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Key Facts: CAHPI National Exam (CNE) Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

212

MCQ on Official Exam

CAHPI

Exam Sections

CAHPI

4 hours

Time Limit

CAHPI

75%

Passing Score

CAHPI

Closed book

Live Video Proctoring

CAHPI

The CAHPI National Exam is a closed-book, live-video-proctored MCQ exam with 212 questions in 11 sections over 4 hours and a 75% pass mark. Official sections cover HVAC, plumbing, structure, roofing, electrical, exterior, fireplaces and chimneys, interiors, insulation and ventilation, appliances, and reporting/professionalism. CAHPI lists Carson Dunlop manuals, CAHPI Standards of Practice, CSA A770-16, and the Code of Ethics as study resources. This free prep bank provides 100 research-based practice questions weighted across those eleven sections.

Sample CAHPI National Exam (CNE) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CAHPI National Exam (CNE) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A stepped diagonal crack in a concrete-block foundation wall that is wider at the top most commonly indicates which condition?

A.Differential settlement of the foundation

B.Normal shrinkage during curing

C.Frost heave limited to a slab edge

D.Carbonation of the mortar joints

Explanation: A stair-step crack that widens toward the top of a block wall is a classic sign of differential settlement, where one portion of the footing has dropped relative to another. Inspectors document width, direction, and displacement and recommend structural evaluation when movement is significant.

2Horizontal cracking with inward bowing of a basement concrete-block wall most strongly suggests which cause?

A.Lateral soil or hydrostatic pressure against the wall

B.Roof truss uplift at the top plate

C.Excessive interior humidity alone

D.Undersized floor joists in the first floor

Explanation: Horizontal cracks with inward bowing typically result from lateral pressure from saturated or expansive soil and hydrostatic water. This is a structural concern; the inspector should note deflection and recommend evaluation by a qualified structural professional.

3What is the primary structural function of a footing beneath a foundation wall?

A.To provide a moisture break between soil and concrete

B.To act as a perimeter drainage channel

C.To anchor the wall solely against wind uplift

D.To distribute building loads over a wider area of soil

Explanation: A footing spreads the concentrated load of the foundation wall and structure above over a larger soil bearing area, reducing bearing pressure. Inadequate size or poor soil bearing leads to settlement.

4A wood support post bearing directly on a basement floor slab with no visible pad footing is a concern primarily because:

A.Wood posts cannot transfer compressive loads in any application

B.Concrete floors trap radon under posts

C.Wood posts are prohibited in Canadian basements

D.A floor slab is generally not designed for concentrated point loads

Explanation: A basement slab is typically a thin, non-structural slab-on-grade not designed for concentrated post loads. Posts should bear on a properly sized footing/pad; bearing only on the slab can cause cracking and settlement.

5In wood-frame construction, what is the main purpose of a header (lintel) above a window or door opening?

A.To provide a nailing surface for trim

B.To seal the opening against air leakage

C.To transfer loads from above around the opening to the supporting studs

D.To act as a fire stop in the wall cavity

Explanation: A header spans the opening and carries loads from above around the opening down to the jack/king studs. An undersized or missing header causes sagging and sticking doors or windows.

6Spalling of concrete on a foundation wall or garage floor in a cold climate is most often caused by:

A.Excessive interior lighting heat

B.Chronically low interior humidity alone

C.Presence of aluminum branch wiring nearby

D.Freeze-thaw cycling of absorbed water, sometimes worsened by de-icing salts

Explanation: When water absorbed into concrete freezes and expands repeatedly, the surface flakes (spalls). De-icing salts accelerate the process. Inspectors report spalling as a durability concern on exposed slabs and foundation tops.

7The function of weeping tile (foundation drainage pipe) around the base of a footing is to:

A.Supply potable water to the home

B.Provide structural reinforcement of the footing

C.Collect and carry subsurface water away from the foundation

D.Vent sewer gases from the DWV system

Explanation: Weeping tile is perforated drainage pipe at the footing that collects groundwater and directs it to a sump or storm system, reducing hydrostatic pressure and basement leakage.

8Cupping of floor joists with a musty odour and high moisture readings in a crawl space most likely indicates:

A.Excessive attic insulation depth

B.Oversized HVAC ductwork

C.Inadequate crawl-space moisture control

D.Aluminum branch wiring

Explanation: Chronic crawl-space moisture from poor ground cover, drainage, or ventilation elevates wood moisture, promotes fungal decay, and distorts joists. The inspector reports the moisture source and resulting structural risk.

9A notched floor joist with a large cut in the middle third of its span is a concern primarily because:

A.It improves access for plumbing

B.It increases the joist's shear capacity

C.It is required for Canadian Electrical Code clearances

D.It weakens the joist where bending stress is typically highest

Explanation: Large notches or holes in the middle third of a joist span remove critical bending capacity and can lead to sagging or failure. Inspectors report improper notching and recommend structural evaluation or repair.

