So you’re planning to sit for the National Home Inspector Exam? That’s a major accomplishment, and passing it leads to great things such as licensure. If you’ve got a few butterflies in your stomach, that’s normal. However, it’s not as intimidating as it might seem.
Familiarize yourself with the exam procedures before test day and set aside time to study. You’ll probably do just fine. Here’s an idea of what to expect for the exam:
How Many Questions Are On The National Home Inspectors Exam?
The NHIE consists of 200 questions, they’re multiple choice, and you have four hours to answer them all. According to the Examination Board, questions fall into these categories:
- Inspection methods
- Home inspection reporting
- Building systems, including interiors, exteriors, structure, roofs and more
- Professional practice
Your education leading up to the exam should prepare you for the questions asked by the NHIE. But if you’re like most prospective inspectors, you’ll squeeze in some extra study time. At ICA School, we offer exam prep that helps you walk into the testing center confidently.
When it comes to the exam, regulations are used to ensure that each candidate has an equally favorable chance for passing based on the environment and surrounding circumstances. For example, you will not be allowed to bring in study materials, like textbooks or notebooks. Personal items will be collected before the test begins. You will not be allowed to leave the exam room or refer to notes or phones.
Register for the Exam and Pay the Related Fees
You’ll need to plan well in advance before taking the National Home Inspector Exam. Registration can fill up quickly. If you need to test within a certain time period to meet certain licensing requirements of your state, reserve your spot as soon as you can and pay the related fees.
Check the registration page at the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors website and find your state. In some cases, you’ll need a special testing center. For everyone else, you can register under the general “PSI Exam Registration” link.
In most cases, the exam costs $225. However, some states may impose a different fee or have separate fees related to the exam. If you’re a veteran, the fee is reimbursable.
Take the NHIE Anywhere, Unless You Live in These States
In some cases, the closest testing center to where you live is situated over the border and in another state. Usually, that’s no problem. You can take the NHIE anywhere, with these exceptions:
If you live in any of those states, register with your state-approved and contracted exam administrator.
Prepare for the NHIE, Even if You’re an Experienced Inspector
If your state is implementing new licensing requirements or you want to assess your knowledge and skills for personal reasons, you might take the exam after working for years as a home inspector. Do yourself a favor and take time to prepare for the Home Inspector Exam. Spend at least a little time studying and take a practice exam before the big day.
Not every person sitting for the NHIE is new to the home inspection industry. Some test takers have lots of experience, but experience doesn’t mean you should walk in cold. You might find that you know everything you need to know. But then again, you might find areas where you need a little more study. When it comes to the exam, regulations are used to ensure that each candidate has an equally favorable chance for passing based on the environment and surrounding circumstances. For example, you will not be allowed to bring in study materials, like textbooks or notebooks. Personal items will be collected before the test begins. You will not be allowed to leave the exam room or refer to notes or phones.
If the NHIE is on your horizon, it’s time to get cracking. Reserve your spot, pay the fees and spend at least a few hours in concentrated study. You can always test again if you don’t pass the first time, but who wants to sit for an exam twice?
If you’re thinking about becoming a home inspector, now’s the time to take that next step. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to sit for the NHIE, too. Enroll Now!
