Exam Day Help


CREIA is committed to safeguarding consumers utilizing the services of home inspectors. Copyrighted testing materials and stringent testing security procedures ensure that homeowners, financial institutions, REALTORS® , and others seeking inspection services, that examinees who have passed the National Home Inspector Exam possess a working knowledge governing the home inspection profession in which the examinee seeks to be certified.

Examination Regulations
To ensure the security of examination materials, reliable test results, and public confidence in the integrity of certified professionals, the following rules and procedures are strictly enforced at all examinations:

  • On the day of the examination, you should arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment. This extra time is for signin, identification, and familiarizing you with the examination process. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted to the examination site and you will forfeit your examination registration fee.
  • You must provide 2 forms of identification. One must be a VALID form of government issued identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID), which bears your signature and has your photograph or a complete physical description. The second ID must have your signature and preprinted legal name. All identification provided must match the name on the Examination Registration Form.
  • While at an examination site, you are considered to be a professional and shall be treated as such. In turn, you must conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times. While at the site, you shall not use words or take actions that are vulgar, obscene, libelous, or that would denigrate the staff or other Associates.
  • NO conversing or any other form of communication among associates is permitted once you enter the examination area.
  • Cell phones, pagers, and children are not allowed in the examination center. NO personal items are to enter the testing center. Associates are encouraged to leave all personal belongings except their keys in their car.
  • No smoking, eating, or drinking will be allowed at the examination site.
  • Copying or communicating examination content is a violation of security policy. Either one may result in the disqualification of examination results and may lead to legal action.

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QUESTIONS ABOUT PREPARING FOR AND TAKING THE EXAM

What is the best way to prepare for an examination?
The best way to prepare for an examination is through the study of the examination reference materials, CREIA training seminars, self-study workbooks, code commentaries and textbooks may be helpful. However, nothing can substitute for studying the codes and reference materials and on-the-job experience. You must devote the time needed to understand the exam references and master the ability to apply them. Most of the stress prior to taking an exam would be eliminated if you knew all of the correct answers. All questions in all exams are provided in a multiple-choice format. The exam provides four answers to each question, but only one answer is completely correct.

What are some tips for successfully taking exams?
Many people do not like taking exams. As a result, they rush through an exam to get the frustration over with quickly. Some people stay up late to cram for an exam and are too tired the next day to give it their best effort. Also, when an everyday situation is put into a multiple-choice question, the answer may not seem clear. The best way to prepare for an exam is to practice, practice, practice. Answering similar- type questions in workbooks and study guides will help. Practicing will also help relieve "test stress."

Before the Exam

  • Gather the items you must take to the exam (e.g., required identification, reading glasses, etc.).
  • Know the location of the exam, how long it takes to get there, and where to park.
  • Get a good night’s rest and have a good meal about two hours before the exam.
  • Arrive at least one-half hour early and be ready to start on time.
  • Do NOT bring valuable personal items or any prohibited items; test center will provide paper.

Relieving Test Stress

  • A simple way to relax is to breathe deeply.
  • Lean back, close your eyes, and relax your muscles.
  • Take three very deep breaths, holding each as you slowly count to 10.
  • Exhale slowly.
  • Now feeling refreshed, open your eyes and return to the exam.
  • You should not feel rushed; having someone outside waiting for you to finish can add stress.  

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What is the Best Method for Answering Test Questions?
Each test question has one best answer. In answering the questions, select the one response which best answers the question. You will not receive credit for any question which has the wrong answer marked or is left blank. Your score will be based on the number of correct answers you mark; therefore, it is to your advantage to mark an answer to every question. There is no penalty for guessing. The tests are timed. Do not spend too much time on any one question. On difficult questions, it is best to mark the answer that you think may be correct and then return to the question later if you have time.  

How to Register a Comment, Complaint, or Challenge
If you have a question or desire to comment about the test center facilities, examination proctor or any other matter related to the testing program, you may write to CREIA requesting that the Examination Development Committee (EDC) review the issue. The letter should explain the issue in detail and be returned to CREIA as soon as possible but no later than 60 days following the exam date. The letter must be signed, dated, include the correct return address, and sent to CREIA at the following address:

  • Chair, Examination Development Committee
  • California Real Estate Inspectors Association
  • 65 Enterprise
  • Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

If a challenge is found to be in your favor it will affect your grade report only if it increases the examination score sufficiently to change it from a failing to a passing score. If your pass/fail status is altered as a result of the review comments, you will be notified by CREIA.  

Change of Address
It is important that written notification of any change of an address is received by CREIA from the associate so that the most current information will be included in the roster of certified individuals. In addition, a current address on file is necessary to insure that renewal information is accurately delivered. Send address changes to CREIA Certification Services, 65 Enterprise, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 or by fax 949-716-6931.