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NORTH DAKOTA HOME INSPECTOR
LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
- What is the primary purpose of a home inspection? A. To determine the value of the home B. To evaluate the condition of visible and accessible systems and components C. To make building code enforcement decisions D. To appraise the neighborhood value The purpose of a home inspection is to assess the current condition of the home’s systems and components, not to determine market value or enforce code.
- Which of the following must be included in a written home inspection report in North Dakota?
A. Homeowner’s personal opinion B. Blueprints of the property C. Description of systems inspected and their condition D. Cost estimates for repairs North Dakota requires reports to describe the inspected systems and their observable condition, not estimates or personal opinions.
- What is considered beyond the scope of a standard home inspection? A. Roofing material condition B. Foundation cracks C. Mold sampling and lab analysis D. HVAC system operation Mold testing is beyond the scope unless specifically contracted; standard inspections identify signs of potential mold but not laboratory testing.
- A GFCI outlet should be located in all of the following areas EXCEPT: A. Bathrooms B. Kitchens C. Bedrooms D. Exterior walls Bedrooms do not require GFCI protection under standard guidelines; kitchens, bathrooms, and exteriors do.
Asphalt shingles typically last 20–25 years, depending on installation and weather exposure.
- What should a home inspector do upon discovering knob and tube wiring? A. Recommend immediate replacement B. Remove it immediately C. Note it as a safety concern and refer for further evaluation D. Ignore if it is functional Home inspectors must report the presence of outdated wiring and recommend licensed evaluation.
- The presence of efflorescence on a basement wall usually indicates: A. Structural failure B. Mold infestation C. Moisture intrusion D. Insulation issues Efflorescence is a white powdery deposit from water movement through concrete, indicating moisture. 10.The typical pressure range for a residential water supply system should be: A. 10–20 psi B. 30–40 psi
C. 40–80 psi D. 90–100 psi A safe and functional pressure range is generally between 40 and 80 psi. 11.What is one visible sign of improper attic ventilation? A. High utility bills B. Mold or mildew on rafters C. Inconsistent paint colors D. Loose shingles Poor ventilation can trap moisture, leading to mold/mildew growth on wood structures. 12.In North Dakota, a home inspector is legally required to carry which of the following? A. Firearm license B. General liability insurance C. First aid certification D. Real estate license ND law mandates that licensed inspectors carry liability insurance to protect themselves and their clients. 13.What is the main concern with double-tapped circuit breakers?
A. Storage shelving B. Paint cans C. Water heater not elevated above the floor D. Fluorescent lighting Water heaters in garages must be elevated to prevent ignition of gasoline fumes. 17.A handrail is required for any stairway with how many risers? A. 1 or more B. 2 or more C. 4 or more D. 6 or more Most building codes require handrails for stairs with four or more risers. 18.A typical sump pump discharge should: A. Drain into the sewer line B. Stay in the basement C. Drain at least 10 feet away from the foundation D. Be capped when not in use Discharge must be directed away from the foundation to prevent water intrusion.
19.What is the minimum slope required for proper drainage away from a home’s foundation? A. 1% B. 6 inches in the first 10 feet C. 0.5 inch per foot D. Flat grading 6 inches over 10 feet ensures water flows away from the home. 20.A home inspector is NOT required to: A. Identify structural defects B. Operate accessible systems C. Move furniture or stored items D. Test accessible outlets Inspectors are not required to move belongings to gain access during the inspection. 21.Which of the following is a common sign of foundation settlement? A. Loose roof shingles B. Mold in the attic C. Cracks in drywall near doors and windows D. Peeling exterior paint Cracks near door and window frames often indicate foundation movement or settlement.
C. Spray foam D. Cellulose Vermiculite insulation installed before the 1990s often contains asbestos, a health hazard if disturbed. 25.Which plumbing material is banned in many states, including North Dakota, for residential water supply? A. Copper B. CPVC C. Polybutylene D. PEX Polybutylene pipes have been banned due to high failure rates and leaks. 26.What does a spongy or soft floor typically indicate? A. Good insulation B. Proper foundation support C. Possible water damage or rot D. Termite infestation Soft floors often result from water damage weakening the wood structure. 27.What is the primary function of a chimney cap?
