Summary: I took the test today (2/13/2024) and passed (first attempt).
Takeaways: InterNACHI does, in fact, prepare you for the exam. Despite what others may say, you are given the tools to succeed. You may have to put in more effort based on your learning style. InterNACHI is roughly 90% text-based. If you’re a visual, hands-on learner like me, you’ll definitely need to expand your study beyond the base lessons, but the content is there if you look for it!
So, here are my tips:
Tip 1: Explore and deep-dive the vast resources available from InterNACHI, not just the base lessons and practice exams. Watch ALL the videos from Ben and the other inspectors performing whole inspections and specific system inspections. Listen to the reasons why, not just the facts. If you still don’t get it, explore YouTube and manufacturer sites to better understand how their systems work.
Tip 2: Learn how to explain how each system works, from start to finish, at an expert level. For example: You’ll need to know how to professionally explain how a heating system works, in detail, from start to finish; how to explain why any given component may not be functioning; and you’ll need to be able to identify each component of that system, what it’s supposed to look like and how it’s supposed to function, and how to identify various defects and potential causes. Take that mindset, and apply to all the systems you learned about.
Note: I did NOT buy the NHIE study books.
TIP 3: Don’t cram new material the day before. You won’t retain it, and you’re just overworking your brain. Relax, eat well, sleep well, and allow yourself plenty of time to wake up, drink coffee (or whatever), and don’t let your brain get distracted by rushing around. You’ve learned all that you’re going to learn, so give yourself the day or two before to relax. Do some light reviews if you want, but don’t try to cram “new” material.
Tip 4: Yes, there are “code” questions, but they do NOT ask you specific code numbers, meaning you do not need to remember “section 123.1, subsection ABC”. When someone says that there are code-related questions, they mean there are questions regarding GFCIs, handrails, walkways, landings, headroom above stairs, plumbing regulations, etc. - those types of codes. I did not get a single question that had an actual code number on it (thank God!).
Tip 5 (FINAL TIP): My background is in instructional design, training (teaching), and a lifetime of handyman work on the side. The most helpful part of my background was instructional design. This test is the worst, most out-of-touch exam I’ve ever seen in my 39 years on this planet. The questions are written poorly, and they go against many instructional design principles. I literally had to reverse-engineer some of the questions (break the question down, eliminate obviously incorrect answers, and try to “guess” which of the remaining correct answers they wanted).
I’m NOT the best inspector in the business, I’m new, I’m fresh, and I’m still learning. I will always be in a state of constant learning. This is just a summary of my experience over the last couple of months.
THANK YOU to Ben, Nick, and the entire InterNACHI team!
