HVAC Exam FAQs
Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, also known as HVAC, requires specialized skills, knowledge and experience. Some states and municipalities require that HVAC specialists be licensed or certified and others do not. Even among the locations that do require a license or certification, requirements vary widely, but licensing requirements always include some type of test and usually minimum educational, training or experience requirements. In addition to licensing exams that may be required to work in various locations, there are also numerous certification exams that can be taken to show proficiency, further careers and advance employment and compensation opportunities.
States and localities may have different requirements for certification and licensure. Those locations that require a license have candidates take some type of test. This test can vary greatly and include knowledge of HVAC processes, electrical codes, proper handling of refrigerants, laws and regulations and more.
For states or municipalities that require licensing by HVAC technicians, there are sometimes varying levels of licensing, depending on whether an individual is a journeyman, master or contractor. Some states even require apprentices or trainees to have a license if they are doing any hands-on work. A journeyman has less practical experience than a master. More stringent requirements are needed in order to earn a contractor license. For any technicians that work with or purchase refrigerants, a certification exam must be passed - this is a requirement of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There are three certification areas for refrigerant handling, including servicing small appliances, high pressure refrigerants and low pressure refrigerants. These exams are usually administered by trade schools, unions or contractor associations that are approved by the EPA.
HVAC exams generally consist of multiple-choice questions.
The number of questions on an HVAC Exam vaies from state to state and the average is between 100 to 150 questions.
The time limit for an HVAC test varies from state to state and the average time given is between one to two hours.
The passing score for an HVAC Exam varies from state to state.
The HVAC exams differ in format and content from state to state, but they tend to cover similar material such as:
- AC System Service, Diagnosis and Repair
- Refrigeration System - Compressor and Clutch
- Refrigeration - Evaporator, Condenser and Related Components
- Heating and Engine Cooling Systems Diagnosis and Repair
- Operating Systems and Related Controls Diagnosis and Repair
HVAC Exams are typically developed by each state's Licensing Board or by the certification board from which you apply, like HVAC Excellence, a leading certification organization in the United States.
To sign up to take the HVAC test, contact your local licensing department or national certification board. Ask the licensing department for a blue print of the HVAC exam, which will provide information about the number and type of questions on the HVAC exam and how much time you will have to complete the exam. The blue print may also inform you of what score is needed to pass the HVAC exam. Once you qualify to take the HVAC test and sign up for it, the local licensing or certification department will inform you where and when the test will be conducted.
The HVAC Exam is used to determine whether an individual has the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to become a licensed and/or certified HVAC technician. There are also numerous tests that can be taken during different times in an HVAC technician's education and career to certify their competency in various aspects of the profession. These tests are not always required but do help to advance an individual's career and provide greater employment and compensation opportunities. Entry-level certification exams for those with less than one year of experience are usually administered at trade or technical schools. As experience increases, other certification exams deal with specific types of equipment or processes.
There are numerous types of certification and licensing exams offered to HVAC specialists that are administered by various organizations, groups, or state agencies. The EPA requires that anyone handling or purchasing refrigerants be certified. There are different tests required dependent on whether you are servicing building air conditioning and refrigeration systems or those used for an automobile. Some of the larger organizations that offer certification programs and licensing exams are HVAC Excellence, North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Safety Coalition. Trade and technical schools, unions and other organizations may also offer certification exams. States may offer their own licensing exams or have a third party tester administer the tests.
HVAC work is highly regulated by the individual states in order to serve public safety. Many states require HVAC technicians to be licensed and/or certified.
Practice tests, such as Tests.com's HVAC Practice Exam, are a good way to study as it goes over the material you need to know while giving you a chance to practice your test taking skills. Additionally, study guides, text books, class notes, flashcards and videos are important study tools. It is best to use a wide range of test prep to get the most comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
Tests.com has worked with licensed HVAC instructors to create a HVAC Practice Test to help you prepare for the exam. Tests.com's TestSim online interactive platform allows you to tailor tests to the subjects you want to study and to form tests to fit your study schedule. You can even simulate the actual HVAC Exam by setting the number of questions and timer to the time period allowed for the actual test. Click here for a free HVAC Practice Exam.
