CAHPI National Exam (CNE) key terms

The published minimum requirements defining what a home inspector must inspect, how systems are to be described, and which conditions must be reported to the client.

The stated boundaries of the inspection engagement, listing which systems and components are included, excluded, or limited by access, safety, or agreement.

A standards clause describing the minimum outcome the inspector must achieve for a given system, such as describing the system and reporting observed material defects.

A condition where a component can be observed or reached without moving stored goods, dismantling finished work, or using tools beyond those normally carried by an inspector.

A condition where a component's relevant features can be seen during a normal visual walk-through without probing, opening concealed spaces, or removing permanent coverings.

A problem with a system or component that significantly reduces its value, safety, or expected service life, or that would prevent it from performing its intended function.

An observed condition that presents an unreasonable risk of injury to occupants or inspectors, such as missing guards, exposed conductors, or improper combustion venting.

A factor such as restricted access, weather, occupancy, or concealed construction that prevented the inspector from fully applying a required inspection method or observing a component.

A system, component, or condition that the standards or the engagement agreement expressly remove from the inspection, such as cosmetic finishes or environmental testing.

A defect or component hidden behind finished surfaces, soil, insulation, or stored items that cannot be observed during a visual inspection and may remain undiscovered.

A defect that existed at the time of the inspection but was not visible and would not be revealed by the visual methods the standards require.

The degree of care, skill, and judgment that a reasonably prudent inspector would exercise under similar circumstances, used to judge professional conduct.

A situation where the inspector's personal, financial, or business interests could improperly influence inspection findings or recommendations, undermining objectivity owed to the client.

The profession's binding rules of conduct covering honesty, objectivity, confidentiality, competence, and fair dealing with clients, the public, and other inspectors.

Written notice to the client of any financial or business relationship the inspector has with contractors or vendors to whom the client may be referred for repairs.

The duty to keep client information and inspection findings private, releasing them to others only with client consent or where required by law.

The written contract signed before the inspection that states scope, fees, limitations, exclusions, and the respective responsibilities of inspector and client.

The written deliverable identifying inspected systems, their observed condition, material defects, safety hazards, limitations encountered, and recommended follow-up actions.

The practice of promptly telling the client or occupant about an observed condition posing serious risk, rather than waiting for the written report to be issued.

A report style that describes each system and explains the significance of observed conditions in full sentences, rather than relying on checkboxes or codes alone.

A written suggestion that a qualified specialist further evaluate, repair, or replace a component, stated without prescribing a specific contractor or guaranteeing an outcome.

The obligation to disclose in writing any observed condition that is a material defect, safety hazard, or significant limitation, even when it falls outside the requested scope.

The load-bearing elements of a building, including foundations, footings, columns, beams, floor and roof framing, and the connections that transfer loads to the ground.

The vertical load-bearing or retaining element below or at grade that supports the structure, commonly of cast concrete, masonry units, or treated wood.

A white powdery deposit on masonry or concrete surfaces formed when water carries soluble salts to the surface and evaporates, often indicating moisture movement.

The structural members that support the roof covering and transfer loads to walls, including rafters, trusses, ridge boards, and sheathing.

The panels or boards fastened over rafters or trusses to support the roof covering and stiffen the roof structure.

Metal or other material installed at roof intersections, valleys, penetrations, and wall junctions to direct water away and prevent entry into the building.

The unwanted entry of water or water vapor into building assemblies, which can cause decay, corrosion, mold growth, and deterioration of finishes and structure.

The enclosure containing the main disconnect, overcurrent devices, and distribution busbars where power from the utility is divided into branch circuits.

A device such as a circuit breaker or fuse that automatically interrupts current flow when it exceeds a safe level, protecting conductors and equipment from overheating.

A condition where two conductors are connected under a single circuit-breaker terminal not listed for that use, which can cause loose connections and overheating.

A protective device that interrupts a circuit when it detects a small current imbalance between hot and neutral conductors, reducing shock risk in wet locations.

The intentional connection of metal parts to create electrical continuity, ensuring they remain at the same potential and helping protective devices operate correctly.

A heating system that warms air in a furnace and distributes it through ductwork and registers by means of a blower.

The component separating combustion gases from supply air in a fuel-fired furnace; cracks or holes can allow carbon monoxide into the living space.

The air supplied to a fuel-burning appliance for proper burning; inadequate supply can cause incomplete combustion and dangerous carbon monoxide production.

A condition where combustion products spill into the building instead of venting outdoors, often caused by depressurization or a blocked or improperly sized flue.

A U-shaped fitting that holds a water seal to prevent sewer gases from entering the building through a fixture drain.

Any actual or potential link between a potable water supply and a source of contamination, which can allow pollutants to be drawn into drinking water.

A device or arrangement such as a check valve or air gap that stops contaminated water from reversing flow into a potable water system.

Piping that carries potable water under pressure from the source or meter to fixtures and appliances within the building.