• 147 questions

NY Home Inspector License Practice Test

Unofficial questions on New York's home inspector license law, ethics code and standards of practice, each naming its section.

What examination fee does RPL 444-f set?

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the New York Department of State. Bank checked October 12, 2026.

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All 147 questions

License law 41

  • A home inspection report is confidential. Who has access to it without the client's express consent? RPL 444-g(3)
  • A home inspector license comes up for renewal. How many hours of approved continuing education are owed for the two-year period? 19 NYCRR 197-3.1(a)
  • A home inspector license is revoked. For how long is a reissue barred? RPL 444-h(2)
  • A liability policy is to be cancelled. How much written notice must the secretary receive before the cancellation takes effect? RPL 444-k(2)
  • A licensee teaches an approved home inspection course. How much continuing education credit is given for each hour of actual teaching? 19 NYCRR 197-3.6(a)
  • A person under a cease order keeps doing home inspections without a license. How does RPL 444-o class the offense? RPL 444-o
  • A professional engineer regulated by New York violates Article 12-B. Who enforces the violation? RPL 444-h(3)
  • A seller's agent offers to send buyers to an inspector in return for a referral fee. What does RPL 444-g(4)(c) say? RPL 444-g(4)(c)
  • An inspector holds a valid home inspector license from another state. When shall the secretary issue a New York license on application and fee? RPL 444-e(3)
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License law, continued

  • An inspector's relative will receive a commission as an agent on the sale of a house. May the inspector inspect that house? RPL 444-g(4)(b)
  • By what name may Article 12-B of the New York Real Property Law be cited? RPL 444-a
  • Conviction of a felony involving which of these is a ground to refuse, suspend or revoke a license under RPL 444-h? RPL 444-h(1)(f)
  • The department notifies a licensee of a proposed suspension. Within how many days of receipt must a hearing be requested in writing? RPL 444-i
  • For what period is a New York home inspector license or renewal issued? RPL 444-f(1)
  • How many dwelling units does a "residential building" have under New York's home inspection law? RPL 444-b(6)
  • How may the secretary's action in suspending, revoking or refusing a license be reviewed under RPL 444-p? RPL 444-p
  • How much general liability insurance per occurrence must a licensed home inspector carry, at the least? 19 NYCRR 197-1.1(a)
  • How often must an examination offered by the secretary be updated under RPL 444-e? RPL 444-e(1)(c)
  • How soon after completing a home inspection must the inspector give the client the written report? RPL 444-g(3)
  • In place of the course of study, an applicant may qualify by performing at least how many supervised home inspections? RPL 444-e(1)(b)(ii)
  • Of the 140 course hours, at least how many must be unpaid field based inspections under direct supervision? RPL 444-e(1)(b)(i)
  • RPL 444-g(4)(a) bars an inspector who prepared a report on a building from doing what, for an additional fee? RPL 444-g(4)(a)
  • The secretary approves a course of study for the home inspector license. What is the shortest it may run? RPL 444-e(1)(b)(i)
  • To whom does RPL 444-g say the duty of every home inspector runs? RPL 444-g(1)
  • Under RPL 444-b, a home inspection shall not include an inspection for which of these? RPL 444-b(4)
  • Under RPL 444-h, the secretary may fine a home inspector up to how much for each violation? RPL 444-h(1)
  • What examination fee does RPL 444-f set? RPL 444-f(2)
  • What fee does RPL 444-f set for the first application and license as a home inspector? RPL 444-f(2)
  • What fee does RPL 444-f set to renew a home inspector license? RPL 444-f(2)
  • What fine does RPL 444-o set on a second or subsequent conviction for unlicensed home inspection after an order? RPL 444-o
  • What general education must an applicant for a New York home inspector license have completed? RPL 444-e(1)(a)
  • What is the smallest aggregate amount of general liability insurance a licensed home inspector may carry? 19 NYCRR 197-1.1(a)
  • What may the secretary order under RPL 444-n when a person has acted as a home inspector without a valid license? RPL 444-n
  • Where must a home inspector display the license number and status as a licensed home inspector? RPL 444-g(2)
  • Which course subject does 19 NYCRR 197-3.2 say is not acceptable for continuing education credit? 19 NYCRR 197-3.2(a)
  • Which examination meets the exam requirement of RPL 444-e? RPL 444-e(1)(c)
  • Which fee arrangement does RPL 444-g(4)(d) forbid? RPL 444-g(4)(d)
  • Which of these people needs a home inspector license to inspect homes for compensation in New York? RPL 444-d
  • Which structure falls outside the definition of "residential building" in RPL 444-b? RPL 444-b(6)
  • Who is the "client" in New York's home inspection law? RPL 444-b(1)
  • Who may supervise an applicant's field based inspections under RPL 444-e? RPL 444-e(1)(b)

