NJ HVAC Contractor study plan

Explain the vapor-compression cycle stage by stage and state the pressure-temperature relationship for at least three common refrigerants

Interpret a pressure-enthalpy diagram to locate subcooling, superheat, and the four cycle points for a stated operating condition

Identify compressor, metering device, evaporator, and condenser types and describe the failure mode each exhibits when starved or flooded

Apply EPA Section 608 handling rules: recovery requirements, evacuation levels, leak-rate thresholds, and recordkeeping for appliances by charge size

Demonstrate safe refrigerant cylinder handling, including hydrostatic relief awareness, liquid vs vapor charging, and cylinder heating prohibitions

Calculate superheat and subcooling from gauge and thermometer readings and state whether each indicates undercharge, overcharge, or restriction

Diagnose five common refrigerant-circuit faults from a described symptom set (high superheat with low subcooling, and so on)

Size and select line sets, metering devices, and evaporator coils for a described matched system

Describe heat pump reversing valve operation and defrost initiation, termination, and backup-lockout sequences

Sequence a leak-free evacuation and charging procedure from recovery through final verification

Perform combustion analysis math: calculate excess air, stack temperature rise, and steady-state efficiency from a given flue reading

Identify draft categories and verify venting and combustion air requirements for Category I and Category IV appliances

Trace a gas train from service regulator through manifold and explain the function and test method for each safety control

Size and pipe a natural gas or propane distribution system using the longest-run method and appropriate tables

List clearance-to-combustible, condensate, and relief valve requirements for a residential boiler installation

Compare condensing and non-condensing boiler piping, primary-secondary hydronic loops, and circulator selection criteria

Compute heat loss for a sample house using the block load and room-by-room methods and reconcile the difference

Select equipment capacity from calculated load rather than rules of thumb and explain the effect of oversizing on humidity and cycling

Apply New Jersey energy code provisions for envelope, duct insulation, and equipment minimum efficiency

Verify boiler and furnace sizing against distribution capacity and available static pressure

Size supply and return ducts using friction-rate and velocity methods and check available static pressure against blower data

Apply Manual D equivalent-length and fitting-loss logic to a described trunk-and-branch layout

Diagnose airflow problems: excessive external static, undersized returns, and pressure imbalance across a closed door

Explain ventilation and IAQ requirements including outdoor air, filtration MERV selection, and moisture control targets

Identify duct sealing, insulation, and location requirements that affect energy code compliance

Read and draw ladder diagrams for a call for heat, call for cool, and continuous fan using standard HVAC symbols

Troubleshoot motor circuits: PSC vs ECM, capacitor testing, start-assist components, and winding resistance checks

Verify control transformer loading, thermostat wiring configurations, and low-voltage short diagnosis

Apply electrical code requirements for disconnects, overcurrent protection, grounding, and conductor sizing for HVAC equipment

Test the sequence of operation on a heat pump with auxiliary and emergency heat, including lockout and balance point

Map the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code subcodes to HVAC work and identify when a permit and inspection are required

Describe the licensing framework: contractor and master classifications, scope of work, business permit, and continuing education obligations

Outline the inspection sequence from permit application through rough-in, final, and certificate of occupancy or approval

State employer and employee responsibilities under OSHA for ladders, confined spaces, electrical safety, and refrigerant exposure

Identify notification, recordkeeping, and refrigerant sales-restriction obligations for a licensed New Jersey contractor

Build a takeoff-based estimate for a sample replacement job including labor hours, overhead, markup, and contingency

Draft contract terms covering scope, change orders, payment schedule, warranty, and lien and insurance requirements

Create a project schedule with material ordering, permit lead time, and inspection milestones for a two-week job

Review the full domain list and write a personal weak-area list with a remediation action for each item

Complete a timed 60-question mixed practice set and analyze every miss by domain