If you're sitting for the National Home Inspector Examination, knowing exactly how it's built is half the battle. Here's the full breakdown — the format, the scoring, and how the questions are distributed — so nothing on test day comes as a surprise.
The format at a glance
The NHIE is a computer-based exam of 200 multiple-choice questions. Of those, 175 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions the test makers are trialing for future exams. They're mixed in randomly, and you won't be able to tell which is which — so treat every question as if it counts. You get 4 hours to finish, which is generous if you've practiced your pacing and tight if you haven't.
How it's scored
Scoring is scaled, not a straight percentage. Your raw answers are converted to a scaled score between 200 and 800, and you need a 500 to pass — roughly 70% of scored questions correct. The scaling exists so that slightly harder or easier exam versions are graded fairly. You'll get your score report before you leave the testing center, so there's no agonizing wait.
The three domains — and why their weights matter
Every NHIE question belongs to one of three domains, and they are not evenly weighted:
- Property Inspection — 70%. The heart of the exam. It spans 13 areas: site, exterior, roof, structure, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, interior, insulation, ventilation, fireplaces, and life-safety systems.
- Analysis & Reporting — 20%. How you interpret findings and document them correctly.
- Professional Responsibilities — 10%. Standards of practice, ethics, and the inspector's role.
The takeaway is simple: 7 of every 10 questions come from Property Inspection. If your study time isn't weighted the same way, you're studying against the grain of the test.
Where you'll take it
Depending on your state, the NHIE is administered through PSI, Pearson VUE, or AMP testing centers. Your state licensing board will tell you which provider to register with.
What it costs
Each attempt is $225, and if you need to retake it, there's a mandatory 30-day wait between sittings. That cost structure is the single best argument for preparing thoroughly the first time around.