About the examination

Who is eligible to take the ASHI Membership Exam?

Anyone can take the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). This exam is required for individuals to qualify for full ASHI membership. Also, several states require passing the NHIE for licensure. Check with your state regulatory agency to verify existing licensure requirements. Click Here for listing of existing State Home Inspector Regulatory Legislation

What steps should I take when I am ready to take an exam?

For the National Home Inspector Examination, visit www.homeinspectionexam.org to register and find complete information about the exam, or call toll-free 877-543-5222.

The examination is administered by Pearson Vue, a full-service testing administrator.

For best results when contacting Pearson Vue to make your examination reservation:

Phone lines are open (Eastern time):

Call between Tuesday and Thursday or on weekends, as these days are not as busy and afford you a better opportunity to speak with a Customer Care Representative (CCR) without delay.

Record the name of the Pearson Vue Customer Care Representative with whom you speak.

When making an exam reservation have available the following information:

1. Your full name, address, social security number, telephone number and date of birth;
2. the examination date and location of the test center you desire;
3. the name of the examination(s) you will be taking; and your score report (if retaking an exam).

You will receive a confirmation number. Write this number down as you will need it to be admitted to the Test Center on examination day.
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Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf

Pearson Vue is equipped with TDD (Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf) to assist deaf and hearing impaired candidates. TDD calling is available during all Pearson Vue Customer Care reservation hours listed above through a special toll-free number, 800-274-2617. This number is only for use by individuals with compatible TDD machinery.
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How far in advance will I need to schedule my exam?

You may make an appointment to test up to three business days prior to your desired test date. Walk-in testing is NOT available.

How are the exams structured and what information will I be tested on?

The examination series is designed to test the following five specific areas:

1. technical knowledge in all building trades used in light residential construction;
2. the ability to observe and recognize systems failures;
3. familiarity with ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics;
4. report writing skills; and
5. inspection and communication ability.

The exams are administered electronically. Examination questions and answers are presented on a touch sensitive screen. Knowledge of computers and typing is absolutely not required.
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What is the cost of the exam?

The fee for the National Home Inspector Examination it’s $225.00. A certified check, cashier’s check or money order made payable to "Pearson Vue", is required. Individuals wishing to pay for their exams using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) can do so during the reservation process only. Pearson Vue does not accept credit cards at their test centers.

If you have reservations for two examinations in one day AND you wish to pay at the test center, you must bring your payment for each examination in separate cashier’s checks, certified checks or money orders. Cash, personal checks and/or credit cards will NOT be accepted at the test centers.

Pearson Vue has very specific policies on exam changes and cancellations. It is your responsibility to be aware of these policies. Please contact ASHI for a handbook containing all of the policies.
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What do I need to bring with me on the day of the exam?

• Your confirmation number.
• Examination fee - in the form of certified check, cashier’s check or money order payable to "Pearson Vue". Cash, personal checks and credit cards will NOT be accepted.
• Two forms of signature identification, one of which must be photo-bearing, preferably a driver’s license.
• Your failing report score, if retaking.

If you do not present all of the above items on examination day, you will be denied admission to the test and will be considered absent. You will owe Promissor the full examination fee.

Individuals who arrive late for their examination will forfeit their reservation. Persons excluded from testing because of lateness will be considered absent and will owe Promissor the full examination fee.

You may request a duplicate score report on the day of the exam by submitting an additional fee of $15. This fee must be made payable to "Pearson Vue". At a later date you may also obtain a copy by submitting a form which can be obtained through ASHI.
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If I fail an exam, is there a waiting period before retaking it?

Individuals who fail an exam must wait 30 days before being eligible to retake it. All persons taking a reexamination must pay the original examination fee for each test. There are no limits to the number of times an individual may test.

Notice: neither The American Society of Home Inspectors nor Pearson Vue. discriminates on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, disabling condition, religion, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.
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