A home inspector who is not a licensed pest inspector finds signs of insects in the framing. What may the report do?Answer: Refer to rot or conducive conditions and send the insect question to a licensed pest inspector. Source: RCW 18.280.190
The advisory licensing board is made up of how many people?Answer: 7. Source: RCW 18.280.040(1)
An inspector licensed in a state with equal or stricter requirements seeks a Washington license. Which part of the exam is required?Answer: The Washington portion. Source: RCW 18.280.180
Are board members immune from suit over disciplinary proceedings?Answer: Yes, for official acts in administering the chapter. Source: RCW 18.280.160
Besides the inspector, who is barred from working on the inspected home during that period?Answer: Employees of the same company or of a company the inspector has a financial interest in. Source: RCW 18.280.120(2)
By whom are the seven advisory board members appointed?Answer: The director of the Department of Licensing. Source: RCW 18.280.040(1)
For how long after the date of the report may the inspector do no work, other than consultation, on the inspected home?Answer: 1 year. Source: RCW 18.280.120(2)
Show all 137 questions (130 more)
The statute: chapter 18.280 RCW, continued
For how many years is an advisory board member appointed?Answer: 3 years. Source: RCW 18.280.040(3)
For which act may the department issue a civil infraction under RCW 18.280.140?Answer: Attempting to use an expired or revoked license. Source: RCW 18.280.140(5)
How does chapter 18.280 RCW describe a home inspector's examination of a home?Answer: A noninvasive examination of its condition. Source: RCW 18.280.010(6)
How does the chapter treat an applicant's military training or experience?Answer: It satisfies the training requirements unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent. Source: RCW 18.280.200
How many board members, at most, may belong to the same national home inspector association?Answer: 2. Source: RCW 18.280.040(1)
How many hours of board-approved classroom instruction must an applicant prove?Answer: 120. Source: RCW 18.280.070(2)
How many hours of board-approved instruction must a licensee complete every two years to renew?Answer: 24. Source: RCW 18.280.110(2)
How many Washington home inspections must a home inspector have performed to qualify for the board?Answer: 500. Source: RCW 18.280.040(2)(c)
If the state uses an exam prepared by a national entity, what must be added to it?Answer: A section specific to Washington. Source: RCW 18.280.080
Of the seven board members, how many must be actively engaged home inspectors?Answer: 6. Source: RCW 18.280.040(1)
On what date did Washington's licensing requirement for home inspectors begin?Answer: September 1, 2009. Source: RCW 18.280.020(1)
RCW 18.280.070 asks for proof of field training of up to how many hours?Answer: 40. Source: RCW 18.280.070(3)
What does RCW 18.280.130 require of the director once a home inspector is certified as not complying with a child support order?Answer: Immediately suspend the license. Source: RCW 18.280.130(1)
What is "the board" in chapter 18.280 RCW?Answer: The home inspector advisory licensing board. Source: RCW 18.280.010(1)
What must appear on an inspector's advertising, correspondence and documents incidental to a home inspection?Answer: The term "licensed home inspector" and the license number. Source: RCW 18.280.100
What must every inspection include looking for, as the board defines it?Answer: Certain fire and safety hazards. Source: RCW 18.280.030
What role do the board's standards of practice play in an inspection?Answer: They are the minimum standards for an inspection. Source: RCW 18.280.030
What work on the inspected home is still allowed during the one-year limit?Answer: Home inspection-related consultation. Source: RCW 18.280.120(2)
When does a Washington home inspector license expire?Answer: On the licensee's second birthday after it is issued. Source: RCW 18.280.090
Where do fines collected for these civil infractions go?Answer: The business and professions account. Source: RCW 18.280.140
Which business may leave the license number out of its advertising?Answer: One running a national or interstate general marketing campaign. Source: RCW 18.280.100
Which chapter governs unlicensed practice and the discipline of home inspectors?Answer: Chapter 18.235 RCW, the uniform regulation of business and professions act. Source: RCW 18.280.150
Which department licenses Washington home inspectors?Answer: The Department of Licensing. Source: RCW 18.280.010(2)
Which licensed profession does RCW 18.280.170 excuse from the home inspector license?Answer: A structural pest inspector licensed under chapter 15.58 RCW. Source: RCW 18.280.170
Which of these is a "wood destroying organism" under RCW 18.280.010?Answer: Wood decay fungi, known as wood rot. Source: RCW 18.280.010(8)
