# Question about the National Test. **URL:** \ **Category:** General Inspection Discussion\ **Created:** [November 20, 2006, 12:26am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815 "2006-11-20T00:26:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jodyh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Jodyh](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Jodyh)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 12:26am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/1 "2006-11-20T00:26:04Z")
I just finished my requirements for home inspection in my state. What is the test like? I know the one on this site has gotten to the point that it’s become really easy. I was just wondering if it’s anything like the practice test on this site? ---
**Author:** ![fcarrio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/fcarrio/32/1571_2.png) [@fcarrio](https://forum.nachi.org/u/fcarrio)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 12:28am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/2 "2006-11-20T00:28:54Z")
> [@Jodyh](#): > > I just finished my requirements for home inspection in my state. What is the test like? I know the one on this site has gotten to the point that it’s become really easy. I was just wondering if it’s anything like the practice test on this site? What State do you live in? ---
**Author:** ![mharris4](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mharris4/32/1731_2.png) [@mharris4](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mharris4)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 12:31am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/3 "2006-11-20T00:31:48Z")
I took the test in LA this summer. The test covers ALOT of different areas- The challenge was that it was mulitple choice and had more than one correct answer to choose. You are graded by choosing the most correct answer. Study hard, and Good Luck! ---
**Author:** ![mreusch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/779978/32.png) [@mreusch](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mreusch)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 12:44am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/4 "2006-11-20T00:44:59Z")
In South Carolina we had to take a residential builders test for home inspector license. It was very difficult and had many questions with some answers that all seemed could be correct. However I found a testing company online called compucram that gaurantees if you take their system and use it properly and fail your test they will refund your money. It cost about $65.00 I think and was worth the investment. I learned more from that than from the Teacher giving the training classes I took. You might want to check it out. Good luck ---
**Author:** ![fcarrio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/fcarrio/32/1571_2.png) [@fcarrio](https://forum.nachi.org/u/fcarrio)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 1:00am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/5 "2006-11-20T01:00:54Z")
> [@Jodyh](#): > > I just finished my requirements for home inspection in my state. What is the test like? I know the one on this site has gotten to the point that it’s become really easy. I was just wondering if it’s anything like the practice test on this site? Beware of vendors selling you _a “guarantee”_ ---
**Author:** ![bsumpter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bsumpter/32/835_2.png) [@bsumpter](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bsumpter)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 4:15am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/6 "2006-11-20T04:15:40Z")
> [@Jodyh](#): > > … I know the one on this site has gotten to the point that it’s become really easy… Have you taken it…and passed? ---
**Author:** ![gromicko](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/gromicko/32/58172_2.png) [@gromicko](https://forum.nachi.org/u/gromicko)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 7:02am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/7 "2006-11-20T07:02:07Z")
It depends on what national exam you are talking about. There are several. Statistically the NHIE is by far the easiest with a 68% pass rate and a 70% correct answer cut-off score, and NACHI’s online exam is the hardest with only a 44% pass rate and an 80% correct answer cut-off score… and that’s even with it being open book. [http://exams.nachi.org/oe/stats.php](http://exams.nachi.org/oe/stats.php) The other national exams or state licensing exams (some states have their own) are somewhere between the easiest (NHIE) and the hardest (NACHI’s). Whatever exam you need to take, visit: [http://www.nachi.org/qa.htm](http://www.nachi.org/qa.htm) the night before. ---
**Author:** ![jclark1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jclark1/32/1023_2.png) [@jclark1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jclark1)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 7:18am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/8 "2006-11-20T07:18:36Z")
You know Nick, stats can be deceiving. I think the reason such a discrepency exists in the score averages is because of the average person that is taking the test. A lot of brand new or wanna be HI’s take the NACHI test, thus reducing the average score. The test itself is much easier than the NHIE. If a person that scored a 70 on the NHIE took the NACHI test they’d probably come close to acing it. ---
