TEST YOURSELF

PSI Exams http://www.psiexams.com is the testing agency used by the state of Texas to certify the Real Estate Inspectors in the state of Texas.  The questions below are a sampling of some 5000 questions that the agency draws from randomly to test candidates.  After completing the educational requirements, license candidates must answer 80% of 150 questions correctly within three hours to pass the state exam.  It is not an open book exam.

Below are 25 questions.  The answer legend is at the end of the question.  If you answer less than 20 questions correctly, you should seriously consider hiring a professional inspector as your advocate to insure that you obtain a clear understanding of the current condition of the property of interest. 

The National Association of Certified Inspectors (NACHI) has a 100 question test to check your skills.  It has a one hour time limit and results are available instantly upon completion.  It's free and interesting.  Click here for NACHI's online test

1.  What is it called when both the structural and space separations MUST be completed before the construction of the second floor?

a. Western framing
b. Balloon framing
c. Pole framing
d. Platform framing

2. A stud that is located in an exterior wall is doubled, and NOT more than two successive studs are bored,  A hole bored through the stud may be a MAXIMUM of what percentage of the width of the the stud?

a. 40%
b. 55%
c. 60%
d. 75%

3. How should board and batten wood siding be installed?

a. In a horizontal position
b. In a vertical position
c. Over vertical furring strips
d. With tongue inside groove

4. A sagging roof can indicate a problem with all of the following EXCEPT the

a. attic bracing
b. rafter spans
c. rafter spacing
d. cat walk

5. What is the MINIMUM clearance above the floor for electric water heaters located in the garage?

a. 12 inches from the base
b. 12 inches from the lowest element
c. 18 inches from the base
d. 18 inches from the lowest element

6. An air conditioning system is being inspected for proper cooling.  What should be the range of the temperature drop across the coil?

a. 4 degrees F to 9 degrees F
b. 10 degrees F to 15 degrees F
c. 16 degrees F to 21 degrees F
d. 22 degrees F to 27 degrees F

7. The inspector is REQUIRED to
a. determine the presence or absence of a pressure relief valve on a water heater.
b. light a pilot on a natural gas device that appears operational
c. attempt to light a pilot on a natural gas device that appears operational
d. probe structural components to determine their condition

8. What is the MINIMUM REQUIRED overhead clearance of a service drop cable that runs above a swimming pool diving board?

a. 12 feet
b. 14 feet
c. 16 feet
d. 18 feet

9. What wire is the proper gauge for 20 amps?

a. 12 AWG copper
b. 14 AWG copper
c. 12 AWG aluminum
d. 14 AWG Aluminum

10. Why is it important to insure the suction line at an air handler is properly insulated?

a. Refrigerant leak
b. Noise reduction
c. Vibration control
d. Moisture control

11. Which of the following types of foundation settlement usually has no appreciable effect on the structure?

a. Lateral movement
b. Differential settlement
c. Uniform settlement
d. Grade beam uplift

12. As measured from the nose of the tread, what is the MAXIMUM height above the stairway tread for a handrail?

a. 36 inches
b. 38 inches
c. 42 inches
d. 44 inches

13. Brick veneer

a. is a structural load bearing component of the wall
b. does not require a wood frame
c. is used as an outside finish
d. gives additional strength to the framing

14. What is the term for the type of flashing used where the edge of a single roof meets a vertical wall?

a. Valley
b. Step
c. Woven
d. Hip

15. What is an example of a cross connection in a plumbing system?

a. Faucet through the sidewall of a tub
b. "T" joint in a wet vent stack
c. Interface of the building service with the public utility service
d. Location of a back-flow valve

16. Which of the following rooms REQUIRE a GFCI circuit?
a. Bedroom
b. Dining room
c. Bathroom
d. Furnace room

17. Junction boxes supplying swimming pool, wet niche fixtures MUST be how many inches at a MINIMUM above the water level?

a. 4
b. 6
c. 8
d. 10

18. Which type of brick bond is weakest and MOST subject to damage or deformation of the wall?

a. Running bond
b. Common bond
C. Flemish bond
d. Stack bond

19. What is the maximum spacing of rafters?

a. 16.0 o.c.
b. 19.2 o.c.
c. 20.0 o.c.
d. There is no maximum

20. What is the maximum ampacity/breaker size for a copper AWG #12 conductor?

a. 15
b. 20
c. 30
d. 40

21. A positive drainage slope away from a house foundation of 5% is equal to a

a. 6 inch drop in 10 feet
b. 6 inch drop in 5 feet
c. 12 inch drop in 10 feet
d. 12 inch drop in 5 feet

22. Which of the following siding material is MOST prone to moisture intrusion?

a. Wood clapboard
b. T-111
c. Cement fiber siding
d. EIFS synthetic

23. All of the following are approved for use in water supply pipes EXCEPT

a. galvanized iron
b. copper
c. plastic
d. rubber

24. All of the following are requirements for non-metallic, sheathed cable (Romex) EXCEPT that it MUST be

a. secured to the wall every 4.5 feet
b. secured within 12 inches of the panel box
c. clamped securely to the panel box   
d. pulled tightly across bends with less than five times the conductor

25. All of the following may cause cracks in the brick veneer on a home EXCEPT

a. thermal stress
b. lack of brick ties
c. foundation movement
d. lack of a vapor barrier