Who adopts the rules the board has approved?Answer: The director. Source: RCW 18.280.050(1)
Who conducts the adjudicative proceeding when a person appeals the director's decision?Answer: An administrative law judge. Source: RCW 18.280.130(3)
Who sets the time within which the written report must be provided?Answer: The board, in rule. Source: RCW 18.280.120(1)
The written report covers the general condition of the home's systems as of when?Answer: The time of the inspection. Source: RCW 18.280.030
A candidate is removed from the test site for using unauthorized materials. For how long may the department deny testing?Answer: Up to 1 year. Source: WAC 308-408A-080(4)
A person passes the exam but does not become licensed within one year. What follows?Answer: The exam must be taken and passed again. Source: WAC 308-408A-030
A person takes an approved course a month before the first license is issued. Does it count as continuing education?Answer: No, the course must begin after the first license is issued. Source: WAC 308-408A-110(3)
An inspector leans head and shoulders through the attic hatch and looks around. Has the attic been "entered"?Answer: No, entering means physically going into the area. Source: WAC 308-408-010(6)
Does a preoffer consultation need a signed preinspection agreement?Answer: Yes, one that describes the limited scope. Source: WAC 308-408-010(11)
Does an instructor earn continuing education clock hours for teaching a course?Answer: No, teaching and course development earn no credit. Source: WAC 308-408A-110(6)
For how long is the department's approval of an examination application valid?Answer: 6 months. Source: WAC 308-408A-020(1)
How long must the inspector who supervises field training have been licensed?Answer: 4 years. Source: WAC 308-408-010(7)
How many actual complete home inspections must field training include, at a minimum?Answer: 5. Source: WAC 308-408-010(7)
How much notice must a candidate give the testing service to change an exam date without owing the full fee?Answer: 2 days. Source: WAC 308-408A-020(3)
How much recent practice in another jurisdiction lets a licensee take only the Washington state portion?Answer: Two years in the last four years. Source: WAC 308-408A-040(1)
How recently must the fundamentals course and field training have been completed before applying for the exam?Answer: Within 2 years. Source: WAC 308-408A-020(1)
In the rules, what does it mean to "traverse" a roof?Answer: To physically move over its surface when it is safe to do so. Source: WAC 308-408-010(17)
May a standard home inspection report be delivered verbally?Answer: No, it must be in writing. Source: WAC 308-408-010(15)
May the same approved course be taken again for continuing education credit?Answer: Yes, in a subsequent renewal period. Source: WAC 308-408A-110(4)
Of the 24 hours of coursework for reinstatement, how many must cover Washington home inspector laws and regulations?Answer: 3. Source: WAC 308-408A-105(1)(a)
Proof of at least how many hours of fundamentals of home inspection qualifies a person for a supplemental course toward the 120 hours?Answer: 60. Source: WAC 308-408A-050(1)
Under WAC 308-408A-060, for how long at most is a passing score on one portion of the examination valid?Answer: 1 year. Source: WAC 308-408A-060(2)
What does it cost to retake only the state portion of the examination?Answer: $125. Source: WAC 308-408A-090
What does the fee table charge for a license renewal?Answer: $415. Source: WAC 308-408A-090
What does the state portion of the examination test?Answer: Washington laws and rules for home inspector licensing. Source: WAC 308-408A-060(1)(b)
What does the supervisor do with the written reports a trainee completes during field training?Answer: Reviews them and certifies that they comply with the standards of practice. Source: WAC 308-408-010(7)
What happens to a license whose renewal fee is not received within one year of its expiration?Answer: It is canceled. Source: WAC 308-408A-100(4)
What is a "preoffer consultation"?Answer: A verbal report of limited scope, given before mutual acceptance. Source: WAC 308-408-010(11)
What is the application and examination fee?Answer: $300. Source: WAC 308-408A-090
What is the fee for an original home inspector license?Answer: $720. Source: WAC 308-408A-090
What is the late renewal penalty?Answer: $70. Source: WAC 308-408A-090
What is the reinstatement penalty fine?Answer: $150. Source: WAC 308-408A-105(1)(c)
What minimum scaled score is required on each portion of the home inspector examination?Answer: 70. Source: WAC 308-408A-060(1)
What must a candidate present to be admitted to the examination?Answer: One piece of positive identification bearing a photograph. Source: WAC 308-408A-080(1)
When does "mutual acceptance" take place?Answer: When seller and buyer reach a written agreement for the purchase. Source: WAC 308-408-010(11)