10What is the primary purpose of a sill (mudsill) plate on top of a foundation wall?

A.To provide a capillary break only, with no structural role

B.To serve as the finished baseboard

C.To replace the need for foundation damp-proofing

D.To transfer wall and floor loads to the foundation and provide an anchor point for framing

Explanation: The sill plate sits on the foundation, anchors the wood frame to the masonry/concrete, and transfers loads. Inspectors look for sill damage, missing anchor bolts, and inadequate sill protection from moisture.

About the CAHPI National Exam (CNE) Exam

The CAHPI National Exam (CNE) is CAHPI's online, live-proctored multiple-choice examination for Canadian home inspectors. It contains 212 questions across 11 sections, must be completed in one 4-hour sitting, and requires a 75% passing score. Study resources cited by CAHPI include Carson Dunlop training manuals, the CAHPI Standards of Practice, CSA A770-16, and the CAHPI Code of Ethics. British Columbia Candidate members write an alternate exam.

Exam sponsor: Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

212 multiple-choice questions across 11 required sections (HVAC, Plumbing, Structure, Roofing, Electrical, Exterior, Fireplace and Chimney, Interior, Reporting and Professionalism, Insulation Ventilation, Appliances). Candidates cannot progress to the next section until all questions in the current section are answered. Closed book with live video proctoring on desktop/laptop only.

Time Limit

4 hours (one sitting)

Passing Score

75%

Exam / Certification Fees

Confirm current fee via CAHPI registration (industry sources cite ~CAD $500; bundled practice-exam option available; non-members can save $100 by joining CAHPI)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

~10%

HVAC

Heating, cooling, combustion venting, heat exchangers, HRVs, and related safety

~10%

Plumbing

Supply, DWV, water heaters, traps/vents, and leak identification

~12%

Structure

Foundations, framing, settlement, and structural load paths

~12%

Roofing

Coverings, flashing, ice dams, valleys, and penetrations

~12%

Electrical

Service, panels, GFCI, grounding/bonding, and wiring defects

~8%

Exterior

Grading, drainage, cladding, decks, and exterior moisture

~6%

Fireplace and Chimney

Solid-fuel and gas fireplaces, chimneys, liners, and clearances

~7%

Interior

Stairs, windows, egress, alarms, and interior safety

~7%

Insulation Ventilation

Insulation, vapour/air barriers, attic ventilation, and exhausts

~5%

Appliances

Built-in appliances, dryer vents, and related safety devices

~11%

Reporting and Professionalism

CAHPI SoP, CSA A770-16, ethics, limitations, and report writing

Preparing for the CAHPI National Exam (CNE) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75%
Assessment: 212 multiple-choice questions across 11 required sections (HVAC, Plumbing, Structure, Roofing, Electrical, Exterior, Fireplace and Chimney, Interior, Reporting and Professionalism, Insulation Ventilation, Appliances). Candidates cannot progress to the next section until all questions in the current section are answered. Closed book with live video proctoring on desktop/laptop only.
Time limit: 4 hours (one sitting)
Exam / certification fees: Confirm current fee via CAHPI registration (industry sources cite ~CAD $500; bundled practice-exam option available; non-members can save $100 by joining CAHPI) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CAHPI National Exam (CNE): Suggested Study Strategy

1Distribute study time across all 11 official sections — you cannot skip a section on exam day

2Know cold-climate details: ice and water shield, warm-side vapour barriers, attic ventilation, and ice damming

3Master Canadian electrical basics: 120/240 V service, GFCI near water, bonding vs grounding, and aluminum/knob-and-tube hazards

4Treat combustion safety as high priority: heat exchangers, backdrafting, combustion air, and CO alarms

5Memorize scope language from CAHPI Standards of Practice and CSA A770-16: visual, non-invasive, readily accessible

6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before scheduling the 212-question exam

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CAHPI National Exam?

The official CAHPI National Exam has 212 multiple-choice questions across 11 sections. Candidates have 4 hours in one sitting, and a passing score of 75% is required.

What are the 11 CAHPI National Exam sections?

HVAC, Plumbing, Structure, Roofing, Electrical, Exterior, Fireplace and Chimney, Interior, Reporting and Professionalism, Insulation Ventilation, and Appliances. You must finish each section before moving to the next.

Is the CAHPI National Exam online and proctored?

Yes. It is delivered online with live video proctoring on a desktop or laptop only (not a mobile phone). It is closed book, and you must be alone with photo ID verification via webcam.

What is the passing score for the CAHPI National Exam?

CAHPI requires a passing score of 75%. Results are provided by email upon completion.

Do British Columbia candidates take the same exam?

No. CAHPI Candidate members from British Columbia are required to write an alternate home inspection exam. Contact CAHPI for details on the BC alternate exam.

What should I study for the CAHPI National Exam?

CAHPI lists Carson Dunlop Home Inspection Training Manuals, the CAHPI Standards of Practice, CSA A770-16 Standard of Practice, and the CAHPI Code of Ethics as study resources.