InterNACHI Roof Inspector exam-day guide
InterNACHI Roof Inspector · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the same name and spelling you used at registration; a mismatch can block entry. Confirm with the provider which ID types it accepts and whether a secondary ID is required.
Login credentials and exam access instructions
If the exam is delivered online or through a proctoring platform, verify your username, password, and any access code the day before. Confirm with the provider how access is issued and what to do if a code fails.
Reliable computer with camera and microphone (if remote-proctored)
Use a device that meets the provider's stated technical requirements, with a working webcam and mic for identity verification. Confirm with the provider whether a phone-only setup is permitted.
Stable internet connection and a backup plan
Wired or strong Wi-Fi, plus a phone hotspot or alternate device as backup. Know the provider's reconnect or reschedule policy before test day.
Quiet, private, well-lit room
Clear the desk of notes, books, and devices unless the provider allows them. A plain wall behind you and even lighting help remote proctors verify your environment.
Permitted reference materials
Determine in advance whether the exam is open-book and which documents are allowed. Confirm with the provider whether printed standards, notes, or a second monitor are permitted, since rules vary.
Scratch paper and pen or pencil
Only if the provider allows them; some proctored exams prohibit all paper. Confirm with the provider and be ready to show blank sheets to the proctor if required.
Charged devices and chargers
Fully charge laptop and phone, and keep chargers within reach. A dead battery mid-exam is treated as a technical failure, not an extension.
Exam logistics confirmed
Re-check start time, time zone, session length, and check-in window. Arrive or log in early, as late entry may be refused. Confirm with the provider how early check-in opens.
Scoring and retake policy reviewed
Know the passing score, whether results are immediate or delayed, and the retake or waiting rules. Confirm with the provider, since these details are set by the certification body, not assumed.
Accessibility or accommodation requests
If you need extra time or another accommodation, request it well before test day. Confirm with the provider what documentation and lead time it requires.
Content outline and weak-topic review notes
Bring only what the rules allow. Use your own summary of the published exam outline to plan final review, focusing on topics you scored lowest on in practice.
Plan the day
Re-read the official exam outline and confirm every domain is covered by your notes. Take one full-length timed practice set under realistic conditions, then list your three weakest topics and schedule focused review for each.
Review roofing-specific fundamentals: roof covering types and their failure modes, flashing details at valleys, penetrations, and wall intersections, underlayment and ventilation requirements, fastening schedules, and safe-walk and inspection-reporting practices. Confirm with the provider whether any code edition or standard is referenced so you study the correct version.
Do a light review of your weak-topic summary only; avoid cramming new material. Confirm exam time, time zone, check-in window, ID requirements, and permitted materials with the provider. Prepare your workspace, test your camera, mic, and connection, and charge all devices.
Lay out ID, chargers, and any permitted materials. Set two alarms. Get a full night's sleep; fatigue hurts performance on long scenario questions more than one extra hour of review helps.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and avoid heavy caffeine if you are sensitive. Log in or arrive at least the check-in margin the provider specifies. Do a final five-minute skim of your own summary sheet, not new topics.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers such as 'most likely', 'first', or 'except'. Answer confident questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. For scenario items, identify the defect or code issue before reading the answer choices. Keep an eye on the clock and reserve time to review flagged questions.
Confirm no question is left blank unless the exam penalizes guessing (confirm with the provider). Re-check flagged items for misread qualifiers, then submit and note any result or confirmation the platform displays.
Rules to check
Present the exact ID the provider requires, with names matching your registration. If your legal name differs from your registration, contact the provider before test day to correct it.
Follow the provider's rules on permitted materials, notes, and devices. When in doubt, leave it out and confirm with the provider rather than risk an integrity violation.
Do not communicate with anyone during the exam, and do not let anyone enter your testing space. Remote proctoring commonly flags both; confirm with the provider what contact is allowed for technical support.
Breaks are governed by provider policy. If breaks are permitted, know whether the clock keeps running and whether you must stay on camera; confirm with the provider before relying on a break.
Keep the exam content confidential. Do not copy, screenshot, record, or share questions, and do not discuss specific items afterward in a way that reveals their content.
Understand the scoring rule before you start: whether unanswered questions count wrong and whether the exam is pass/fail or scaled. Confirm with the provider, as scoring is set by the certification body.
Report technical problems immediately through the provider's stated channel and note times and messages. Do not attempt to fix platform issues by restarting without guidance unless instructed.
If you feel unwell or cannot complete the exam, stop and contact the provider promptly. Ask about reschedule or retake options rather than guessing at the outcome.