A home warranty company evaluates a home's appliances before issuing a warranty. What must its report state to stay exempt?Answer: That the evaluation is not a home inspection under Louisiana law. Source: La. R.S. 37:1483(12)
A license expired 14 months ago. Beyond fees, an application and the missed education, what does renewal now take?Answer: Passing the board approved licensing examination. Source: La. R.S. 37:1479(B)
A person holds both a home inspector license and a real estate license and earns a commission on a sale. May the person be paid to inspect that home?Answer: No, not in the same transaction. Source: La. R.S. 37:1490
After a license is revoked, for how long may the board prohibit its reissuance?Answer: Up to 1 year. Source: La. R.S. 37:1486(A)
After how long expired must a former licensee also retake the ninety hours of classroom education?Answer: 36 months. Source: La. R.S. 37:1479(B)
An inspector works for an inspection company. Who must perform, prepare and sign the home inspection report?Answer: A licensed home inspector. Source: La. R.S. 37:1482
Show all 142 questions (136 more)
Licensing law: La. R.S. 37:1471 to 1490, continued
As a condition of probation, suspension or revocation, what may the board require a licensee to pay?Answer: All costs of the board proceedings, attorney fees included. Source: La. R.S. 37:1486(B)
Besides passing the examination, what must an applicant show to have a revoked license reissued?Answer: Twenty hours of continuing education. Source: La. R.S. 37:1486(A)
By what means does a home inspector examine a building, in the statute's definition?Answer: Visual means and normal user controls, without the mathematical sciences. Source: La. R.S. 37:1473(5)
By what name may Chapter 17-A of Title 37 be cited?Answer: The Louisiana Home Inspectors Licensing Law. Source: La. R.S. 37:1471
By when must a licensee file a certificate of insurance coverage with the board each year?Answer: By the annual license renewal date. Source: La. R.S. 37:1481(A)(3)
Do board members receive a per diem?Answer: No, only reimbursement of expenses and of time on official business. Source: La. R.S. 37:1474(H)
For how long after an inspection may the inspector not solicit to repair a system the report noted as deficient?Answer: 1 year. Source: La. R.S. 37:1478(B)
For how long before appointment must a board member have been in the home inspection business full time?Answer: 3 years. Source: La. R.S. 37:1474(B)
For how long is a Louisiana home inspector license issued?Answer: 1 year. Source: La. R.S. 37:1479(A)
From what date has Louisiana barred acting as a home inspector without a license?Answer: January 1, 2001. Source: La. R.S. 37:1476(A)
How long after service of a cease and desist order by certified mail may the board seek an injunction if the conduct goes on?Answer: 2 days. Source: La. R.S. 37:1488(B)
How long is a board member's term for appointments on and after August 1, 2017?Answer: 4 years. Source: La. R.S. 37:1474(D)
How many hours of board-approved instruction does the statute require each year for renewal?Answer: 20. Source: La. R.S. 37:1480(B)
How many of the listed component systems must a written evaluation cover to be a "home inspection"?Answer: Two or more. Source: La. R.S. 37:1473(4)
How often must the board hold regular meetings?Answer: Quarterly. Source: La. R.S. 37:1475(3)
How soon after the inspection must the written report be provided?Answer: Within 5 calendar days. Source: La. R.S. 37:1478(A)(1)
May the board issue a home inspector license to a corporation or limited liability company?Answer: No, licenses are issued to individuals. Source: La. R.S. 37:1482
Must the board post bond to obtain an injunction against a prohibited practice?Answer: No, the injunction issues without bond from the board. Source: La. R.S. 37:1488(C)
The one-year limit on repair work binds the inspector. Whom else does it bind?Answer: Any company the inspector works for, owns or contracts with. Source: La. R.S. 37:1478(B)
To which agency does an applicant submit a criminal background request form?Answer: The office of state police. Source: La. R.S. 37:1477(C)(6)
To whom must the board report persons who violate the licensing law?Answer: The attorney general. Source: La. R.S. 37:1475(6)
What does R.S. 37:1474(B) say about where the board's members come from?Answer: One member from each congressional district and one at-large member. Source: La. R.S. 37:1474(B)
What is the largest fine the board may impose for each separate violation?Answer: $1,000. Source: La. R.S. 37:1485(C)
What is the longest imprisonment for a willful violation of the licensing law?Answer: 6 months. Source: La. R.S. 37:1487
What is the minimum age for licensure as a home inspector?Answer: 18. Source: La. R.S. 37:1477(C)(1)
What is the most the board may charge for a license renewal?Answer: $100. Source: La. R.S. 37:1477(B)
What is the most the board may charge for an application for a license?Answer: $200. Source: La. R.S. 37:1477(B)
What must appear with the inspector's license number on advertising, correspondence and reports?Answer: The term "licensed home inspector" or "L.H.I.". Source: La. R.S. 37:1479(D)
