardrail min 42" on decks
6Understand the difference between 'reporting' and 'requiring' repairs — scope of the inspector's role
7Practice with the NHIE content outline to align your study effort with actual exam weighting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to earn the ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) designation?

To earn ACI status, you must complete a minimum of 250 fee-paid home inspections, pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) with a scaled score of 500/800, and agree to adhere to the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. ASHI membership is also required. Many states require a state license in addition to the ACI credential.

What topics does the NHIE (required for ACI) cover?

The NHIE covers three main domains: Property & Building Inspection (approximately 63%), including roofing, structural components, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, interior, insulation/ventilation, and fireplaces; Analysis & Reporting (approximately 25%), including defect recognition and report writing; and Professional Responsibilities (approximately 12%), including ethics, standards of practice, and legal liability.

How many questions are on the NHIE and what is the passing score?

The NHIE contains 200 multiple-choice questions (175 scored + 25 pretest), with a 4-hour time limit. The passing score is 500 on a scaled score of 200–800. The exam is administered by PSI in most states and Pearson VUE in Florida, Texas, and Nevada.

How long does it take to become an ASHI Certified Inspector?

The timeline to ACI depends on how quickly you can complete 250 paid inspections. Many inspectors work for a year or more completing inspections under supervision before accumulating sufficient experience. Preparation for the NHIE typically requires 80–140 hours of study beyond hands-on inspection experience.

What are the most important topics to study for the ASHI ACI exam?

The highest-priority topics include: electrical systems (panel defects, GFCI/AFCI requirements, wiring types), roofing (materials, flashings, drainage), structural components (foundation crack patterns, wood defects), HVAC (furnace efficiency, heat exchangers, venting), plumbing (water supply materials, DWV systems, TPR valves), and ASHI Standards of Practice/Code of Ethics for the professional responsibilities domain.

What does the ASHI Code of Ethics require of home inspectors?

The ASHI Code of Ethics requires inspectors to maintain objectivity and impartiality, disclose conflicts of interest, not inspect properties in which they have a financial interest, not perform repairs on inspected properties for compensation, practice within their areas of competency, and act in the interest of client health and safety — including contacting emergency services when immediate hazards are detected.