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)
Site and Exterior Systems
~14%Grading, drainage, and site · Exterior wall coverings · Windows and doors · Decks, porches, and balconies · Walkways and driveways
Structural Systems
~16%Foundations · Framing and load paths · Floors, walls, and ceilings · Crawlspaces and basements · Settlement and structural defects
Roofing Systems
~12%Roof coverings · Flashings and penetrations · Gutters and drainage · Roof structure · Skylights and chimneys
Electrical, Heating, and Cooling Systems
~18%Service entrance and panels · Branch wiring and devices · Heating equipment and distribution · Cooling and heat pumps · Safety and clearances
Plumbing, Insulation, and Ventilation
~14%Water supply and distribution · Drain, waste, and vent · Water heaters · Insulation · Ventilation and moisture control
Interior, Fireplace, and Chimney Systems
~10%Interior surfaces and components · Stairs and railings · Fireplaces and solid-fuel appliances · Chimneys and vents · Built-in appliances
Inspection Methods, Reporting, and Professional Practice
~16%Standards of practice · Inspection methodology and tools · Report writing and documentation · Ethics and business practices · Client communication and limitations
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 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?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Site and Exterior Systems ~14%, Structural Systems ~16%, Roofing Systems ~12%, Electrical, Heating, and Cooling Systems ~18%, Plumbing, Insulation, and Ventilation ~14%, Interior, Fireplace, and Chimney Systems ~10%, Inspection Methods, Reporting, and Professional Practice ~16%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.
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