**Author:** ![wforsyth](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/wforsyth/32/510_2.png) [@wforsyth](https://forum.nachi.org/u/wforsyth)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 7:28am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/9 "2006-11-20T07:28:32Z")
> [@jclark1](#): > > You know Nick, stats can be deceiving. I think the reason such a discrepency exists in the score averages is because of the average person that is taking the test. A lot of brand new or wanna be HI’s take the NACHI test, thus reducing the average score. The test itself is much easier than the NHIE. If a person that scored a 70 on the NHIE took the NACHI test they’d probably come close to acing it. I totally agree with this. I passed the NACHI exam but I am certain that when I first started here I couldn’t have passed the NHIE. People try it for a lark as well, so not everyone will pass. I don’t think someone who is a veteran home inspector would ever have trouble passing the NACHI test. ---
**Author:** ![jmichalski](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmichalski/32/2156_2.png) [@jmichalski](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmichalski)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 3:23pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/10 "2006-11-20T15:23:45Z")
I agree with James and Wendy. I found the nachi online test to be very easy. I found the NHIE to be more difficult, but not frighteningly so. If you have a construction background, if you have received formal training (the two week courses), if you study - you will pass. It is not a bar that is used to disqualify good home inspectors. It is a measure of reasonable competency and knowledge. ---
**Author:** ![dduffy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dduffy/32/554_2.png) [@dduffy](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dduffy)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 4:01pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/11 "2006-11-20T16:01:06Z")
Ditto, what James, Wendy, and Joe said…😃 ---
**Author:** ![fcarrio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/fcarrio/32/1571_2.png) [@fcarrio](https://forum.nachi.org/u/fcarrio)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 4:46pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/12 "2006-11-20T16:46:39Z")
I found the NHIE to be _ **very easy** _. It was a “Walk in the Park” and I could not understand all of the hype and hoopla attached to it.:roll: ---
**Author:** ![jmichalski](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmichalski/32/2156_2.png) [@jmichalski](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmichalski)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 5:25pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/13 "2006-11-20T17:25:49Z")
I dont think there is any hype or hoopla, and I don’t think anyone here is indicating it is anything on the order of ICC testing. It is a measure of reasonable competency and knowledge. The reason there are many questions and concerns regarding NHIE is that it is required in many jurisictions for licensing and for other associations for membership. It is also something that some Realtors or Clents may be knowledgable enough to ask about. Anthing that is required, regardless of level of ease, will naturally present some apprehensions for those about to take it. Like you, I did not find the NHIE particularly difficult, but I think it should be approached seriously and with respect (especially if you NEED it to get a license). ---
**Author:** ![lcapaul](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lcapaul/32/627_2.png) [@lcapaul](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lcapaul)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 5:57pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/14 "2006-11-20T17:57:34Z")
> [@gromicko](#): > > It depends on what national exam you are talking about. There are several. Statistically the NHIE is by far the easiest with a 68% pass rate and a 70% correct answer cut-off score, and NACHI’s online exam is the hardest with only a 44% pass rate and an 80% correct answer cut-off score… and that’s even with it being open book. [http://exams.nachi.org/oe/stats.php](http://exams.nachi.org/oe/stats.php) > > The other national exams or state licensing exams (some states have their own) are somewhere between the easiest (NHIE) and the hardest (NACHI’s). > > Whatever exam you need to take, visit: [http://www.nachi.org/qa.htm](http://www.nachi.org/qa.htm) the night before. Nick, If you charged $195 for the NACHI Exam, made people who failed wait 30 days, and then charged them another $195 to retest, do you think the Passing Percentage would rise? ---
**Author:** ![dbowers](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dbowers/32/59651_2.png) [@dbowers](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dbowers)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 6:52pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/15 "2006-11-20T18:52:56Z")
I’ve had students take the Illinois test, the Oklahoma test, the Arkansas test, the Texas test, the NACHI, test, the NHIE test and the NAHI CRI test. Some students have taken multiple tests - some have taken multiple tests. Some have passed all - some have failed all. Some think NHIE is tuff, others say the NAHI CRI is tuffer than NHIE and more relevant. I train for all tests using only the NACHI test & code check and have about a 97% pass rate. ---