A. Enhance appearance B. Prevent water, debris, and animals from entering C. Increase draft efficiency D. Serve as a fire extinguisher Chimney caps protect the flue from moisture, debris, and wildlife entry. 28.Which tool is most appropriate to test GFCI outlets? A. Voltage meter B. Hammer C. GFCI tester D. Infrared thermometer A GFCI tester specifically checks the outlet’s ground-fault interrupt function. 29.What is the minimum clearance required between combustible materials and a gas water heater? A. 1 inch B. 6 inches C. 12 inches D. No clearance required Combustible materials must be kept at least 12 inches away to reduce fire risk. 30.When inspecting exterior grading, the inspector should look for:
33.What condition of the roof flashing would be considered a defect? A. Properly sealed with caulk B. Neatly installed metal C. Cracked, loose, or missing D. Painted to match roof color Damaged or missing flashing allows water intrusion, a serious defect. 34.Which of the following is a typical cause of basement water intrusion? A. Broken plumbing inside B. Poor exterior drainage and grading C. High attic humidity D. Faulty HVAC system Water often enters basements due to inadequate drainage directing water away. 35.What does a high reading on a moisture meter in wood framing usually suggest? A. High humidity only B. Wood hardness C. Presence of moisture that may lead to decay or mold D. Correct insulation level High moisture content in wood indicates water infiltration or leaks needing further evaluation.
36.What type of heating system uses ducts and vents? A. Radiant floor B. Forced air C. Baseboard electric D. Steam radiator Forced air systems distribute heated air through ductwork and vents. 37.A cracked or damaged chimney crown can cause: A. Better draft B. Water penetration and structural damage C. Increased efficiency D. Pest infestation A damaged crown lets water enter and deteriorate the chimney structure. 38.What is the common cause of uneven floors in older homes? A. Termite damage only B. Foundation settlement or joist failure C. Carpet thickness D. Poor interior design Foundation or structural issues cause floors to become uneven over time.
42.What is the minimum height for a bathroom window for emergency egress? A. 12 inches B. 24 inches C. 36 inches D. No minimum For emergency escape, windows typically must be at least 24 inches high and meet other criteria. 43.When inspecting insulation, the inspector should verify: A. Brand of insulation B. Presence, type, and proper installation C. Age of insulation D. Color of insulation The inspector notes what insulation is present and if it appears properly installed. 44.What is a common sign of a roof leak inside a home? A. Loose shingles B. Debris on roof C. Water stains on ceiling or walls D. Granule loss on shingles Water stains inside the home usually indicate active or past roof leaks.
45.What is the standard thickness of drywall on residential interior walls? A. 1/2 inch B. 3/4 inch C. 5/8 inch D. 1 inch 5/8 inch drywall is common in many homes for fire resistance, although 1/2 inch is also used. 46.What type of foundation is most common in North Dakota? A. Slab-on-grade B. Basement foundation C. Crawlspace foundation D. Pier and beam Basements and crawlspaces are typical foundations; crawlspace is common in ND for frost protection. 47.What is the primary hazard associated with missing stair risers? A. Increased tripping hazard B. Potential for foot entrapment and falls C. Increased stair height D. Structural failure Open risers can cause trips and falls, especially for children and pets.
Inspectors must report any limitations due to inaccessible areas, not force entry. 51.Which component is NOT typically inspected during a standard home inspection? A. Roofing B. Electrical systems C. Swimming pools and spas D. Plumbing systems Swimming pools and spas are generally excluded unless specifically included in the contract. 52.What does “deflection” mean in structural terms? A. A crack in the foundation B. Rust on metal components C. Bending or sagging of structural elements under load D. Water damage to wood Deflection is the bending or sagging of beams or joists, indicating possible structural issues. 53.What is the function of an expansion tank in a hot water heating system? A. Heat water B. Absorb excess pressure from water expansion
C. Filter water D. Drain the system Expansion tanks prevent excessive pressure buildup by absorbing expanding water volume. 54.What type of foundation crack typically requires further evaluation? A. Hairline cracks B. Vertical cracks less than 1/8 inch C. Horizontal or stair-step cracks D. Surface shrinkage cracks Horizontal or stair-step cracks often indicate structural movement needing specialist evaluation. 55.What tool is commonly used to check electrical panel wiring? A. Clamp meter B. Voltage tester C. Circuit analyzer or multimeter D. Thermometer Multimeters and circuit analyzers help identify wiring issues safely. 56.What is a common indicator of pest infestation in a home?