Which of these does NOT count toward the 40 hours of supervised field instruction?Answer: Report writing time. Source: WAC 308-408-010(7)
Who signs the preinspection agreement?Answer: The client and the home inspector. Source: WAC 308-408-010(10)
Within how long after cancellation may a license be reinstated without starting over as a new applicant?Answer: 2 years. Source: WAC 308-408A-105
Purpose, ethics, exclusions, records, contracts: WAC 308-408C-010 to 060 25
A broker offers to refer inspections on the condition that the reports never mention roof problems. What do the ethics rules say?Answer: The inspector must not accept a referral contingent on reporting predetermined conditions. Source: WAC 308-408C-020(12)
A system named in the standards is left out of an inspection at the client's request. What must the report do?Answer: State the reason the item was excluded. Source: WAC 308-408C-030
An inspector spent 20 years as a carpenter and 2 years as a home inspector. What may the advertising claim as home inspection experience?Answer: Only the experience as a home inspector. Source: WAC 308-408C-020(11)
An inspector without an electrician's license offers to rewire a panel found during an inspection. Which ethics rule applies?Answer: The inspector must not provide services that need a special license the inspector does not hold. Source: WAC 308-408C-020(6)
By when must the client receive a copy of the home inspection report?Answer: As the terms of the preinspection agreement provide. Source: WAC 308-408C-060(2)
The ethics rule bars repairing an inspected building for pay for one year. Whom does it reach besides the inspector?Answer: The inspector's firm, its other employees or principals, and affiliated firms. Source: WAC 308-408C-020(8)
The exclusions say an inspector need not offer a warranty on the inspection report unless what?Answer: It is clearly explained and agreed to by both parties in a preinspection agreement. Source: WAC 308-408C-030(11)
For how long must an inspector keep preinspection agreements and home inspection reports?Answer: 3 years. Source: WAC 308-408C-040
How do the standards of practice describe a home inspector?Answer: A generalist who identifies conditions that may need a specialist. Source: WAC 308-408C-010
Is a hot tub part of the required inspection?Answer: No, pools, hot tubs and saunas are excluded. Source: WAC 308-408C-030(20)
Is a preinspection agreement optional in Washington?Answer: No, it is mandatory. Source: WAC 308-408C-050
Is an inspector required to operate the main water shutoff valve?Answer: No, operating shutoff valves and circuit breakers is not required. Source: WAC 308-408C-030(8)
May an inspector be paid by two parties for the same home inspection?Answer: Only with written disclosure to the inspector's client. Source: WAC 308-408C-020(7)
May an inspector give a reward to someone in exchange for being hired to perform an inspection?Answer: No, offering compensation or reward as an inducement is barred. Source: WAC 308-408C-020(9)
May an inspector specify the type of repairs to be made?Answer: Yes, if qualified and willing to do so. Source: WAC 308-408C-030
What must the preinspection agreement say about mold, asbestos and lead paint?Answer: That they are not investigated unless agreed to in writing in the agreement. Source: WAC 308-408C-050(6)
When do the procedures require an inspector to return a client's money for a home inspection report?Answer: When ordered to do so by a court. Source: WAC 308-408C-060(3)
When must the client receive a copy of the preinspection agreement?Answer: Before the inspection, unless circumstances prevent it. Source: WAC 308-408C-060(1)
When must the inspector disclose in writing a business, family or financial relationship with another party to the transaction?Answer: Before the client signs the preinspection agreement. Source: WAC 308-408C-020(2)
Which of these is the inspector NOT required to inspect?Answer: A detached shed. Source: WAC 308-408C-030(14)
Which of these must the preinspection agreement state?Answer: The home inspector's license number. Source: WAC 308-408C-050(4)
Which practice do the ethics rules prohibit?Answer: Minimizing defects in a report to win future referrals. Source: WAC 308-408C-020(5)
Which record must an inspector who supervises a license candidate keep?Answer: Timesheets or similar proof of the field training. Source: WAC 308-408C-040(3)
With what does the inspector assess the residence, according to the purpose of the standards?Answer: Visual observations, simple tools and normal homeowner operational controls. Source: WAC 308-408C-010
Without the client's approval, what may an inspector tell the occupants of a home?Answer: Observed potential safety or health hazards they are exposed to. Source: WAC 308-408C-020(10)
Standards of practice by system: WAC 308-408C-070 to 180 42