Code of ethics, contracts and report writing 23

  • A brokerage offers a place on its preferred provider list for a yearly payment. What does 19 NYCRR 197-4.7(e) say? 19 NYCRR 197-4.7(e)
  • A buyer and a seller both offer to pay for the same inspection. When may the inspector accept pay from both? 19 NYCRR 197-4.7(c)
  • A client asks where the lot line runs. What does 19 NYCRR 197-4.4(c) say? 19 NYCRR 197-4.4(c)
  • A client asks whether a deck complies with the building code. What does the Code of Ethics say? 19 NYCRR 197-4.4(d)
  • A client insists that the inspector do something unlawful. What does 19 NYCRR 197-4.4(b) permit? 19 NYCRR 197-4.4(b)
  • A supplier offers free equipment if the inspector promotes its sump pump during inspections. What does the Code of Ethics say? 19 NYCRR 197-4.7(f)
  • An inspector agrees to inspect only the roof. What must the report then describe? 19 NYCRR 197-4.6(c)
  • An inspector is offered a job the inspector knows he or she is not competent to perform. What does 19 NYCRR 197-4.5(b) require? 19 NYCRR 197-4.5(b)
  • By a required contract clause, the client consents to the inspector telling whom about an immediate threat to health or safety? 19 NYCRR 197-4.2(a)
  • The clauses New York requires in every pre-inspection agreement must be printed in type no smaller than what size? 19 NYCRR 197-4.2(a)
  • Do New York's Standards of Practice require a set format for the home inspection report? RPL 444-c(1)(c)
  • How long must an inspector keep an exact copy of each advertisement after its last publication? 19 NYCRR 197-4.9(e)
  • May an inspector report on a system that the Standards of Practice do not require? 19 NYCRR 197-5.2(b)
  • The seller asks the buyer's inspector for a copy of the inspection report. When may the inspector hand it over? 19 NYCRR 197-4.3
  • Snow covers the roof, so the inspector cannot observe it. What must the report do? 19 NYCRR 197-5.3(c)
  • What does the required contract clause say home inspectors are not permitted to provide? 19 NYCRR 197-4.2(a)
  • What must every home inspection report clearly identify, under both the statute and the Standards of Practice? 19 NYCRR 197-5.2(c)
  • What must the written pre-inspection agreement clearly and fully describe? 19 NYCRR 197-4.2(a)
  • When may a home inspector advertise home inspection services under the heading "Engineers"? 19 NYCRR 197-4.9(c)
  • When must a home inspector give the client a written pre-inspection agreement? 19 NYCRR 197-4.2(a)
  • When must an inspector disclose a known or potential conflict of interest to a potential client? 19 NYCRR 197-4.7(b)
  • Which observed systems and components must the report cover under 19 NYCRR 197-5.3(b)? 19 NYCRR 197-5.3(b)
  • Which of these may a New York home inspector NOT determine? 19 NYCRR 197-4.4(e)

Site, structural, exterior and roof 15

  • A tree limb rests on the roof of the house. What do the Standards of Practice require? 19 NYCRR 197-5.4(a)(2)
  • Eaves, soffits and fascias must be observed and reported where they are accessible from where? 19 NYCRR 197-5.6(a)(4)
  • How many of a building's windows must be observed for condition in the exterior inspection? 19 NYCRR 197-5.6(a)(6)
  • Is the inspector required to report on the integrity of thermal window seals? 19 NYCRR 197-5.6(b)(9)
  • What do the Standards say about powered roof ventilators? 19 NYCRR 197-5.7(e)
  • What must every home inspection report say about the roof? 19 NYCRR 197-5.7(c)
  • When is an inspector not required to walk on or access a roof? 19 NYCRR 197-5.7(g)
  • Which exterior item is the inspector NOT required to observe and report? 19 NYCRR 197-5.6(b)(1)
  • Which of these belongs to the "roof drainage systems" the Standards define? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(z)
  • Which of these is a site item the inspector must observe and report? 19 NYCRR 197-5.4(a)(3)
  • Which out-buildings fall within the required exterior inspection? 19 NYCRR 197-5.6(b)(5)
  • Which roof finding is the inspector NOT required to make? 19 NYCRR 197-5.7(f)
  • Which roof item must be observed and reported when readily accessible? 19 NYCRR 197-5.7(a)(4)
  • Which site condition must a New York home inspector observe and report? 19 NYCRR 197-5.4(a)(1)
  • Which structural items do the Standards of Practice name for observation and report? 19 NYCRR 197-5.5(a)

