NHIE Home Inspector Exam Prep

Pass the NHIE on your first attempt. The National Home Inspector Examination has a 65% first-attempt pass rate. The candidates who fail are almost always weak in the same three areas: identifying defects across all major systems, component life expectancies, and standards of practice scope. This app is built around all three.

COMPONENT LIFE EXPECTANCY CHART

The most-tested reference topic on the NHIE. Know these cold.

Roofing: asphalt shingles 20-30 years, wood shingles 25-30 years, metal 40-70 years, tile 50+ years, flat membrane 10-20 years.
HVAC: gas furnace 15-20 years, central AC 10-15 years, heat pump 10-15 years, boiler 15-30 years.
Water heaters: tank 8-12 years, tankless 20+ years.
Plumbing: copper 50+ years, galvanized steel 20-50 years, PVC indefinite, cast iron drain 75-100 years.
Structural: wood framing indefinite if dry and pest-free, concrete foundation 75-100 years.

DEFECT SEVERITY GUIDE

Safety hazard: requires immediate action, poses risk of injury or death. Examples: open junction box with exposed wiring, missing GFCI near water, structural failure risk.

Major defect: significant in cost or function, affects intended use. Examples: failed roof with active leaks, non-functional HVAC, damaged foundation.

Minor defect or deferred maintenance: routine maintenance item. Examples: peeling caulk, dirty dryer vent, missing cover plate.

REPORT WRITING REFERENCE

Must inspect: structural system, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation and ventilation, interior, fireplaces.

Not required to inspect: underground storage tanks, private wells and septic systems, low-voltage wiring, detached structures not connected to the main home.

Inspectors must disclose any systems that could not be inspected and state why.

1,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM (15%): Foundation types (slab, crawlspace, basement, pier and beam), foundation defects (cracks, settlement, moisture), wood framing members, structural defects.

EXTERIOR AND ROOFING (20%): Grading slope away from foundation minimum 6 inches in 10 feet, siding types and defects, roofing materials and defects, flashing, gutters, windows, and doors.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15%): Service entrance and panel requirements, double-tapped breakers, GFCI and AFCI required locations, aluminum wiring concerns, knob and tube wiring, ungrounded outlets.

PLUMBING SYSTEM (15%): Water supply materials, drain waste vent system, water heater safety (T&P valve, discharge pipe, seismic straps), fixture inspection, main shutoffs.

HVAC SYSTEM (15%): Furnace types and components, heat exchanger cracks (CO hazard), AC refrigerant lines, ductwork, filter condition, combustion air requirements.

INSULATION AND INTERIOR (10%): R-value requirements, moisture and mold indicators, bathroom ventilation, stairs and handrail specs, smoke and CO detector requirements.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND ETHICS (10%): Standards of practice scope and limitations, report content requirements, inspector liability, professional ethics, conflict of interest rules.

Every question includes a detailed explanation.

FREE: 5 questions per day, component life expectancy card, defect severity overview. No account required.

MONTHLY ($9.99/month): Full 1,000+ questions, complete Component Life Expectancy Chart, Defect Severity Guide, Report Writing Reference, reference library, exam simulator, 3-day free trial.
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PASS PROMISE: Complete all questions with 80% or higher average, hold active subscription for 3 months, still do not pass. We extend your access by 4 months at no charge. voltexam.com/pass-promise

NHIE is a registered trademark of the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors. Not affiliated with EBPHI, InterNACHI, or ASHI.

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Recent changes:
Improved NHIE practice and mock exams with fresh randomized question order on every attempt. Includes Play quality compatibility updates, smoother study flow, inspection tools, flashcards, missed review, bookmarks, and readiness tracking.