Free Practice Questions for QEI

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Sample QEI Practice Questions

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

1According to ASME A17.1, what is the maximum allowable clearance between the car door and the hoistway door for a passenger elevator?

A.1/4 inch (6.4 mm)

B.3/8 inch (9.5 mm)

C.1/2 inch (12.7 mm)

D.3/4 inch (19.1 mm)

Explanation: ASME A17.1 specifies a maximum clearance of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) between the car door and the hoistway door to prevent entrapment of fingers or other small objects.

2During a routine inspection of a hydraulic elevator, what is the primary safety concern when checking the oil level in the tank?

A.Contamination of the oil with water

B.The elevator car is at the top landing

C.The elevator car is at the lowest landing

D.The oil is at the correct operating temperature

Explanation: When checking the oil level, the elevator car must be at the lowest landing to ensure an accurate reading and prevent overfilling, which could lead to oil spills and system damage.

3What is the function of the governor in a traction elevator system?

A.To open and close the elevator doors

B.To stop the car in the event of overspeed

C.To control the speed of the motor

D.To level the car at each landing

Explanation: The governor is a safety device that monitors the speed of the elevator car. If the car exceeds a predetermined speed, the governor will trip and engage the safeties, bringing the car to a stop.

4An inspector discovers that a required safety test has not been performed on an elevator. According to the QEI Code of Ethics, what is the inspector's primary responsibility?

A.To perform the test themselves

B.To document the finding and report it to the authority having jurisdiction

C.To shut down the elevator immediately

D.To inform the building owner and schedule a new test

Explanation: The QEI's primary responsibility is to observe, document, and report. They must not perform tests or repairs themselves. The finding must be documented and reported to the relevant authority.

5Which section of the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifically addresses elevators, escalators, and moving walks?

A.Article 430

B.Article 500

C.Article 620

D.Article 700

Explanation: Article 620 of the NEC provides the specific electrical requirements for elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, and wheelchair lifts.

6What is the purpose of a 'firefighter's service' key switch in an elevator?

A.To allow firefighters to manually override the elevator's normal operation

B.To shut off power to the elevator in case of a fire

C.To activate the in-car emergency alarm

D.To unlock the hoistway doors from the landing

Explanation: The firefighter's service key switch allows firefighters to take control of the elevator, enabling them to use it for transporting personnel and equipment during an emergency.

7During an acceptance inspection of a new installation, what is the primary focus of the inspector?

A.To verify that the elevator meets all applicable codes and standards

B.To assess the general condition of the elevator equipment

C.To ensure the elevator is clean and ready for public use

D.To negotiate the final price with the contractor

Explanation: An acceptance inspection is performed on a new or altered elevator to ensure that it has been installed in accordance with all applicable codes, standards, and specifications before being placed into service.

8What is the minimum frequency for performing a full-load safety test on a traction elevator?

A.Every year

B.Every two years

C.Every three years

D.Every five years

Explanation: ASME A17.1 requires a full-load safety test to be performed on traction elevators at intervals not exceeding five years to ensure the safeties can stop the car with a full load.

9In a hydraulic elevator system, what is the function of the plunger?

A.To push the car up

B.To pull the car up

C.To stop the car in an emergency

D.To grip the guide rails

Explanation: The plunger, also known as a piston or ram, is a long steel rod that extends from the hydraulic jack to lift the elevator car.

10An inspector is offered a gift by a building owner after completing an inspection. What is the most appropriate action for the inspector to take?

A.Accept the gift, as it is a common courtesy

B.Decline the gift, as it could be perceived as a conflict of interest

C.Accept the gift, but report it to their supervisor

D.Decline the gift, but ask for a donation to a charity instead

Explanation: The QEI Code of Ethics strictly prohibits accepting gifts or other inducements that could compromise the inspector's integrity or impartiality. The inspector must politely decline the gift.

About the QEI Exam

The Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) certification, defined by ASME QEI-1, certifies inspectors of elevators, escalators, and related conveyances. The 160-question, 8-hour open-codebook exam administered by NAESA International tests competence in ASME A17.1/CSA B44 (Safety Code), A17.2 (Inspection Guide), and A17.3 (Existing Installations). QEI certification is required by most state and municipal jurisdictions to perform code-mandated elevator inspections.

Exam sponsor: NAESA International (administered to ASME QEI-1 standard). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

160 questions

Time Limit

8 hours

Passing Score

70% (open-codebook)

Exam / Certification Fees

$500 (exam only); $1,295 (training course + exam + membership)

Exam sponsor website

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

Official sources

NAESA International (administered to ASME QEI-1 standard): official exam information

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.

30%

ASME Codes and Standards

ASME A17.1/CSA B44 (2022), A17.2 (2023), A17.3, QEI-1 standards, and applicable building and fire codes.

25%

Inspection Procedures

Elevator and escalator inspection techniques, acceptance testing, periodic testing, and witnessing procedures.

25%

Safety and Equipment

Safety devices, emergency operations, electrical systems, mechanical components, and hydraulic systems.

20%

Regulations and Documentation

Inspection documentation, deficiency reporting, violation classification, and jurisdictional requirements.

Preparing for the QEI Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% (open-codebook)
Exam length: 160 questions
Time limit: 8 hours
Exam / certification fees: $500 (exam only); $1,295 (training course + exam + membership) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the QEI certification?

Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) is the certification defined by ASME QEI-1 for inspectors of elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and related conveyances. NAESA International is the largest QEI certifying body in North America and administers the exam to the ASME standard.

How many questions are on the QEI exam?

The NAESA QEI certification exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have 8 hours to complete it. The exam is open-codebook — candidates use ASME A17.1, A17.2, and A17.3 during the exam and must demonstrate the ability to navigate and apply the codes.

What does QEI certification cost?

NAESA's exam-only fee is $500. The QEI Training Course + Certification Exam package (which includes one year of NAESA membership upon passing) is $1,295. Required codebooks (ASME A17.1, A17.2) are purchased separately and cost several hundred dollars combined.

What experience is required for QEI?

ASME QEI-1 requires a combination of formal education and practical experience in the elevator industry. Pathways include 5 years of elevator industry experience, an associate's degree in a related field plus 3 years of experience, or completion of an approved elevator constructor apprenticeship program.

How is QEI different from a state elevator inspector license?

QEI is a national certification recognized by jurisdictions; many states require QEI as a prerequisite for issuing a state elevator inspector license. State requirements may add jurisdiction-specific code knowledge tests, fingerprinting, and licensure fees on top of the QEI.