Originally Posted By: Robert Jonston This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Just curious if anyone can offer any comparisons between the National Home Inspectors’ Exam that ASHI and others require and the NACHI test in terms of difficulty, etc. I took NACHI’s test and found it easier than I expected although I would like to have done better.
Not interested in joining ASHI but would like to pass this test as a confidence builder - just getting started. Thanks.
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert,
I think this question has been answered in previous posts, but I will throw in my opinion.
I had to take the NHIE    to be licensed in Charlotte County, FL. I had already passed the NACHI test a couple of months previous. I did not study, or even think about home inspections until I walked into the room to take the test, and passed easily. I do have the advantage of having done this for the past 8 years. As far as a comparison, my feeling is that if you can score in the 90's on the NACHI test (and take it several times to see many different questions) you will be able to pass the NHIE    .
At this time, one difference between the tests is that you will have to look at some really cheesy drawings and pictures and answer questions about them. The hardest part was the quality, or lack of, of the drawings. I understand that the NACHI test will be adding pictures soon.
Originally Posted By: Robert Jonston This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Blaine,
Thanks for the insight. The NHIE is not required in Indiana right now but it is likely as the newly signed bill requiring licensing of inspectors requires testing - though as far as I can tell the exact test has not been determined. Primarily, I wanted to test myself for reference and confidence as a potential new inspector. Bugs me that it is $200, though.
Originally Posted By: jremas This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
One of the biggest differences is that you know who is taking the NHIE and you have no idea who is taking the NACHI exam since it is free and online. There is no proctoring requirement and no verification of who is actually taking the test. I believe that NACHI is working on some sort of a verification system.
–
Jeff Remas
REMAS Inspections, Inc.
Northeastern PA & the Poconos
www.NEPAinspector.com
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Gee Jeff,
I think I've heard you say that before....somewhere.....  
Originally Posted By: jremas This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Having taken BOTH tests and having PASSED BOTH tests the first time, I would add that the NHIE is much harder and takes more time because there are twice as many questions. The NHIE costs TOO much money but it is a test that does verify who is taking it at a test center. The NACHI exam is great for fun or to see what you know but with NO verification of who is taking it and the fact that it is free opens up the flood gates to anyone.
The numbers posted mean nothing to me because we don't know who is actually failing the NACHI test, anyone can take it and I am sure that teenagers in vo-tech have taken it. My youngest daughter who is 10 can take it. At least with the NHIE the folks who are taking it are verified and have committed to not taking it lightly.
You can sit at home and be drunk and take the NACHI exam for fun.
Until we have some sort of a verification process or another test that IS PROCTORED, this will be nothing more than an open floodgate for folks to take it 10 or 20 times until they pass it and send in their $289. POOF! YOU'RE CERTIFIED!
OK, I am done ranting and raving about this same subject for over a year now.
--
Jeff Remas
REMAS Inspections, Inc.
Northeastern PA & the Poconos
www.NEPAinspector.com
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Having taken BOTH tests and having PASSED BOTH tests the first time, I would add that the NHIE is much harder and takes more time because there are twice as many questions
I too have taken both, and passed both the first time. I differ with you in that the only thing that makes the NHIE different is that you do have to drive somewhere, sit in a cold room with several other people and take the test. I don't find either test particularly difficult. NHIE may be a little more intimidating because I didn't take it in the comfort of my living room with a Bud in my hand, but it is a test that should be passed the first time by any experienced or knowledgeable home inspector.
I agree with you that anyone can take the NACHI test. I think I remember signing an affidavit that said it was me that took the test when I joined. If someone wants to lie and have someone else take the test for them, then they are a liar, and it will probably catch up to them quickly if they actually try to do inspections. Survival of the fittest, you know.
One of the great things about this organization is that anyone can take the test, and become a member. To me, being "certified" by anyone doesn't mean you are a good or a bad home inspector. I didn't join any organization until I had been inspecting for 6 years so I couldn't and didn't say I was certified. Did that make me a bad inspector? I also don't feel that passing the NHIE and the NACHI exam make me a better or even a good inspector. At least you have to pass a test prior to this organization taking your money.
To me it is more important that we have and monitor continuing education, and we provide as an organization all the avenues available to the membership to acquire and maintain knowledge and put it to practical use.
Ok, I'm done with my rant. Almost time to watch football.
Originally Posted By: Nick Gromicko This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Reminder:
Passing NACHI's Online Exam does not get you certified. You have to also join NACHI, follow a Standards of Practice, abide by a Code of Ethics, do 21 hours of Continuing Education a year, sign an affidavit, carry E&O insurance if your State requires you to, in early 2004 pass an Ethics exam, in late 2004 pass a photo referenced situational online exam, etc. Each of these requirements, in effect, has other requirements associated with it. Not to mention the extra requirements in cities, states or countries where licensing exists which must also be fulfilled to be a member of NACHI.
Membership in NACHI is very parallel to being a REALTOR. You can pass a real estate exam fairly easily, then you have to do and agree to more to become a licensed agent, then you have to agree to a little more to become a REALTOR. I passed my first and only real estate test in 1990. It would mean nothing in today's world. Since then all I've had to do is continuning education. No one can prove if I was paying attention in class. It appears that the home inspection business is becoming similar.
The test I took in 1990 did not make me a successful REALTOR. Passing a home inspection test will not make you a successful Inspector.
Originally Posted By: jremas This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Damn! I was hoping to get Nick all “riled” up but failed. Looks like instead, I we got a professional reply. I better try harder until I find one of his buttons that sets off a frenzy of words.
–
Jeff Remas
REMAS Inspections, Inc.
Northeastern PA & the Poconos
www.NEPAinspector.com
Originally Posted By: Ronster This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Folks,
I'm going to take you at your word about the NHIE v NACHI comparison. Taking NHIE in the am 12/27 as required by the state of Okla., for licensing. Have heard horror stories from those who have gone before, but consistently score in the 90's on NACHI. Wish me luck because I'll be the next member if I pass 
Originally Posted By: Ronster This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanx Joe,
Getting a warm fuzzy feeling from such a prompt response from one of the "Big Guys".
I studied codes all afternoon, but had to hit your "Boards" before bed. Thanx for putting the test out there, it's been great using it as a study aid !!!
Originally Posted By: Ronster This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thank you Joes, for the encouragement.
Passed the test this am  First try. Score 562. Time 1:55 minutes.
It was not the test I was expecting. I had expected something very code oriented because of conversations in classroom, but found the focus to be safety, safety, safety.
Originally Posted By: Marie Guerrieri This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi All,
I was just wondering why there are questions on the test about Radon? I study a little about it, but radon testing is not required by HIs so I don’t understand why these questions are part of the test.
Originally Posted By: jhagarty This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Marie (Janet):
Radon is a health concern present in almost all areas of the continental US. It is a licensed and regulated industry in many States.
I believe it is important for Home Inspectors to be aware of Radon as well as the Equipment used for the remediation of Radon as the equipment is something that you will encounter on a Home Inspection in many areas.
Being able to converse on the subject and address the concerns of a Home Buyer will enhance the value of your services.