Plumbing and electrical systems 19

  • A circuit breaker is found in the "off" position. What do the Standards say? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(cc)
  • A drain has "functional drainage" when it empties in a reasonable time and does not do what? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(i)
  • A house has a well and a septic tank. What do the Standards require of the inspector? 19 NYCRR 197-5.8(c)(12)
  • "Functional flow" is a reasonable flow at which fixture while another fixture is operated? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(j)
  • How does the inspector observe the main and branch circuit conductors? 19 NYCRR 197-5.9(a)(3)
  • How many ground fault circuit interrupters must be observed and reported? 19 NYCRR 197-5.9(a)(7)
  • In the report, the water supply and waste disposal systems are stated to be which of these? 19 NYCRR 197-5.8(d)
  • Is the inspector required to evaluate whether the water supply is fit to drink? 19 NYCRR 197-5.8(c)(6)
  • May the inspector be required to put a testing device into the main electrical panel? 19 NYCRR 197-5.9(c)(5)
  • The report must describe the presence of which kind of branch circuit wiring? 19 NYCRR 197-5.9(b)(3)
  • What do the Standards say about a standby emergency generator? 19 NYCRR 197-5.9(c)(15)
  • What must the report describe about smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors? 19 NYCRR 197-5.9(b)(4)
  • What must the report describe about the water heating equipment? 19 NYCRR 197-5.8(d)
  • What must the report state about the main water and main fuel shut-off valves? 19 NYCRR 197-5.8(d)
  • Which of these is the inspector NOT required to do in the electrical inspection? 19 NYCRR 197-5.9(c)(11)
  • Which of these must the inspector operate when it is readily accessible? 19 NYCRR 197-5.8(b)(3)
  • Which of these must the report describe about the electrical service? 19 NYCRR 197-5.9(b)(1)
  • Which plumbing condition must be observed and reported? 19 NYCRR 197-5.8(a)(6)
  • Which plumbing item may the inspector leave unoperated under the Standards of Practice? 19 NYCRR 197-5.8(c)(1)

Heating and cooling systems 12

  • Below what outdoor temperature is the inspector not required to operate air conditioning equipment? 19 NYCRR 197-5.11(b)(5)
  • By definition, central air conditioning serves more than one room and is NOT what? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(b)
  • How does the inspector operate a heating system under the Standards of Practice? 19 NYCRR 197-5.10(a)(2)
  • Is the inspector required to evaluate the capacity or efficiency of a heating system? 19 NYCRR 197-5.10(b)(9)
  • Is the inspector required to test for gas leaks or carbon monoxide at the heating system? 19 NYCRR 197-5.10(b)(12)
  • On a hot day, running a heat pump in heating mode may damage it. What do the Standards say? 19 NYCRR 197-5.10(b)(7)
  • What must the inspector describe about the heating system? 19 NYCRR 197-5.10(a)(1)
  • Where must the presence and condition of heat sources be observed and reported? 19 NYCRR 197-5.10(a)(6)
  • Which cooling equipment falls outside the required air conditioning inspection? 19 NYCRR 197-5.11(b)(2)
  • Which heating item is the inspector NOT required to observe, evaluate and report on? 19 NYCRR 197-5.10(b)(2)
  • Which of these is a heating system accessory the inspector need not observe and report on? 19 NYCRR 197-5.10(b)(6)
  • Which of these is the inspector NOT required to do on an air conditioning system? 19 NYCRR 197-5.11(b)(3)

Interior, insulation and ventilation, fireplaces, attics 14

  • For an attic, the report describes the conditions observed and what else? 19 NYCRR 197-5.15(a)
  • Framing is hidden beneath attic insulation. Must the inspector move the insulation to see it? 19 NYCRR 197-5.13(b)(1)
  • How many primary windows and interior doors must the inspector observe, operate and report on? 19 NYCRR 197-5.12(a)(5)
  • Must the inspector light a fire to judge the draft of a fireplace? 19 NYCRR 197-5.14(b)(7)
  • "Primary windows and doors" are windows and exterior doors designed to do what? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(t)
  • Ventilation must be observed, described and reported for accessible attics and which other areas? 19 NYCRR 197-5.13(a)(2)
  • What do the Standards say about kitchen and laundry appliances? 19 NYCRR 197-5.12(b)(7)
  • When is an inspector not required to enter an attic? 19 NYCRR 197-5.15(b)
  • Where must insulation be observed, described and reported? 19 NYCRR 197-5.13(a)(1)
  • Where visible and readily accessible, bath and kitchen vent fan ducting is observed to determine what? 19 NYCRR 197-5.12(a)(4)
  • Which fireplace part must the inspector observe, operate and report on when accessible? 19 NYCRR 197-5.14(a)(6)
  • Which interior condition must be observed and reported? 19 NYCRR 197-5.12(a)(6)
  • Which interior items must the inspector observe, operate and report on? 19 NYCRR 197-5.12(a)(3)
  • Which of these is a required item in the fireplace inspection? 19 NYCRR 197-5.14(a)(3)

