Free CAHPI National Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the CAHPI National Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1During an inspection, heat is transferred from a central burner to water circulating through radiators. How should the central unit be identified?

   1. A.BoilerCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Furnace
   3. C.Heat pump
   4. D.Unit heater

   Explanation: The reference states: "Where water is the heat transfer medium, this is a boiler." Water, rather than air, is the heat-transfer medium.

   Reference: Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book, Student Edition — Heating / Cooling, printed page 186

2. 2A pipe bangs only when a washing-machine supply valve closes abruptly. Which mechanism best explains the noise?

   1. A.Trap siphoning
   2. B.Pump cavitation
   3. C.Water hammerCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Thermal expansion

   Explanation: The reference states: "Water hammer only occurs as valves are closed." The abrupt stop produces pressure shock in the supply line.

   Reference: Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book, Student Edition — Plumbing, printed page 303

3. 3A foundation footing is wider than the wall above it. What is the primary reason for the extra width?

   1. A.Restrain wall movement by adding lateral bracing
   2. B.Spread the building load over more soilCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Increase the bearing pressure on the soil
   4. D.Keep the foundation wall above groundwater

   Explanation: The reference states: "so the load of the house can be spread out over a wide area." A wider footing distributes the same load over greater bearing area.

   Reference: Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book, Student Edition — Structure, printed page 81

4. 4Asphalt shingles have lost much of their mineral granule surfacing. Which protective function has been reduced?

   1. A.Shielding asphalt from ultraviolet lightCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Holding shingle tabs against wind uplift
   3. C.Sealing nail penetrations in the underlay
   4. D.Ventilating the underside of roof sheathing

   Explanation: The reference states: "The granular material protects the shingles from ultra-violet light." Granule loss exposes the asphalt to accelerated sunlight deterioration.

   Reference: Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book, Student Edition — Roofing, printed page 3

5. 5A breaker is rated above the ampacity of its branch-circuit wiring. What risk does this create?

   1. A.Delayed interruption allowing conductor overheatingCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Premature interruption during ordinary running load
   3. C.Excessive voltage drop across a loose terminal
   4. D.Arcing across a damaged insulation surface

   Explanation: The reference states: "An oversized fuse or breaker will not shut off the circuit in time to prevent overheating." Excessive overcurrent protection can fail to protect the conductor.

   Reference: Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book, Student Edition — Electrical, printed page 161

6. 6A chimney contains thick tar-like deposits. Which hazard is most directly associated with those deposits?

   1. A.Seasonal movement of the hearth
   2. B.High-temperature chimney fireCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Freeze-thaw damage to mortar
   4. D.Galvanic corrosion of flashing

   Explanation: The reference states: "Creosote (a tar-like substance) buildup in chimneys is also a significant fire hazard." Combustible creosote can fuel a severe chimney fire.

   Reference: Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book, Student Edition — Interior — Fireplaces, printed page 377

7. 7A ceiling water stain remains after a documented roof repair. What conclusion is justified by the stain alone?

   1. A.The surface was wetted, but current leakage is unconfirmedCorrect answer: A
   2. B.The roof still leaks whenever rain falls
   3. C.The water originated in the plumbing above
   4. D.The concealed framing has lost structural capacity

   Explanation: The reference states: "Stains appear quickly and persist after the problem is solved." A persistent stain alone does not establish an active leak or its source.

   Reference: Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book, Student Edition — Interior, printed page 355

8. 8A CAHPI member is offered an inspection fee payable only if the buyer completes the purchase. How should the member handle this arrangement?

   1. A.Accept after disclosing the contingency
   2. B.Accept if the fee equals the normal rate
   3. C.Accept with the seller's written approval
   4. D.Decline the contingency arrangementCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: The code states: "Members shall not perform inspections under contingency arrangements whereby any compensation or future referrals are dependent on reported findings or on the future sale of the property." Compensation contingent on the transaction conflicts with the stated rule.

   Reference: CAHPI Inspector Standards — Code of Ethics — Code of Ethics — contingency arrangements

9. 9Two equally thick insulation products have different R-values. What does the higher R-value indicate?

   1. A.Greater susceptibility to air movement
   2. B.Greater heat generation within the material
   3. C.Greater resistance to heat transferCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Greater transmission of water vapour

   Explanation: The reference states: "An R-value indicates resistance to heat transfer" R-value measures thermal resistance rather than moisture transmission.

   Reference: Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book, Student Edition — Insulation / Ventilation, printed page 268

10. 10A freestanding range can tip when weight is placed on its open oven door. Which device addresses this hazard?

    1. A.Oven door latch
    2. B.Anti-tip bracketCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Door hinge spring
    4. D.Levelling foot

    Explanation: The reference states: "This bracket holds one of the rear legs of the oven, preventing it from tipping" The anti-tip bracket restrains the range by capturing a rear leg.

    Reference: Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book, Student Edition — Appliances, printed page 407