Thanks for the honest reply, now let me see if I can address your post in a logical and honest manner:
Originally Posted by
Steven Meyer
NOW, back to the orginial purpose of this thread.
The NHIE, IN MY OPINION ONLY, is a joke, and does NOT really test for ones knowledge/ability to do home inspections. We are NOT code inspectors, so their reliance on code questions somewhat suspect, Inspectors should know the basic "codes" in order to know what to look for, but that's about it. There is a heck of a lot more to hime inspection than that.
I guess I need to ask when you took the NHIE? The exams (4 of them) change every year and undergo a major remake every four years. I don't know what you consider a "Code" question, but I don't think you will fine a question on the exam that requires you to cite a code. The NHIE has many questions on defect recognition and safety items around a home.
I am sure there is probably a ton of information out there as to the test and its questions/answers. Take into consideration, classes given (for a price , of course) that will PREPARE you for the test. Now just where/how did those putting on the class get the information to be able to concentrate on just the test?????
EBPHI publishes a "Blueprint" of the exam for anyone that wishes to study or to teach the various domains. The domains (areas that are tested) are not a secret, it is made available to the public. As for what or how it is taught is up to whoever is doing the teaching. As for the questions on the exam? Well if you study everything that is covered under the various domains you should have no problem passing. Just as an experienced home inspector should not have any trouble passing. The NHIE covers basic knowledge that a home inspector is expected to know.
I say, follow the money. NHIE has the dog in this fight and a vested interest in pushing their agenda, $50 for a practice exam, $250 to take the full exam. We are talking real money here, and for what? It's not really a "national" test, as many states do not recognize it.
Well it is used by 20 states out of the 32 states that have licensing, with 2-3 more in 2009 that have just passed legislation into law.
Thus, (NHIE) spends considerable time (and money), pushing their test as the ONLY valid test, to be used in each state.
Just how much time & money does EBPHI spend pushing the NHIE? They do not have a lobbyist and have only two employees (1 part-time and 1 full-time). The can't spend all that much.
There can be valid reason/need for a national HI test, but only if it is devised with all states in mind and covers the basic responsibilities/knowledge of a home inspector. And is recognized in all states, to verify an applicants general/basic knowledge.
So, to call this a "national" test, is false advertising, as noted, many states do not recognize it.
Again it is used by the majority of the licensed states. The exam is designed by inspectors from all geographical regions of the country. Over 2700 home inspectors from every state and Puerto Rico, with 5 or more years experience had input into the exam blueprint during its development. Then new questions are written by inspectors from all regions of the country every year.
Last time I checked the NEC is not used by every state in the country either, but it is called the National Electrical Code.
Sounds like a National exam to me.