Definitions, limitations and exclusions 23

  • A client asks what a repair will cost. What do the Standards say? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(k)(5)
  • A client asks, "Should I buy this house?" What do the Standards say? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(k)(8)
  • A structural component supports dead loads and what else? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(ee)
  • An item is "installed" when it is attached or connected so that removing it requires what? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(n)
  • The edges of an access panel are painted in place. What is it under the Standards? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(v)
  • For multiple identical components inside a building, such as electrical outlets, what is a "representative number"? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(y)
  • For multiple identical exterior components, what is a "representative number"? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(y)
  • In a condominium unit, which of these is the inspector not required to inspect? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(f)
  • Is a home inspection performed under the Standards of Practice "technically exhaustive"? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(j)
  • Is the inspector required to determine the remaining life expectancy of a system? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(k)(2)
  • Is the inspector required to offer a warranty on the systems inspected? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(l)(2)
  • May a system be left out of the inspection at the client's request? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(q)
  • Must the inspector determine whether pipe wrap contains asbestos? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(c)
  • "Readily accessible" means available for visual inspection without the inspector having to do what? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(u)
  • Snow lies over the walkway to be inspected. Must the inspector clear it? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(p)
  • Swimming pools, saunas, tennis courts and playground equipment share which defined term? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(w)
  • To "dismantle" is to take apart a fastened component that who would not take apart? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(f)
  • "Unsafe" describes a condition the inspector judges to carry a significant risk of personal injury during what? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(ii)
  • What do the Standards say about underground storage tanks? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(n)(1)
  • What does "further evaluation" mean in the Standards of Practice? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(k)
  • Which of these is "safety glazing" as the Standards define it? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(bb)
  • Which of these is a "normal operating control" as the Standards define it? 19 NYCRR 197-5.1(o)
  • Which of these is a tool the Standards say the inspector is not required to use? 19 NYCRR 197-5.16(d)

How this list was compiled: New York Real Property Law Article 12-B (sections 444-a to 444-q) and 19 NYCRR Part 197 (Subparts 197-1, 197-3, 197-4 Code of Ethics and Regulations and 197-5 Standards of Practice), as printed in the Department of State's booklet Home Inspection Professional Licensing, March 2026 (https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/03/home-inspection-professional-licensing-law_03.2026.pdf), read on October 12, 2026 in the Internet Archive's copy of that file captured May 10, 2026. Sections 444-a and 444-e were also read that day on the State Senate's site (https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/RPP/A12-B). The topic groups follow the exam topics on the department's Home Inspection Written Examination Information and Schedule sheet (July to December 2025 edition, archived September 3, 2025; the current edition is linked from https://dos.ny.gov/become-home-inspector): license law; report writing; heating, cooling and plumbing systems; insulation and ventilation; structural, exterior and interior components and electrical systems. 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 rules. Nothing comes from the state examination, the national examination, a course provider, a prep course or a question pool.

How it works

This unofficial NY home inspector license practice test asks the state exam's law side: 147 of our own questions from Real Property Law Article 12-B and 19 NYCRR Part 197. Not affiliated with the New York Department of State.

Read the full guide

New York State home inspector practice test questions by exam topic

The questions are grouped by the exam's topics, and each asks what the law says: what an inspector must observe and report, what the report must describe, and what the Standards of Practice leave out.

What is left out

How building systems work and fail is taught in the 140-hour course, and no statute or rule states it, so it is not asked. The National Home Inspector Examination is a separate test with its own outline.

  • The written report is due no later than five business days after the inspection (RPL 444-g).
  • Liability coverage is at least $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 in the aggregate (19 NYCRR 197-1.1).
  • Air conditioning need not be operated when it is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit outside (19 NYCRR 197-5.11).

Questions and answers

How many questions are on the NYS home inspector exam?

The Department of State does not publish a count. Its exam sheet for July to December 2025 says the test is multiple choice, based on the 140-hour pre-licensing curriculum, and allows 2½ hours. The 50 questions in exam mode here are this site's choice.

What is the passing score for the New York home inspector exam?

The department publishes none. Its exam sheet says results are reported as passed or failed, with no numerical score, and that results are valid for two years.

What is on the New York State home inspector exam?

The department's sheet lists license law; report writing; heating, cooling and plumbing systems; insulation and ventilation; structural, exterior and interior components; and electrical systems.

Can I take the national exam instead of the New York exam?

Yes. RPL 444-e accepts the National Home Inspector Examination or an examination offered by the secretary. The department's site says the law changed on April 3, 2020 to allow either one.

How much does the NYS home inspector exam cost?

$50, set by RPL 444-f. The first application and license cost $250 and a renewal $100.

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