InterNACHI Wind Mitigation exam-day guide
InterNACHI Wind Mitigation · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the same name and spelling used on your registration. If your ID name differs from your registration (middle name, suffix, maiden name), confirm with the provider before test day how to reconcile it; do not assume it will be accepted.
Registration confirmation and provider login credentials
Have your confirmation email, order number, and the username/password for the provider's testing portal available. If the exam is delivered through a third-party proctoring service, confirm with the provider which account you sign in with.
Know your exam format and time limit
Confirm with the provider in advance: number of questions, time allowed, passing score, whether questions are multiple-choice only or include scenario-based items, and whether the exam is open-book. These details vary by course version and delivery partner, so verify rather than assume.
Course materials and standards references, if permitted
If the provider allows open-book access, bring your own printed or tabbed notes and the relevant code/standard excerpts. Confirm with the provider what reference material is permitted; bringing prohibited materials can void a result.
A reliable computer, camera, microphone, and stable internet connection (online delivery)
For remote-proctored exams, test your equipment and run any required system check at least 24 hours ahead. Have a backup plan (phone hotspot, second device) in case of failure. Confirm with the provider the policy if your connection drops mid-exam.
A quiet, private, well-lit room with a clear desk (online delivery)
Proctoring systems often require a room scan and a clear workspace with no notes, phones, or second screens unless explicitly allowed. Remove clutter and tell household members not to enter during the exam.
Arrival time and check-in window
Note the check-in time, not just the start time. For in-person testing, arrive early enough for ID verification and seating. For online testing, begin the check-in process before the scheduled start. Confirm with the provider how late arrivals are handled.
Permitted calculator or scratch materials
If the exam includes load, pressure, or dimension calculations, confirm with the provider whether a calculator and scratch paper are allowed and whether scratch paper must be shown and destroyed afterward. Many proctoring services supply an on-screen whiteboard instead.
Review the wind mitigation inspection concepts you will be tested on
Be able to explain roof covering type and age, roof deck attachment (nail type, spacing, and whether the deck is re-nailed), roof-to-wall connection (toe nails, clips, straps, and single vs. double wraps), secondary water resistance, opening protection (impact-rated glazing, shutters, rated doors and garage doors), and how these features map to insurance premium credits.
Practice reading and completing the inspection form fields
Know the standard wind mitigation form categories and the evidence each requires (permit records, product approval numbers, photos, manufacturer labels). Practice describing how you would document each feature so you can answer scenario questions quickly.
Know your retake and rescheduling policy
Confirm with the provider the fee, waiting period, and number of permitted retakes, plus the deadline to reschedule without penalty. Write these down before test day so a setback does not derail your plan.
Accessibility or accommodation request status
If you need extra time, a separate room, or other accommodations, confirm with the provider that your request was approved and how it will be applied on test day. Requests are usually handled well before the exam date.
Plan the day
Re-read the course outline and your own notes rather than the whole manual. Build a one-page summary of the high-yield topics: roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, secondary water resistance, opening protection, and how each is verified in the field. Confirm your exam appointment time, time zone, and delivery method. If online, run the proctoring system check now so you have time to fix problems. Confirm with the provider any open questions about permitted references, ID matching, and the passing score.
Do practice questions or scenario drills under timed conditions. For each wrong answer, write the correct concept in your own words and note why the distractor was wrong. Focus on the distinctions that trip people up: clip versus strap, single versus double wrap, toenail versus structural connection, and which features require permit or product-approval documentation. Stop adding new material after this point.
Do a light review of your one-page summary only. Prepare and stage your ID, confirmation email, login credentials, and any permitted references in one place. If online, charge devices, test camera and microphone, and clear your exam room. Confirm the check-in time and how early to log in or arrive. Set two alarms. Get a full night of sleep; do not cram late.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate. Log in or arrive with time to spare for identity verification and any room scan. Close unrelated applications, silence your phone unless the proctor requires it visible, and keep your desk clear except for permitted items. Read the provider's on-screen instructions fully before starting, and note how to reach support if the session fails.
Do a first pass answering questions you know and flagging uncertain ones. Read each question for qualifiers such as 'best', 'minimum', or 'not'. For scenario items, identify the feature being described and the evidence that would confirm it before choosing. If open-book, use your index or tabs rather than reading whole pages. Watch the clock and reserve the final minutes to revisit flagged items. Do not leave any question blank unless the format penalizes wrong answers; confirm with the provider whether guessing is penalized.
Note your result and, if available, the score breakdown by topic. If you did not pass, immediately confirm with the provider the retake fee, waiting period, and scheduling process while the details are fresh. Record which topics cost you points and plan a focused review before rebooking.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID and present it exactly as registered. If your registered name differs from your ID, resolve it with the provider before test day; do not expect an exception at check-in.
Follow all proctor instructions. For remote exams this typically includes a room scan, keeping your face in camera view, and not leaving the camera's field during the session. Refusing a proctor instruction can end the session and void your result.
Keep only permitted materials at your desk. Phones, smart watches, second monitors, and unauthorized notes are commonly prohibited; confirm with the provider what is allowed for your specific exam version before you sit down.
Do not communicate with anyone other than the proctor during the exam, and do not screenshot, copy, or share exam content. Sharing questions after the exam may violate the provider's agreement and can affect your certification.
Understand the break policy before you start. Some exams allow scheduled breaks, others do not stop the clock; confirm with the provider whether breaks are permitted and whether the timer runs during them.
Know the scoring rule. Confirm with the provider the passing score, whether unanswered questions count as wrong, and whether any questions are unscored pilot items. Do not rely on rumor about the passing threshold.
If technical problems occur, stop and contact the proctor or provider support immediately rather than continuing through a faulty session. Ask what documentation they need so the incident can be reviewed.
Report any suspected error in a question to the provider after the exam rather than arguing during the session. Note the topic and wording so your report is specific.