Download ALASKA HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS and more Exams Real Estate Management in PDF only on Docsity!
ALASKA HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025
- What is the primary purpose of a home inspection? A. To appraise the value of a home B. To evaluate the condition of the home's major systems and components C. To ensure the home meets building codes D. To perform repairs on-site The role of the home inspector is to assess and report on the current condition, not to value or fix the property.
- Which of the following would not typically be included in a standard home inspection? A. Roof B. HVAC system
C. Septic tank pumping D. Electrical panel Pumping a septic tank is beyond the scope of a visual inspection and typically performed by licensed septic professionals.
- What type of foundation crack is generally most concerning? A. Hairline vertical cracks B. Horizontal cracks C. Diagonal cracks less than 1/8 inch D. Vertical cracks in exterior siding Horizontal cracks may indicate structural movement or pressure from soil and should be evaluated further.
- An AFCI device is primarily used to detect: A. Ground faults B. Arcing faults C. Overcurrent D. Short circuits Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters are designed to detect electrical arcs that could lead to fire hazards.
- What is the typical slope requirement for proper grading away from a house? A. 1/8 inch per foot B. 6 inches over 10 feet
A double tap can cause overheating and is typically not allowed unless the breaker is rated for two conductors.
- Which of the following plumbing materials is most likely to corrode over time? A. CPVC B. PEX C. Galvanized steel D. ABS Galvanized pipes corrode internally and can restrict water flow or cause leaks. 10.The purpose of a weep hole in a brick veneer wall is to: A. Allow air circulation B. Drain moisture from behind the wall C. Provide insulation D. Prevent pests Weep holes allow accumulated moisture behind the veneer to escape, reducing rot and mold risks. 11.In Alaska, what entity regulates home inspectors? A. Department of Labor B. Department of Environmental Conservation C. Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) D. Federal Housing Authority
The DCCED oversees professional licensing, including home inspectors, in Alaska. 12.A GFCI outlet must be tested: A. Weekly B. Monthly C. Every inspection D. Once every two years Home inspectors must test GFCI functionality during inspections to verify safety. 13.A garage door opener must have: A. Manual operation only B. Auto-reverse safety features C. Remote-only activation D. One wall switch Auto-reverse sensors are a critical safety requirement to prevent entrapment. 14.Which component is most prone to back-drafting in poor ventilation? A. Microwave B. Dishwasher C. Gas water heater D. Washing machine Gas appliances like water heaters require proper venting to avoid carbon monoxide accumulation. 15.What is the typical lifespan of asphalt shingles? A. 10–15 years B. 15–25 years
A. Paint failure B. Water intrusion C. Chemical corrosion D. Termite activity Efflorescence is caused by moisture drawing salts from masonry materials, a sign of water issues. 20.Which of the following is required for combustion air in a gas furnace? A. Duct insulation B. Closed chamber C. Proper venting and airflow D. Surge protector Without proper combustion air, furnaces may operate inefficiently or dangerously. 21.Which roofing material is most susceptible to impact damage? A. Metal B. Slate C. Asphalt shingles D. Clay tiles Asphalt shingles can be damaged by hail or falling debris more easily than some other materials. 22.Which part of the home is most likely to show signs of foundation settlement?
A. Attic rafters B. Basement walls and doors C. Roof ridge D. Soffits Cracks or sticking doors in the basement often indicate foundation movement. 23.What is a common sign of a failing water heater? A. High water pressure B. Rust-colored hot water C. Noisy dishwasher D. Low ceiling vents Rust in hot water suggests the tank is corroding internally and nearing the end of its life. 24.What insulation material is often used in older homes and may contain asbestos? A. Fiberglass B. Foam board C. Vermiculite D. Cellulose Vermiculite insulation from certain sources may contain asbestos and pose a health risk. 25.What is the role of a sill plate in framing? A. Holds the roof framing B. Connects trusses
Aluminum wire often has “AL” or “ALUM” printed on the jacket. 29.What is one key indicator of ice damming? A. Mold in attic B. Large icicles C. Water stains on ceilings near exterior walls D. Hot attic air Ice dams can cause meltwater to leak under shingles and into ceilings near walls. 30.A home inspector must report: A. Cosmetic defects B. Significant safety issues C. Warranty statuses D. Buyer preferences Home inspectors are required to report safety issues, not aesthetic concerns. 31.Which of these is a symptom of negative grading? A. Cracks in ceiling B. Foundation uplift C. Water pooling near the foundation D. Cold floors Negative grading causes water to collect near the foundation, increasing the risk of leaks. 32.Which material is not typically used in residential foundation construction?
A. Concrete B. Masonry blocks C. Plywood D. Stone Plywood is used in framing, not foundation walls. 33.What is the recommended temperature range for a hot water heater? A. 100–110°F B. 120–125°F C. 120°F D. 140°F 120°F is recommended to prevent scalding and reduce energy consumption. 34.Which of these pests are most likely to damage wood framing? A. Ants B. Termites C. Mice D. Wasps Termites feed on wood and can cause extensive structural damage. 35.Proper attic ventilation includes: A. No openings B. Intake and exhaust vents C. Insulation only D. Radiant barriers only
A. Make repairs as needed B. Provide an objective evaluation C. Advise buyers on purchases D. Guarantee performance Inspectors must remain impartial and refrain from repair services. 40.In Alaska, continuing education is required: A. Once after licensing B. Biannually C. Only for new inspectors D. Not at all Alaska requires licensed inspectors to complete continuing education regularly to stay updated. 41.What is the proper response to discovering mold? A. Recommend painting over it B. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified professional C. Suggest ignoring it D. Remove it during the inspection Inspectors do not remediate but should recommend further assessment if mold is found. 42.A "kick-out flashing" is used where: A. Gutters meet downspouts B. Roof meets vertical wall
C. Soffit meets fascia D. Plumbing vent exits roof Kick-out flashing directs water away from siding at roof-to-wall intersections. 43.What is the minimum height for guardrails on decks above 30 inches? A. 24 inches B. 30 inches C. 36 inches D. 42 inches Most codes require guardrails to be at least 36 inches high for elevated decks. 44.What is spalling? A. Cracking wood B. Splintering nails C. Flaking of concrete or brick surface D. Warping drywall Spalling is surface deterioration due to moisture or freeze-thaw cycles. 45.What is the purpose of a drip edge on roofing? A. Aesthetic appearance B. Directs water away from fascia C. Increases pitch D. Anchors shingles Drip edges prevent water from entering behind fascia boards.
1/4 inch per foot allows proper gravity flow without causing blockages. 50.Home inspectors in Alaska must carry: A. Warranties B. Tools only C. Liability insurance D. Repair certifications Liability insurance protects both the inspector and client from potential claims.
