CAHPI National Exam (CNE) cheat sheet

The standard defines a visual, non-invasive, readily accessible inspection of installed systems and components; it is not a code-compliance audit, warranty, or technically exhaustive evaluation.

Readily accessible means observable without moving stored goods, dismantling, or using destructive means; concealed areas and areas obstructed by finishes, insulation, or stored items are excluded.

Core systems within scope: structure, exterior, roofing, plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, interior, insulation and ventilation, and fireplaces and solid-fuel appliances.

Inspectors are not required to walk on roofs; where safe access is unavailable, the roof is inspected from the ground, eaves, or windows and the limitation is reported.

Reportable conditions include safety hazards, systems near or beyond typical service life, material defects, and items not functioning as intended; cosmetic and decorative items are excluded.

Exclusions commonly include septic systems, wells, pools, underground items, environmental testing (mold, radon, asbestos), and code or bylaw compliance verification.

Limitations and exclusions must be stated in the written report; the report identifies inspected components, conditions observed, and recommendations for further evaluation.

A standards-compliant inspection does not guarantee future performance; the report describes the condition at the time of inspection under the conditions present.

Primary duty is to the client; the inspector must avoid conflicts of interest, including undisclosed referral fees or compensation from parties with a stake in the transaction.

Inspectors must not accept compensation from more than one party for the same inspection without full written disclosure and consent of all parties.

Findings must be reported honestly and objectively; inspectors must not soften or omit adverse findings to favor a sale, agent, or referral relationship.

Confidentiality: report contents and client information are not disclosed to third parties without client consent, except as required by law or for a legal proceeding.

Competence rule: an inspector accepts work only within their training and experience, or discloses the limitation and recommends a qualified specialist.

Continuing education and adherence to the standards of practice are ongoing obligations; misrepresentation of qualifications or credentials is prohibited.

Advertising and public statements must be truthful and not misleading; inspectors must not disparage competitors with false or unverifiable claims.

Where the inspector has a personal or financial interest in the property or a related business, that interest must be disclosed in writing before accepting the engagement.

Roofing: asphalt shingles are typically rated 15-25 years; granules in gutters, curling, and exposed mat signal aging; flashing failures at valleys, chimneys, and penetrations are common leak points.

Structure: visible foundation cracks are judged by width, displacement, and pattern; diagonal cracks at corners and stair-step masonry cracks suggest differential settlement.

Electrical: a standard circuit is 120 V; a 15 A circuit supports about 1,800 W and a 20 A circuit about 2,400 W (W = V x A); GFCI protection is required in wet locations and AFCI in bedrooms per modern codes.

Plumbing: water supply is typically 40-80 psi; a TPR valve on a water heater discharges at 150 psi or 210 degrees F, and its discharge pipe must run downhill to within 6 inches of the floor or exterior.

Heating: a forced-air gas furnace requires combustion air and a properly sloped, sealed flue; a heat exchanger crack is a carbon monoxide hazard and warrants immediate evaluation.

Cooling: a refrigerant system is checked for temperature differential (commonly 15-22 degrees F between return and supply) and for condensate drainage and clear outdoor unit airflow.

Insulation and ventilation: attic insulation is measured in R-value; ventilation is typically 1 square foot of net free vent area per 150 square feet of attic floor when no vapor retarder is present.

Exterior and site: grading should slope away from the foundation at roughly 6 inches over the first 10 feet; downspouts should discharge away from the foundation to limit water intrusion.

A written report is delivered within the time frame agreed in the contract; it identifies the inspector, client, property, date, and the standard followed.

Each observation should state the component, the condition, the implication, and a recommendation (monitor, repair, or further evaluation by a qualified specialist).

Photographs supplement but do not replace written narrative; captions must be accurate and not imply conditions beyond what was observed.

The pre-inspection agreement should define scope, exclusions, limitations, fee, and dispute resolution before the inspection begins.

Client communication: confirm scope expectations, explain that the inspection is visual and non-invasive, and clarify that the report is not a warranty.

Records and reports should be retained per the agreement and applicable law; documentation supports defensibility if a complaint or claim arises.

Language in reports should be factual and non-alarmist, avoiding definitive engineering conclusions the inspector is not qualified to make.

Referrals to specialists should be specific to the observed condition (for example, a licensed electrician for an unsafe panel condition) and documented in the report.