Exam Questions And Correct Answers

Asbestos Inspector Certification Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is a common method for identifying asbestos in

building materials?

• Visual inspection only
• Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)
• X-ray diffraction without sample preparation
• Infrared spectroscopy without sampling

Rationale: PLM is the standard analytical method for identifying asbestos

fibers in bulk materials according to EPA and OSHA guidelines.

2. Asbestos is most hazardous when:

• It is intact and undisturbed
• Fibers become airborne and are inhaled 1 / 4

• It is wet and encapsulated
• It is covered by paint

Rationale: Asbestos is dangerous primarily when fibers are released into

the air and inhaled, which can cause lung diseases.

• Which federal agency regulates asbestos in schools and commercial

buildings?

A. FDA

B. EPA

C. CDC

D. OSHA

Rationale: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates asbestos

in schools under AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act).

• What is the first step in conducting an asbestos inspection?
• Collecting samples immediately
• Conducting a site survey and reviewing building plans
• Sending bulk samples to the lab
• Removing suspect materials

Rationale: Inspectors must perform a visual survey and review building

documentation to plan safe sampling.

• Which type of asbestos fiber is the most common in building materials?
• Crocidolite
• Amosite 2 / 4

• Chrysotile
• Tremolite

Rationale: Chrysotile (white asbestos) is the most widely used type in

construction materials.

• Which of the following is a friable asbestos-containing material (ACM)?
• Vinyl floor tiles
• Roofing shingles
• Spray-applied insulation
• Cement siding

Rationale: Friable ACM can be crumbled by hand and release fibers,

making spray-applied insulation highly hazardous.

• What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for sampling

asbestos?

• Gloves only
• Safety glasses only
• Respirator, disposable coveralls, gloves
• Hard hat only

Rationale: Sampling requires full PPE to prevent inhalation and

contamination of clothing.

• Which OSHA regulation governs worker exposure to asbestos?

A. 29 CFR 1910.134

B. 29 CFR 1926.1101 3 / 4

• 40 CFR Part 763

D. 29 CFR 1910.1200

Rationale: OSHA’s construction standard 29 CFR 1926.1101 covers asbestos

exposure for workers.

• The AHERA regulation requires re-inspections of asbestos-containing

school buildings every:

• 3 years
• 3 years for full inspections, 6 months for surveillance
• 1 year
• 5 years

Rationale: AHERA mandates periodic inspections and surveillance to

monitor ACM condition in schools.

• Which type of asbestos analysis is required for air samples?

A. PLM

• X-ray diffraction
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
• Polarization spectroscopy

Rationale: TEM is used for airborne asbestos because it can detect very

small fibers that PLM cannot.

• What is the purpose of using a HEPA vacuum during asbestos cleanup?
• General dust removal
• Floor polishing
• / 4