A bedroom has no window or door that could serve as an emergency escape. What does the standard require?Answer: Reporting the absence of emergency escape egress. Source: WAC 308-408C-140(1)(b)(vi)
A home has no smoke alarm in the hallway. What does the interiors standard require?Answer: Reporting the absence. Source: WAC 308-408C-140(1)(b)(v)
A hot water tank has no earthquake strapping. What does the standard require?Answer: Reporting the absence of seismic restraints. Source: WAC 308-408C-100(1)(f)
A water heater's pilot light is out. Is the inspector required to light it?Answer: No, igniting pilot lights is not required. Source: WAC 308-408C-100(2)(e)
An inspector need not enter a crawlspace whose access opening is smaller than what size?Answer: 18 inches by 24 inches. Source: WAC 308-408C-070(2)
An inspector need not enter a crawlspace with less than how much headroom beneath the floor joists?Answer: 18 inches. Source: WAC 308-408C-070(2)
An inspector need not enter the area beneath a deck with less than how much clearance from joists to grade?Answer: 5 feet. Source: WAC 308-408C-080(2)
Does the electrical inspection include taking off the panel cover?Answer: Yes, a readily accessible panel cover is removed to view the conductors. Source: WAC 308-408C-110(1)(c)
From where are the exterior components that the inspector describes viewed?Answer: From ground level. Source: WAC 308-408C-080(1)
Heating ducts run bare through an unheated crawlspace. What does the standard require?Answer: Reporting the absence of insulation on the ductwork. Source: WAC 308-408C-150(1)
How must a home inspector who is not a licensed structural pest inspector describe an insect infestation?Answer: In general terms, such as "wood destroying insects". Source: WAC 308-408C-070(1)
How widely must the operation of switches, receptacles and light fixtures be verified?Answer: A representative number in every room. Source: WAC 308-408C-110(1)(e)
In an attached garage, an ignition source within what height of the floor is reported as a fire hazard?Answer: 18 inches. Source: WAC 308-408C-180(1)
In an attached garage, the inspector reports the absence of what protection for appliances?Answer: A bollard or other means of appliance protection. Source: WAC 308-408C-180(1)
The inspector cannot find the main water shutoff valve. What goes in the report?Answer: That the valve was not found. Source: WAC 308-408C-100(1)(b)(ii)
The inspector judges a roof unsafe to walk and inspects it another way. What must the report state?Answer: The alternate method used to inspect the roof. Source: WAC 308-408C-090(2)
The inspector need not run the cooling system when the outside temperature is below what?Answer: 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Source: WAC 308-408C-130(2)(e)
The inspector reports guard spacing on a deck when it exceeds what width?Answer: 4 inches. Source: WAC 308-408C-080(1)
The inspector sees a capped fill pipe in the yard near an oil furnace. What does the standard require?Answer: Reporting evidence of a possible underground storage tank. Source: WAC 308-408C-120(1)(e)
Is the inspector required to evaluate a heat exchanger concealed inside a furnace?Answer: No, concealed heat exchangers are outside the inspection. Source: WAC 308-408C-120(2)(c)
Is the inspector required to remove switch and receptacle cover plates?Answer: No, that is not required. Source: WAC 308-408C-110(2)(g)
Must the inspector determine the R-value of the insulation above the ceiling?Answer: No, thickness and R-value need not be determined. Source: WAC 308-408C-150(2)
Must the inspector test the temperature and pressure relief valve on a water heater?Answer: No, testing the valve is not required. Source: WAC 308-408C-100(2)(c)
Room by room, what must the heating part of a Washington inspection establish?Answer: Whether a functioning heat source is present there. Source: WAC 308-408C-120(1)(d)(iv)
To whom does the inspector refer issues suspected to be insect related?Answer: A licensed structural pest inspector or pest control operator. Source: WAC 308-408C-070(1)
Under the roof standard, what does the inspector report about ventilation?Answer: The manner in which the roof is ventilated. Source: WAC 308-408C-090(1)
What do the standards require the inspector to do in attics and subfloor crawlspaces?Answer: Enter and traverse them where readily and safely accessible. Source: WAC 308-408C-070(1)
What does the inspector check between the house and an attached garage?Answer: Fire separation, when applicable. Source: WAC 308-408C-180(1)
What does the standard require of the inspector at a garage door opener?Answer: Testing its function, its auto-reverse and any secondary entrapment devices. Source: WAC 308-408C-180(1)
What must be reported about a crawlspace with an earth floor?Answer: A missing or inadequate vapor barrier. Source: WAC 308-408C-150(1)
What must the plumbing inspection measure and record?Answer: The hot water temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit. Source: WAC 308-408C-100(1)(b)(iv)