**Author:** ![fcarrio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/fcarrio/32/1571_2.png) [@fcarrio](https://forum.nachi.org/u/fcarrio)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 8:13pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/16 "2006-11-20T20:13:10Z")
> [@jmichalski](#): > > I dont think there is any hype or hoopla, and I don’t think anyone here is indicating it is anything on the order of ICC testing. > [@jmichalski](#): > > I realize that the NHIE _does not even come close_ to the ICC. That is like comparing Kindergarten to Graduate school! > > It is a measure of reasonable competency and knowledge. The reason there are many questions and concerns regarding NHIE is that it is required in many jurisictions for licensing and for other associations for membership. > Thanks to ASHI and their well oiled political machine the NHIE has been written into State Law in far too many states! That does not mean that it as a “Superior” test. It only means that ASHI has pushed their political agenda down the throats of many of our States. > I also have a problem with vendors selling a course that “guarantees” that you will pass the test, and with vendors selling the answers on E-Bay. > I believe that _you should have to study_ for ANY test and pass ON YOUR OWN MERITS. > > It is also something that some Realtors or Clents may be knowledgable enough to ask about. > Once again, Thanks to ASHI and their well oiled political machine > > Anthing that is required, regardless of level of ease, will naturally present some apprehensions for those about to take it. > I am in full agreement with you. The fact that ASHI touts the NHIE as the “Industry Standard” rubs me the wrong way. Many years ago when they were the only game in town they might have been able to spew this nonsense. > Those days are long gone. > > _ **Like you, I did not find the NHIE particularly difficult** _, but I think _ **it should be approached seriously** _ and with respect (especially if you NEED it to get a license). Joe, The “Hype & Hoopla” that I was referring to is the _" **CONSTANT"** _ propaganda that we receive in New England. That being said, I agree with your point of view that this test as well as all others should be taken seriously. v Most especially if it affects your livelihood. ---
**Author:** ![jbowman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jbowman/32/57038_2.png) [@jbowman](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jbowman)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 8:34pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/17 "2006-11-20T20:34:26Z")
Tell me again what the purpose of a Test is for licensure purposes. Hasn’t it become redundant when the following happens… - Everyone who is in business today will be grandfathered. - Everyone in the future wanting to enter the business will be required to sucessfully complete 80 hours or more of classroom education with tests. These schools, and their curriculum and testing methods have already been approved by the state. So with that in mind, of what value or purpose is another “national test” for licensure purpose other than to line someones pocket. The “Free” NACHI exam serves the same exact purpose as the EBPHI Exam. It tests those on competency before entering the profession. Much like an aptitude test. Perhaps successful completion of a national test would allow one to skip all the schooling. Much the same as someone passing the bar exam and becomig licensed without ever stepping foot into law school. Its totally irresponsible of states to mandate the completion of hundreds of hours of schooling to simply pass an entry level exam. I say we get rid of the testing requirements for state licensure. It’s not needed. ---
**Author:** ![rcooke](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rcooke/32/57038_2.png) [@rcooke](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rcooke)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 8:56pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/18 "2006-11-20T20:56:35Z")
> [@jbowman](#): > > So with that in mind, of what value or purpose is another “national test” for licensure purpose other than to line someones pocket. The “Free” NACHI exam serves the same exact purpose as the EBPHI Exam. It tests those on competency before entering the profession. Much like an aptitude test. > > Perhaps successful completion of a national test would allow one to skip all the schooling. Much the same as someone passing the bar exam and becomig licensed without ever stepping foot into law school. > > Its totally irresponsible of states to mandate the completion of hundreds of hours of schooling to simply pass an entry level exam. I say we get rid of the testing requirements for state licensure. It’s not needed. John unfortunatly they do not listen to your logic. Roy Cooke ---
**Author:** ![jbowman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jbowman/32/57038_2.png) [@jbowman](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jbowman)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 10:22pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/19 "2006-11-20T22:22:56Z")
Wouldn’t it be logical for schools to require successful completion of the NACHI or EBPHI exam prior to acceptance for training. They are after all entry level exams. In my book the first school to require this would move up on the credibility list. ---
**Author:** ![jthalmann](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jthalmann/32/250463_2.png) [@jthalmann](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jthalmann)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2006, 11:49pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815/20 "2006-11-20T23:49:46Z")
> [@jclark1](#): > > You know Nick, stats can be deceiving. I think the reason such a discrepency exists in the score averages is because of the average person that is taking the test. A lot of brand new or wanna be HI’s take the NACHI test, thus reducing the average score. The test itself is much easier than the NHIE. If a person that scored a 70 on the NHIE took the NACHI test they’d probably come close to acing it. I agree. Although I passed the NHIE I didn’t even come close to my score on the NACHI test. I had a friend of mine take the NACHI test just for the fun of it. He is not a home inspector so he didn’t do very good on it. Stuff like that is why the stats don’t tell the real story. [Next page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/question-about-the-national-test/9815.md?page=2)