Where is the board domiciled?Answer: Baton Rouge. Source: La. R.S. 37:1474(E)
Which building is a "residential resale building" under the statute?Answer: A three-unit residence that has been sold before. Source: La. R.S. 37:1473(7)
Which insurance must an active, practicing Louisiana home inspector carry?Answer: Both errors and omissions and general liability insurance. Source: La. R.S. 37:1481
Which of these is among the component systems named in the definition of a home inspection?Answer: Appliance system. Source: La. R.S. 37:1473(4)
While inspecting, the inspector sees evidence of suspected mold growth inside the structure. What does the statute require?Answer: The written report must include it. Source: La. R.S. 37:1478(A)(2)
Who confirms the governor's appointments to the board?Answer: The Senate. Source: La. R.S. 37:1474(C)
Who is exempt from home inspector licensure when acting within the scope of their own license?Answer: A pest control operator licensed by the state. Source: La. R.S. 37:1483(8)
Who may administer the licensing examination the board adopts?Answer: A nationally accepted testing service, as the board determines. Source: La. R.S. 37:1475(8)
Who serves as the board's chief operating officer?Answer: The secretary-treasurer the board employs. Source: La. R.S. 37:1475(2)
Whom, besides licensees, may the board fine for good cause?Answer: Applicants and members of the public who hold themselves out as home inspectors. Source: La. R.S. 37:1485(B)
Within which office is the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors created?Answer: The office of the governor. Source: La. R.S. 37:1474(A)
A continuing education "credit hour" is a classroom hour with at least how many minutes of instruction?Answer: 50. Source: LAC 46:XL.109
A licensee changes office address. How soon must the board be told?Answer: Within 15 days. Source: LAC 46:XL.133
A report is questioned by the board. For how long must it be kept from the date the inquiry was received?Answer: 5 years. Source: LAC 46:XL.125(C)
After a written request from the board, how soon must copies of records be furnished?Answer: Within 72 hours. Source: LAC 46:XL.125(B)
After each live training inspection, what must the trainee prepare?Answer: A mock home inspection report, within five days. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(G)(2)
An inspection company runs a general advertisement. Whose license number must it include, at a minimum?Answer: The qualifying licensee's. Source: LAC 46:XL.135(E)
An inspector leaves an inspection company. What must the inspector be given?Answer: Copies of all home inspection reports the inspector performed. Source: LAC 46:XL.125(D)
An inspector performs no inspections in March. Must a reporting form be filed for March?Answer: Yes, a form is due whether or not inspections were performed. Source: LAC 46:XL.117(B)(1)
An inspector works for an inspection company. Who is ultimately responsible for the fees and records the rules require?Answer: The individually licensed inspector. Source: LAC 46:XL.111(B)
An inspector's insurance is canceled and a gap in coverage opens. What must the inspector do?Answer: Immediately inform the board and cease performing home inspections. Source: LAC 46:XL.127(E)
Besides the 130 hours of instruction and training, what must an applicant attend?Answer: The report writing seminar. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(C)(4)
By what day must the monthly reporting form be filed?Answer: The fifteenth day of the month following the inspection. Source: LAC 46:XL.117(B)(1)
For how long is an applicant's criminal background check good?Answer: 365 days after issuance. Source: LAC 46:XL.113(A)(8)
For how long must records be kept from the day the report was provided to the client?Answer: 3 years. Source: LAC 46:XL.125(C)
How far ahead of the expiration date must the board receive a renewal request?Answer: At least 2 weeks. Source: LAC 46:XL.115(C)
How many applicants, at most, may be trained at a time during a live home inspection?Answer: 2. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(G)(2)
How many applicants, at most, may be trained at one time during platform training?Answer: 4. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(G)(1)
How many hours of continuing education must an inspector renewing a license for the first time certify?Answer: 30. Source: LAC 46:XL.121(A)(2)
How many hours of home inspection instruction and training must an initial applicant complete in all?Answer: 130. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(B)
How many hours of in-field platform training are required, at a minimum?Answer: 30. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(C)(2)
How many hours of live continuing education credit, at most, may be carried over into the following year?Answer: 10. Source: LAC 46:XL.121(A)(1)
How many live home inspections must a trainee attend with a certified infield trainer?Answer: 10. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(C)(3)
How many of those hours are course work taught by a certified pre-licensing education provider?Answer: 90. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(C)(1)
