Home Inspector Readiness Exam™ (HIRE) Update Page

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Nick Gromicko, Executive Director
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www.certifiedmasterinspector.org/hire

Home Inspector Readiness Exam™ (HIRE) Project Status Page

2026:

The Master Inspector Certification Board® enters into a contract with PSI to proctor the Home Inspector Readiness Exam™ around the world.
HIRE is welcomed into the InterNACHI® Conglomerate.
The Master Inspector Certification Board® designs new HIRE logo.
Proctored Conditions Testing. The HIRE enters beta testing where candidates complete the exam under secure proctored conditions.
Minimum passing score derived.
The Master Inspector Certification Board® files a U.S. trademark application for "Home Inspector Readiness Exam™."
Meetings held with home inspector regulators regarding license reciprocity.
Question performance analyzed before a panel of subject matter experts.

2025:

Exam Form Assembly Phase. Approved questions were assembled into multiple exam sets using psychometric best practices. Each form was carefully balanced to provide a fair and consistent testing experience.
Question Review Phase. Every exam question was independently reviewed by experienced home inspectors for technical accuracy, clarity, and fairness. This collaborative review helped ensure every question meets high professional and psychometric standards.
Item Writers. A nationwide search identified experienced subject matter experts to develop exam questions. Before writing began, all item writers were trained by a psychometrician in modern best practices for creating fair, reliable, and psychometrically sound exam questions.

2024:

National Survey. More than 1,700 home inspectors participated in the nationwide job analysis survey, helping shape the exam blueprint. By rating the importance and frequency of real-world inspection tasks, inspectors ensured the exam is grounded in everyday practice.
Job Analysis Workshop. Guided by a psychometrician, experienced home inspectors identified the core knowledge, skills, and responsibilities of an entry-level home inspector. Their work formed the foundation of a nationwide job analysis survey designed to validate those findings across the profession.
Focus Groups. Five focus groups brought together practicing home inspectors from across two countries to capture the diverse climates, construction practices, inspection conditions, and regional expertise that define the profession. Inspectors from varied backgrounds, experience levels, and professional affiliations reinforced both the pride they take in their work and the need for another modern, professionally developed entrance exam.

2023:

Two separate psychometrician consultants are hired to help develop the exam.
The Master Inspector Certification Board® budgets $1.5 million to the development of a reciprocity home inspector exam.

2022:

The Master Inspector Certification Board® commits to creating a home inspector exam that could be used in conjunction with InterNACHI®'s U.S. Department of Education-accredited school for the purpose of license reciprocity between states and provinces of Canada.
The Master Inspector Certification Board® proposes a proctored, psychometrically-sound and legally-defensible exam and a University degree program for the purpose of creating home inspector license reciprocity across North America.

2021:

NHIE loses in court. InterNACHI® defeats the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (NHIE).

2019:

Join our forum discussion about HIRE, the Home Inspector Readiness Exam™

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