Exam Content Outline

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Building and Structural
: (28%)

Foundations, Crawl Spaces and Basements (11%)

    • Structural Foundations: Inspect and report on the structural foundation support system to identify type of system, materials, and material defects.
    • Crawl Space Ventilation: Inspect and report on foundation crawl space ventilation systems to identify material defects.
    • Crawl Space Access Openings: Inspect and report on foundation crawl space access openings to identify applicable clearance, accessibility, and material defects.
    • Clearances Within Crawl Spaces: Inspect and report on clearances within crawl spaces between soil and wood and metal structural elements to identify material defects.
    • Perimeter Drainage Systems: Inspect and report on the drainage systems located within the perimeter of the building foundation to identify material defects.
    • Seismic Anchoring: Inspect and report on the presence or absence of seismic anchoring and bracing systems.

Exterior (9%)

    • Surface Drainage: Inspect and report on surface drainage adjacent to the exterior of the building to identify material defects.
    • Exterior Wall Coverings: Inspect and report on exterior wall coverings, veneers, flashing, trim, eaves, soffits and fascias that are visible from grade level, to identify the type of materials and material defects.
    • Exterior Doors and Windows: Inspect and report on exterior doors and windows that are visible from grade level, to identify the type of materials and material defects.
    • Exterior Structures: Inspect and report on hardscape, decks, porches, balconies, stairs, columns, guardrails and handrails, to identify types of materials and material defects.
Attic Areas and Roof Framing (8%)
    • Attic Access: Inspect and report on attic accessibility and location of access openings, to identify material defects.
    • Roof/Ceiling Framing: Inspect and report on roof and ceiling support framing and sheathing, to identify type of system and material defects.
    • Attic Insulation/Ventilation: Inspect and report on attic insulation and ventilation, to identify type of systems and material defects.
    • Chimneys: Inspect and report on chimneys, cleanouts, flues, rain caps, spark screens and associated components to identify type of systems and material defects.  


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Roofing System (7%)

    • Roof Coverings: Inspect and report on roof coverings to identify type of materials and material defects.
    • Roof Flashings: Inspect and report on roof flashing, skylights and roof penetrations to identify material defects.
    • Roof Drainage: Inspect and report on roof drainage systems to identify type of systems

Interior (18%)
    • Interior Structures: Inspect and report on interior walls, ceilings and floors to identify type of materials and material defects.
    • Windows, Doors: Inspect and report on windows, doors, and locking devices for type of systems and material defects.
    • Garage Doors: Inspect and report on garage vehicle-access doors to identify material defects.
    • Emergency Egress: Inspect and report on emergency egress provisions for windows and doors, to identify material defects.
    • Stairs: Inspect and report on stairs, landings, clearances, handrails and guardrails to identify material defects.
    • Safety Glazing: Inspect and report on the presence or absence of safety glazing in locations that are subject to human impact.
    • Cabinets: Inspect and report on permanently installed cabinets; inspect counter tops, and surfaces and enclosures serving bathtubs and showers to identify material defects.
    • Fireplaces: Inspect and report on fireplaces and their associated components to identify clearances to combustible materials and material defects.
    • Appliances: Inspect and report on manufactured, permanently installed, free- standing solid fuel or gas burning appliances and their associated combustion air and exhaust venting, to identify clearances to combustible materials and material defects.  


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Plumbing (11%)

    • DWV Systems: Inspect and report on drain, waste and venting (DWV) system for functional operation, type of materials and material defects.
    • Potable Water Supply: Inspect and report on potable water supply piping for type of materials, functional flow, pressure, shutoffs, cross-connections, and material defects.
    • Plumbing Fixtures: Inspect and report on plumbing fixtures for their functional operation and material defects.
    • Water Heating: Inspect and report on the water heating system and its related components for functional operation and material defects.
    • Fuel Piping Systems: Inspect and report on visually accessible fuel piping systems, connectors and shut-off valves for material defects.

Electrical (14%)
    • Electrical Services: Inspect and report on the electrical service and its components to identify voltage, clearances and material defects.
    • Electrical Panels: Inspect and report on electrical panels, including ampacity and overcurrent protection devices, main disconnects and wiring inside panels to identify material defects.
    • Service Grounding: Inspect and report on service and equipment grounding protection for material defects.
    • Wiring Methods: Inspect and report on the wiring types, methods, and distribution to identify material defects.
    • Switches, Receptacles, Fixtures: Inspect and report on the operation of a representative number of accessible switches, receptacles and light fixtures to identify material defects.
    • Fault-Circuit Interrupters: Inspect and report on the presence or absence of fault circuit-interrupters, and identify material defects. 


Heating, Ventilating and Cooling Systems (9%)

    • HVAC Systems: Inspect and report on the type and operation of permanently installed heating, ventilating and cooling (HVAC) systems, and identify material defects.
    • HVAC Equipment Clearances: Inspect and report on HVAC equipment clearances, exhaust venting, and combustion and ventilation air components; identify any material defects.
    • HVAC Distribution Systems: Inspect and report on HVAC distribution system for material defects.
    • HVAC Condensate Drains: Inspect and report on HVAC condensate drain systems for material defects.  


Professional Practices (13%)

    • Scope of Work: Explain to the client the scope of work to be performed.
    • Agreements: Enter into a business agreement with the client for the inspection service.
    • Life-Safety Hazards: Inform the client and occupants of significant life- safety hazards of the property which are outside the scope of the inspection agreement but which are recognized and observed by the inspector.
    • Home Inspection Report: Provide the client with a written home inspection report.
    • Client Questions and Concerns: Respond to questions and concerns about the inspection report.