How many untimely monthly filings in a calendar year may bring a suspension of the license?Answer: 3 or more. Source: LAC 46:XL.117(B)(3)
How often may the same continuing education course be taken for credit, unless the board approves otherwise?Answer: Only once during any two year period. Source: LAC 46:XL.121(B)(1)
How often must every licensee attend a board-approved report writing and standards of practice seminar?Answer: At least once every 3 years. Source: LAC 46:XL.121(B)(11)
May a home inspection report be resold?Answer: No, not for any reason. Source: LAC 46:XL.123(A)
May platform training take place during a live home inspection for which a client pays a fee?Answer: No, platform training shall not be conducted during such an inspection. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(G)(1)
What grade must a trainee earn on the provider's final and periodic examinations?Answer: 70 percent or higher. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(D)(3)
What is the fine for failing to file a monthly inspection report on time?Answer: $25 plus $5 for each inspection. Source: LAC 46:XL.117(B)(3)
What is the largest deductible allowed on the required insurance?Answer: $5,000. Source: LAC 46:XL.127(C)
What is the minimum errors and omissions coverage per year?Answer: $300,000. Source: LAC 46:XL.127(C)
What must a licensee submit upon renewal of a license?Answer: A copy of a completed inspection report from the previous licensing period. Source: LAC 46:XL.115(B)
What must a trainee complete before being admitted to an infield training program?Answer: The required 90 hours of course work. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(F)
What must a trainee do before registering for the 90 hours of course work?Answer: Apply with the board. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(E)
What must accompany a notarized initial license application?Answer: Two current passport-sized photographs. Source: LAC 46:XL.115(A)
What must an applicant licensed in another state do before reciprocity is granted?Answer: Attend the report writing seminar and pass the standards of practice and code of ethics examination. Source: LAC 46:XL.129(B)
What must every client or the client's agent receive before services are rendered?Answer: A copy of the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Source: LAC 46:XL.123(B)
What share of a course's scheduled hours must a licensee attend to receive credit?Answer: At least 90 percent. Source: LAC 46:XL.121(B)(4)
What state inspection fee is owed to the board for each home inspection performed?Answer: $5. Source: LAC 46:XL.117(B)
Which credential does the display rule require an LHI to carry on the job?Answer: The picture I.D. license. Source: LAC 46:XL.135(B)
Which history in another state bars an applicant under the qualifications rule?Answer: A home inspector license revoked or suspended there. Source: LAC 46:XL.113(A)(7)
Which of these must every home inspection report specify?Answer: The municipal address of the home, the client and the date of the inspection. Source: LAC 46:XL.123(A)
Which requirement is waived for a licensee who holds inactive status?Answer: Insurance. Source: LAC 46:XL.115(E)
Whom must the inspector identify as a certificate holder with the insurance company?Answer: The Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors. Source: LAC 46:XL.127(B)
Within how long of starting must a trainee complete the 90 hours of course work?Answer: 180 days. Source: LAC 46:XL.119(D)(3)
Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics: LAC 46:XL Chapters 3 and 5 34
A panel cannot be opened with a flashlight, outlet tester, ladder or screwdriver. How do the definitions class it?Answer: Inaccessible. Source: LAC 46:XL.303
An attic space was not readily accessible. What must the report give?Answer: The reason the area was not readily accessible. Source: LAC 46:XL.311(C)
At the exterior, which doors does the Louisiana standard have the LHI open and close?Answer: All entryway doors. Source: LAC 46:XL.313(B)(2)
How do the Louisiana standards define "significantly deficient"?Answer: A condition that adversely and materially affects the performance of a system or component. Source: LAC 46:XL.303
How does the appliance standard have the LHI check a built-in dishwasher?Answer: By operating it through its normal cycle. Source: LAC 46:XL.329(A)(1)
How does the inspector test a garage door's electronic safety beam reverse feature?Answer: By interrupting the electronic beam. Source: LAC 46:XL.313(B)(3)
Is a clothes dryer part of the Louisiana appliance inspection?Answer: No, non built-in appliances such as washers and dryers are not required. Source: LAC 46:XL.329(B)(2)
Is a home inspector required to perform a water intrusion test on windows?Answer: No, air or water intrusion tests are not required. Source: LAC 46:XL.309(B)(15)
Outside the house, which faucets does the plumbing standard have the LHI turn on?Answer: All exterior faucets attached to the house. Source: LAC 46:XL.317(C)
To which buildings do the Louisiana Standards of Practice apply?Answer: Residential resale buildings only. Source: LAC 46:XL.307(B)
