Inspector Certification Examination

Illinois Housing Quality Standards Inspector Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is considered a major defect in housing

inspection?

• Chipped paint on walls
• Missing electrical outlet covers
• Structural cracks in foundation
• Stained carpet

Rationale: Structural cracks in the foundation can affect the safety

and stability of the building, making it a major defect.

• What is the minimum ceiling height required in habitable rooms under

Illinois HQS? 1 / 3

• 6 feet 8 inches
• 7 feet
• 7 feet 6 inches
• 8 feet

Rationale: Illinois HQS requires habitable rooms to have a minimum

ceiling height of 7 feet to ensure adequate living space.

• Which of the following conditions would fail HQS for sanitation?
• Working sink
• Functional toilet
• Sewage backup in bathroom
• Hot water available

Rationale: Sewage backup presents a health hazard, failing HQS

sanitation requirements.

4. In Illinois HQS inspections, smoke detectors must be:

• Installed in kitchens only
• Installed in bedrooms only
• Installed in each sleeping area and on each level of the dwelling
• Optional in units built before 2000

Rationale: Smoke detectors are required in all sleeping areas and on

every floor to ensure early warning in case of fire.

• Which of the following electrical issues is a violation of HQS?
• Light bulbs missing
• Exposed wiring in living area 2 / 3

• Flickering lights
• Outlet paint splatter

Rationale: Exposed wiring poses a risk of electric shock or fire and

fails HQS standards.

• A housing unit must have _______ to meet HQS requirements for

kitchen facilities.

• Stove only
• Refrigerator only
• Working stove and refrigerator
• Microwave only

Rationale: Both stove and refrigerator are essential for safe food

preparation and storage.

• How often must HQS inspections be performed for subsidized units in

Illinois?

• Every 6 months
• Every 2 years
• Annually
• Every 5 years

Rationale: Annual inspections are required to ensure continued

compliance with HQS.

• Which of the following is an acceptable heating source under HQS?
• Open wood stove without ventilation
• Portable kerosene heater only
• / 3