What must the site inspection describe?Answer: The material used for driveways, walkways and patios. Source: WAC 308-408C-170(1)
When is probing a structural component NOT required?Answer: When probing would damage a finished surface. Source: WAC 308-408C-070(1)
When may the inspector skip testing GFCI and AFCI devices?Answer: In an occupied home where testing could harm the occupant's possessions. Source: WAC 308-408C-110(1)(f)
Which cooling equipment may a Washington inspector leave uninspected?Answer: A window-mounted air conditioning unit. Source: WAC 308-408C-130(2)(b)
Which finding in a sleeping room must the heating inspection report?Answer: An open flame combustion appliance. Source: WAC 308-408C-120(1)(f)
Which of these is outside the required exterior inspection?Answer: The integrity of thermal window seals. Source: WAC 308-408C-080(2)
Which of these is the inspector NOT required to do at a fireplace?Answer: Perform a chimney smoke test. Source: WAC 308-408C-160(2)
Which of these must the interior inspection report?Answer: The absence of safety glass where potential hazards may exist. Source: WAC 308-408C-140(1)(b)(vii)
Which of these must the roof inspection report?Answer: Multiple layers of roofing, when visible. Source: WAC 308-408C-090(1)
Which retaining walls fall outside the required site inspection?Answer: Those not contiguous with the structure. Source: WAC 308-408C-170(2)
Which service panels must the inspector report on?Answer: Those known to have inherent safety risks based on design or age. Source: WAC 308-408C-110(1)(h)
How this list was compiled: Revised Code of Washington, chapter 18.280, Home Inspectors (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.280), and the Washington Administrative Code, chapters 308-408, 308-408A and 308-408C (https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-408C), as amended by WSR 26-15-037 effective August 7, 2026, all read on October 16, 2026 on the Legislature's site. For the format of the examination only: the Department of Licensing's home inspector pages (https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/home-inspectors) and the Washington Home Inspector Candidate Information Bulletin of its testing vendor (https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/4872), 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 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 Washington state home inspector study guide covers the state portion of the exam: 137 of our own questions on chapter 18.280 RCW and chapters 308-408 to 308-408C WAC. Not affiliated with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Read the full guide
What the questions cover
Washington laws and rules for home inspector licensing, which WAC 308-408A-060 makes the subject of the state portion: the statute, the examination and fee rules, ethics, the preinspection agreement and the standards of practice system by system, as amended effective August 7, 2026.
What is left out
General home inspection practice: how systems work and fail. That is the national portion, and no rule of the state sets it out.
A preinspection agreement is mandatory and says mold, asbestos and lead paint are not investigated unless agreed in writing (WAC 308-408C-050).
For one year after the report, the inspector's company may do no work on the home beyond consultation (RCW 18.280.120).
Hot water temperature is measured and recorded in degrees Fahrenheit (WAC 308-408C-100).
Questions and answers
Is there an official Washington state home inspector study guide?
The Department of Licensing publishes the laws and rules, and its testing vendor publishes a candidate bulletin with the exam format. Neither is a guide to the state portion. The questions here come from chapter 18.280 RCW and the WAC chapters.
How many questions are on the Washington home inspector exam?
The candidate bulletin, read October 16, 2026, lists 175 questions in 3 hours for the national portion and 24 questions in 1 hour for the state portion, plus 5 to 25 unscored questions.
What score passes the Washington home inspector exam?
A scaled score of 70 on each portion (WAC 308-408A-060), which is not a percentage. The rule keeps a passing score valid for up to one year; the bulletin asks that the other portion be passed within six months.
How much does the Washington home inspector exam cost?
WAC 308-408A-090 sets $300 for the application and examination. A retake is $250 for the national portion or $125 for the state portion. The original license is $720 and renewal is $415.
How do you become a home inspector in Washington?
Complete a board-approved 120-hour Fundamentals of Home Inspection course and 40 hours of field training with five complete inspections under an inspector licensed four years, pass both portions of the exam, and apply (RCW 18.280.070, WAC 308-408-010).