To whom does an LHI report substantial and willful violations of the Code of Ethics?Answer: The LSBHI. Source: LAC 46:XL.501(B)(14)
Two licensed inspectors inspect one home together. What must the report show?Answer: The name, license number and signature of each, and who the lead inspector is. Source: LAC 46:XL.305(B)(3)
Under the interior standard, what is reported when the inspector discovers visually observable evidence of it?Answer: Suspected mold or microbial growth. Source: LAC 46:XL.325(B)(3)
What does the inspector check at each receptacle that is tested?Answer: Its polarity and grounding. Source: LAC 46:XL.319(A)(5)
What does the inspector check in each habitable room under the heating and cooling standard?Answer: The presence of an installed heat or cooling source. Source: LAC 46:XL.321(A)(6)
What is "functional drainage"?Answer: A drain that empties in a reasonable time and does not overflow when another fixture drains. Source: LAC 46:XL.303
What is "functional flow" in the Louisiana definitions?Answer: A reasonable flow at the highest fixture while another fixture is operated. Source: LAC 46:XL.303
What is "visually observable evidence of suspected mold growth"?Answer: Discoloration of interior components in the living space, apparently from moisture, seen without testing. Source: LAC 46:XL.303
What is a "cross connection"?Answer: A connection between potable water and a source of contamination. Source: LAC 46:XL.303
What may a Louisiana home inspector tell a client about wood damaging insects?Answer: Advise of damage to the building and recommend a licensed wood destroying insect inspector. Source: LAC 46:XL.309(C)(5)
What must the report say about a garage door operator's pressure sensitive safety reverse feature?Answer: Whether the operator has one and whether it was tested. Source: LAC 46:XL.313(B)(4)
What must the report say about smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms?Answer: Whether they are present or absent. Source: LAC 46:XL.319(D)
What must the written pre-inspection contract say about how the inspection will be done?Answer: In accordance with the Standards of Practice of the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors. Source: LAC 46:XL.305(B)(1)
When may an LHI accept compensation for recommending a contractor to an inspection client?Answer: Only when it is disclosed and scheduled prior to the home inspection. Source: LAC 46:XL.501(B)(6)
When may the inspector decline to test ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters?Answer: When testing is likely to damage installed items or interrupt service to equipment. Source: LAC 46:XL.319(A)(6)
When several licensed inspectors work on one inspection, who is the "lead inspector"?Answer: The licensee responsible for compliance with board requirements. Source: LAC 46:XL.303
Which appliance is the inspector NOT required to inspect?Answer: A refrigerator. Source: LAC 46:XL.329(B)(3)
Which covers does the inspector remove in the electrical system?Answer: The dead front covers of the main and auxiliary distribution panels. Source: LAC 46:XL.319(E)(3)
Which heater falls outside the definition of a "heating system"?Answer: A space heater plugged into a convenience outlet. Source: LAC 46:XL.303
Which ladder counts as a "specialized tool" rather than a standard inspection tool?Answer: One that can reach surfaces over one story above the ground. Source: LAC 46:XL.303
Which of these is among the "standard inspection tools" in the Louisiana definitions?Answer: An outlet tester. Source: LAC 46:XL.303
Which of these may the report NOT address?Answer: The advisability of purchasing the property. Source: LAC 46:XL.309(C)(3)
Which of these must the pre-inspection contract describe?Answer: The inspection services to be provided and their cost. Source: LAC 46:XL.305(B)(1)
Which shutoff locations must the plumbing section of the report describe?Answer: The main water supply shutoff and the main gas supply shutoff. Source: LAC 46:XL.317(B)
A board member served on the special investigating entity for a complaint. May that member take part in the board's decision on it?Answer: No, but the member may prosecute the case. Source: LAC 46:XL.709(D)
A complaint says the inspector missed items the standards of practice required. What must be submitted with it?Answer: A list of those items with the corresponding violation of the standards of practice. Source: LAC 46:XL.703(D)
A fine is not paid on time and no extension was granted. What happens to the license?Answer: It is automatically suspended until the fine is paid in full. Source: LAC 46:XL.139(C)(2)
A party wants the board to reconsider its decision. How soon after the decision is mailed must the written request be filed?Answer: Within 10 days. Source: LAC 46:XL.713(E)
The chief operating officer notifies a licensee of a delinquency. How long does the licensee have to pay, prove compliance or respond in writing?Answer: 14 days. Source: LAC 46:XL.703(G)
How does the board render a final decision?Answer: By majority vote of the board in open session. Source: LAC 46:XL.713(C)
