NATE LC Refrigeration study plan

Explain the vapor-compression cycle stage by stage, stating pressure and temperature relationships for each of the four components

Label a hand-drawn system diagram with compressor, condenser, metering device, evaporator, and accessory components and describe the function of each

Define superheat, subcooling, saturation, and glide, and calculate each from given pressure and temperature readings

Identify the four common refrigerant classifications and match common refrigerants to their oil type and application range

Describe the operating sequence and electrical role of the compressor, condenser fan motor, and evaporator fan motor within the cycle

Trace a basic control circuit from thermostat through contactor coil to compressor and identify what opens or closes at each step

Compare PSC, ECM, and shaded-pole motors on starting method, speed control, and typical refrigeration application

Explain how a run capacitor, start capacitor, and potential relay interact during compressor startup

Size and select line sets, filter-driers, and metering devices for a described walk-in cooler installation

Write a step-by-step evacuation procedure including micron-level targets and standing vacuum test criteria

Perform and document a nitrogen pressure test and leak check sequence before charging

Calculate a target superheat for a fixed-orifice system and a target subcooling for a TXV system from given conditions

Plan a commissioning checklist covering electrical, refrigerant, airflow, and temperature verification

Diagnose high superheat with low suction pressure and list probable causes ranked by likelihood

Diagnose high head pressure and high subcooling and distinguish between airflow, overcharge, and non-condensable causes

Interpret a pressure-temperature chart reading to confirm restricted liquid line, restricted suction line, or undercharge

Explain how to isolate a pump-down or defrost control fault using sequence-of-operation reasoning

Convert gauge readings and thermometer readings into a written diagnostic narrative for three fault scenarios

Perform a systematic troubleshooting walkthrough of an ice machine or reach-in unit from complaint to root cause

Describe recovery, recycling, and evacuation procedures that comply with refrigerant handling regulations

Outline brazing and soldering steps including nitrogen purge, heat control, and leak verification

Explain compressor replacement steps including electrical checks, oil charge, and post-replacement verification

Identify when a repair versus replacement recommendation is appropriate and what data supports it

Read and interpret a manufacturer wiring diagram to locate every safety and control device in a circuit

Test capacitors, contactors, thermistors, and pressure switches with a multimeter and state pass or fail criteria

Explain lockout-tagout, PPE, and refrigerant safety practices for service on energized and pressurized systems

Describe defrost termination and fan delay control operation and how to verify correct cycling

Identify electrical code and label requirements relevant to field-installed refrigeration equipment

Combine mechanical, airflow, and electrical diagnosis into a single troubleshooting decision tree

Practice timed troubleshooting scenarios mixing refrigerant, electrical, and control faults

Review missed questions from weeks 1 through 6 and restate the underlying principle for each

Explain how to document a service call from arrival through customer handoff

Review condensed notes for all five domains and confirm coverage of any weak areas flagged in week 7

Recite key formulas, target superheat and subcooling ranges, and evacuation targets from memory

Complete a second timed practice exam and compare results against week 7 to measure improvement

Build a one-page exam-day reference sheet limited to facts you can justify without notes