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NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
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C. 5 years D. 7 years Rationale: According to NJAC 13:40-15, licensed inspectors must retain records for a minimum of five years.
Rationale: The recommended grade is a slope of 6 inches over 10 feet to prevent water accumulation near the foundation.
C. Protect from lightning D. Detect shorts Rationale: GFCIs are designed to shut off electric power when a ground fault is detected, preventing electrocution. 11.A typical asphalt shingle roof has a life expectancy of: A. 10–15 years B. 20–30 years C. 40–50 years D. Over 60 years Rationale: Most standard 3-tab or architectural asphalt shingles last 20– 30 years under normal conditions. 12.Which of the following is an example of a cross-connection in plumbing? A. P-trap B. Cleanout C. Garden hose submerged in a pool D. Vent stack Rationale: A hose submerged in non-potable water can allow backflow, contaminating the potable water supply. 13.In New Jersey, a home inspection report must be delivered within how many business days?
16.Which insulation material is known to contain asbestos in older homes? A. Fiberglass B. Vermiculite C. Cellulose D. Rockwool Rationale: Some older vermiculite insulation, especially from the Libby, Montana mine, contains asbestos. 17.What is considered a major structural defect during an inspection? A. Missing handrail B. GFCI not working C. Sagging roof ridge D. Low water pressure Rationale: A sagging ridge may indicate structural failure or compromised framing. 18.Which of the following roof types is most vulnerable to ice damming? A. Metal B. Low-slope asphalt shingle C. Slate D. Clay tile Rationale: Ice dams are more likely on low-slope roofs with asphalt shingles due to water backing up under the shingles.
19.The minimum size for a crawl space access opening is: A. 12x12 inches B. 18x18 inches C. 18x24 inches D. 24x24 inches Rationale: The IRC requires a minimum 18x24-inch opening for crawl space access. 20.If a home inspector finds aluminum wiring, what should they recommend? A. Ignore it B. Replace it with copper C. Evaluation by a licensed electrician D. Label the panel Rationale: Aluminum wiring poses a fire risk and should be evaluated by a qualified electrician. 21.A sump pump is primarily used to: A. Reduce radon B. Prevent basement flooding C. Improve air quality D. Provide backup water Rationale: Sump pumps remove excess groundwater to prevent flooding.
Rationale: Reverse slope driveways can allow water toward the structure unless drained properly. 25.Which roofing material is most likely to grow moss in shaded, damp areas? A. Metal B. Clay C. Asphalt shingles D. EPDM rubber Rationale: Organic material in asphalt shingles promotes moss growth in damp, shaded areas. 26.The purpose of a home inspection is primarily to: A. Guarantee the condition of the home B. Provide a professional opinion on the home’s condition C. Appraise the home’s value D. Verify code compliance Rationale: Inspectors provide an expert assessment but do not guarantee or certify the property’s condition. 27.What is the main hazard with polybutylene plumbing? A. Freezing B. Corrosion
C. Prone to cracking and failure D. Excessive noise Rationale: Polybutylene is known to degrade over time, often causing leaks and failures. 28.Which tool is best for detecting moisture behind walls? A. Thermometer B. Tape measure C. Moisture meter D. Level Rationale: Moisture meters detect dampness in materials that are not visible to the naked eye. 29.Which gas is most commonly detected by a residential carbon monoxide alarm? A. Methane B. Propane C. Carbon monoxide D. Radon Rationale: Carbon monoxide alarms are designed specifically to detect CO, a deadly, odorless gas.
33.Which type of window is easiest to inspect for function during a home inspection? A. Fixed B. Double-hung C. Casement D. Skylight Rationale: Double-hung windows open and close easily for operational inspection. 34.When inspecting a chimney, what is a common problem to look for? A. Loose shingles B. Cracked flue liners C. Missing gutters D. Loose vents Rationale: Cracked flue liners can cause fire hazards and improper venting of combustion gases. 35.How often must a licensed NJ home inspector renew their license? A. Every year B. Every 2 years C. Every 3 years D. Every 5 years
Rationale: The NJ Home Inspection Board requires renewal every two years with continuing education. 36.What is the maximum distance allowed between supports for a 2x10 floor joist? A. 8 feet B. 10 feet C. 16 feet D. 24 feet Rationale: Joist spans vary but a common max span for a 2x10 joist with standard loading is about 16 feet. 37.Which condition would most likely cause a bathroom vent fan to be ineffective? A. Fan too small B. Dirty filter C. Duct terminated inside attic D. Fan not grounded Rationale: If the duct terminates inside the attic, moisture is released into the attic, defeating the venting purpose. 38.What is the proper location for the main water shutoff valve?
A. Support the drain pipe B. Prevent sewer gases from entering the home C. Filter water D. Increase flow rate Rationale: The water held in the P-trap seals the drain to block sewer gas odors. 42.Which type of heating system uses a heat exchanger? A. Electric baseboard B. Gas furnace C. Radiant floor D. Heat pump Rationale: Gas furnaces heat air by passing it over a heat exchanger to keep combustion gases separate from home air. 43.Which of the following is a typical sign of termite damage? A. Rotten wood B. Cracked paint C. Mud tubes on foundation walls D. Peeling wallpaper Rationale: Termites build mud tubes to travel between soil and wood structures. 44.What tool is most useful for checking electrical outlet wiring?
A. Multimeter B. Hammer C. Receptacle tester D. Wire stripper Rationale: A receptacle tester can quickly identify wiring errors like reversed polarity or open grounds. 45.In New Jersey, lead-based paint disclosure is required for homes built before: A. 1960 B. 1978 C. 1985 D. 1990 Rationale: Federal law requires disclosure for homes built before 1978 due to lead paint hazards. 46.What is the main cause of ice dams on roofs? A. Poor attic ventilation and insulation B. Heavy snow C. Warm roof deck melting snow that refreezes at eaves D. Cracked shingles Rationale: Heat loss from the attic melts snow on the roof, which refreezes at colder eaves causing ice dams.
Rationale: Proper ventilation reduces moisture buildup and heat, extending roof life and preventing mold. 50.A foundation wall should be damp-proofed to what height above grade? A. 2 inches B. 4 inches C. 6 inches D. 8 inches Rationale: Damp-proofing typically extends 6 inches above grade to prevent moisture intrusion. 51.What kind of inspection is NOT typically included in a standard NJ home inspection? A. Structural B. Electrical C. Mold testing D. Plumbing Rationale: Mold testing requires specialized equipment and licensing beyond the standard home inspection. 52.Which venting method is commonly used for gas water heaters? A. Direct vent B. Atmospheric vent
C. Power vent D. All of the above Rationale: All are used depending on installation, but power venting uses a fan to exhaust combustion gases efficiently. 53.What is the most common cause of uneven floors? A. Rotting joists B. Settlement or poor framing C. Moisture D. Insect damage Rationale: Uneven floors are usually due to settlement or framing issues causing joists to shift. 54.Which of the following roof coverings is considered the most durable? A. Asphalt shingles B. Wood shakes C. Slate D. Rolled roofing Rationale: Slate roofs can last over 100 years, much longer than asphalt or wood. 55.Which is a common sign of electrical overload in a breaker panel?