How many home inspections must a person have performed to serve as a special investigating entity?Answer: Over 300. Source: LAC 46:XL.707(A)
How soon after it is imposed is a fine due and payable?Answer: Within 30 days. Source: LAC 46:XL.139(C)(1)
In what form must a complaint to the board be made?Answer: In writing, signed by the complainant and dated. Source: LAC 46:XL.703(E)
May a license be renewed while a fine remains unpaid?Answer: No, not until any and all fines have been paid. Source: LAC 46:XL.139(D)
May the special investigating entity visit the property at issue during its investigation?Answer: No, it shall not visit or inspect the property. Source: LAC 46:XL.707(C)
The report finds the evidence insufficient. How long does the complainant have to ask the board for review?Answer: 15 days from mailing. Source: LAC 46:XL.707(F)
What is the sole purpose of the special investigating entity's investigation?Answer: To determine whether the allegations indicate a possible violation. Source: LAC 46:XL.707(C)
Where is a petition for judicial review of a final board decision filed?Answer: The Nineteenth Judicial District Court. Source: LAC 46:XL.1101
Which conduct by a licensee is a ground for discipline under the prohibited acts rule?Answer: Advertising as a home inspector while the license is inactive. Source: LAC 46:XL.139(A)(10)
Who presides at a contested case hearing before the board?Answer: The chairman of the board. Source: LAC 46:XL.709(C)
Within how long of the conduct must a member of the public file a complaint with the board?Answer: 1 year. Source: LAC 46:XL.703(A)
How this list was compiled: Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:1471 to 1490, the Louisiana Home Inspectors Licensing Law (sections 1471 to 1489 each on the Legislature's site, https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=93311 to d=93330, and section 1490 at d=727522), and the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XL, Home Inspectors, in the board's Professional and Occupational Rules and Standards of August 2025 and its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of August 2025 (both linked from https://lsbhi.state.la.us/laws-rules/), all read on October 16, 2026. The board's How to Get Licensed page (https://lsbhi.state.la.us/get-licensed/) was read the same day. Each question names its section and links to it. Licence: Own work. Every question, wrong choice and explanation was written for this site from the text of the statute and the board's rules. Nothing comes from an examination, a candidate bulletin's sample questions, a course provider, a prep course or a question pool.
How it works
This unofficial Louisiana home inspectors study guide teaches by asking: 142 of our own questions on R.S. 37:1471 to 1490 and LAC 46:XL. Not affiliated with the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors.
Read the full guide
What the questions cover
The Home Inspectors Licensing Law, then the board's rules: the 130 hours of training, yearly renewal, the monthly $5 inspection fee, reports, records and insurance. Then the lines of the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that are Louisiana's own, and complaints.
What is left out
How building systems work and fail, which the national examination asks, and the system-by-system lists of the standards that read much the same in every state. Read LAC 46:XL Chapters 3 and 5 in full before the board's standards examination.
The written report is due within five calendar days of the inspection (R.S. 37:1478).
Each inspection carries a $5 fee, reported by the fifteenth of the next month even when none were done (LAC 46:XL.117).
Errors and omissions and general liability coverage are each $300,000 a year, with a deductible of $5,000 at most (LAC 46:XL.127).
Questions and answers
Is there an official Louisiana home inspectors study guide?
The board publishes the law, not a guide: its Laws and Rules page links the Home Inspector Licensing Law and the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of August 2025. The questions here come from those texts.
What exam does Louisiana require for a home inspector license?
The board's licensing page says applicants pass the National Home Inspector Examination, at a cost of $225. LAC 46:XL.119 adds the report writing seminar and a board-approved examination on the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
How do you become a home inspector in Louisiana?
Be 18 with a high school education, clear a State Police background check, finish 90 hours of course work, 30 hours of platform training and 10 live inspections, pass the examinations, attend the report writing seminar and carry the insurance (LAC 46:XL.113, 119).
How much does a Louisiana home inspector license cost?
The application fee is $200 and renewal is $100 each year, the most R.S. 37:1477 allows. A licensee also pays the board $5 for every home inspection performed (LAC 46:XL.117).
How long is a Louisiana home inspector license good for?
One year. Renewal takes 20 hours of continuing education, or 30 at a first renewal, and a report writing and standards seminar at least once every three years (R.S. 37:1479, LAC 46:XL.121).