100+ Free NHIE Practice Questions
Pass your National Home Inspector Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
When inspecting a poured concrete foundation, a horizontal crack across the middle of the wall most likely indicates:
Key Facts: NHIE Exam
200
Multiple-Choice Questions
EBPHI
500
Passing Cut Score
scaled 200-800
4 hrs
Time Limit
EBPHI
63%
Property & Building Inspection
2022 RDS
35+
States Using NHIE
EBPHI
$225
Exam Fee
PSI / EBPHI
The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is administered by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI) and used by 35+ state regulators for home inspector licensure. The exam contains 200 multiple-choice questions (175 scored, 25 pretest) over 4 hours. Scoring is scaled 200-800 with 500 the passing cut score. The fee is $225 in most jurisdictions and delivery is via PSI test centers nationwide.
Sample NHIE Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your NHIE exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1When inspecting a poured concrete foundation, a horizontal crack across the middle of the wall most likely indicates:
2An efflorescence stain on a basement wall indicates that:
3A diagonal crack running from the corner of a basement window upward to the top of the foundation wall is most consistent with:
4The minimum required clearance from finished grade to wood siding to limit moisture and pest damage is generally:
5Which footing condition is most likely to cause progressive structural settlement?
6A 2x10 floor joist spans 16 feet at 16-inch on-center spacing. The single most important factor the inspector should consider when judging adequacy is:
7Notching a floor joist on the bottom edge:
8A header above a window opening serves to:
9Which is a sign of inadequate roof framing for a snow-load region?
10Engineered I-joists differ from solid sawn lumber primarily in that they:
About the NHIE Exam
The NHIE is the standardized national exam required for home inspector licensure in 35+ states. Built from the 2022 Role Delineation Study, it tests inspection competence across all major building systems.
Questions
200 scored questions
Time Limit
4 hours
Passing Score
500 (scaled 200-800)
Exam Fee
$225 (EBPHI)
NHIE Exam Content Outline
Property and Building Inspection / Site Review
Foundations, framing, roofing, exterior, interior, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, ventilation, attics, crawlspaces, fuel storage
Analysis of Findings and Reporting
Interpreting observations, identifying defects vs. conditions, writing clear reports, recommending further evaluation
Professional Responsibilities
Scope of inspection, standards of practice, code of ethics, contracts, business practices, state licensing rules
How to Pass the NHIE Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 500 (scaled 200-800)
- 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
NHIE Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NHIE passing score?
The NHIE is scored on a scaled range of 200 to 800 with a cut score of 500 required to pass. Scaled scoring adjusts for slight differences in form difficulty so a 500 always represents the same level of competence. There are 200 questions with 175 scored and 25 unscored pretest items distributed throughout the exam.
How many states require the NHIE for home inspector licensure?
More than 35 U.S. states use the NHIE as their licensure or certification examination, along with several Canadian provinces. Even in non-licensing states, many inspectors take the NHIE because ASHI, NAHI, and other professional associations recognize a passing score for membership credentialing.
How much does the NHIE exam cost?
The NHIE exam fee is $225 in most jurisdictions, paid directly to PSI when scheduling. Some states bundle the exam fee into a higher state-specific application charge. If you fail, you must pay the full $225 again for each retake attempt and wait 30 days before re-testing.
How is the NHIE structured?
The NHIE has 200 multiple-choice questions across three domains: Property and Building Inspection / Site Review (63%), Analysis of Findings and Reporting (25%), and Professional Responsibilities (12%). You have 4 hours to complete the test. Questions are based on the 2022 EBPHI Role Delineation Study reflecting current home inspection practice.
How long should I study for the NHIE?
Plan for 80-120 hours of focused study over 8-12 weeks if you have completed pre-licensing coursework. Most state programs require 60-140 hours of pre-licensing education before exam eligibility. Take 500+ practice questions, do mock 4-hour timed sessions, and aim for 80%+ on practice tests before scheduling at PSI.
What happens if I fail the NHIE?
You must wait 30 days before retaking the NHIE and pay the full exam fee again. There is no published cap on total attempts at the EBPHI level, but state licensing boards may impose attempt limits or require additional education. Use the diagnostic score report to focus retake prep on weak domains.
How is the NHIE delivered?
PSI delivers the NHIE at testing centers nationwide and through online proctored sessions where allowed. Register at psiexams.com after EBPHI approval. Bring two valid IDs and arrive 30 minutes early. The test is closed-book — no codes, calculators with memory, or reference materials are permitted at the testing station.