Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI)
NHIE
National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE)
The standardized examination used by most states to license or certify home inspectors. Developed and governed by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors, it tests inspection methods, building systems, and professional practices.
What's on the exam
NHIE Content Outline (EBPHI) — Domain 1 Property and Building Inspection/Site Review 70%, Domain 2 Analysis of Findings and Reporting 20%, Domain 3 Professional Responsibilities 10%
Site and Exterior Components
10% (Domain 1, Tasks 1–2)Grading, drainage, and site conditions · Exterior wall coverings and trim · Windows and doors · Decks, porches, and balconies · Walkways and driveways
Roof Components
6% (Domain 1, Task 3)Roof coverings · Flashings and penetrations · Gutters and drainage · Roof structure and attic · Skylights
Structural Components
6% (Domain 1, Task 4)Foundations · Framing and load paths · Floors, walls, and ceilings · Crawlspaces and basements · Settlement and structural defects
Electrical Systems
7% (Domain 1, Task 5)Service entrance and panels · Branch wiring and devices · Grounding and bonding · GFCI and AFCI protection · Common electrical safety issues
Heating and Cooling Systems
9% (Domain 1, Tasks 6–7)Furnaces and boilers · Heat distribution · Air conditioning and heat pumps · Condensing units and refrigerant lines · Venting and combustion safety
Insulation, Moisture Management, Ventilation, and Mechanical Exhaust
10% (Domain 1, Tasks 8–9)Insulation in conditioned and unconditioned spaces · Vapor retarders and moisture management · Attic and crawlspace ventilation · Kitchen, bath, and dryer exhaust · Exhaust termination and ducting defects
Plumbing and Fuel Distribution Systems
6% (Domain 1, Task 10)Water supply and distribution · Drain, waste, and vent · Water heaters · Fuel gas piping · Fixtures and cross-connections
Interior, Fireplaces, and Life Safety
16% (Domain 1, Tasks 11–13)Interior surfaces, stairs, and railings · Fireplaces and fuel-burning appliances · Chimneys and vent systems · Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms · Fire separation and egress
Analysis of Findings and Reporting
20% (Domain 2)Describing systems inspected and inspection methods · Stating inspection limitations · Describing defective systems and components · Recommending further evaluation or action · Inspection tools and technology
Professional Responsibilities
10% (Domain 3)Pre-inspection agreements · Scope and standards of practice · Quality, integrity, and objectivity · Ethics and conflicts of interest · Applicable laws and regulations
Frequently asked questions
How much does the NHIE cost?
The NHIE costs $225. Exam fee in most U.S. states and Canada; separate state license fees may apply.
How long is the NHIE and how many questions does it have?
200 multiple-choice questions (175 scored plus 25 unscored pretest items) — 4 hours.
What do you need to pass the NHIE?
Scaled score of 500 on a 200–800 scale.
Can you retake the NHIE?
Permitted; must wait 30 days between attempts (unless otherwise regulated by your state), with a separate fee each time.
What is the best way to study for the NHIE?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Site and Exterior Components 10% (Domain 1, Tasks 1–2), Roof Components 6% (Domain 1, Task 3), Structural Components 6% (Domain 1, Task 4), Electrical Systems 7% (Domain 1, Task 5), Heating and Cooling Systems 9% (Domain 1, Tasks 6–7), Insulation, Moisture Management, Ventilation, and Mechanical Exhaust 10% (Domain 1, Tasks 8–9), Plumbing and Fuel Distribution Systems 6% (Domain 1, Task 10), Interior, Fireplaces, and Life Safety 16% (Domain 1, Tasks 11–13), Analysis of Findings and Reporting 20% (Domain 2), Professional Responsibilities 10% (Domain 3)). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
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