ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N Exam Prep Guide

The ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N examination is designed for mechanical trade professionals preparing to demonstrate their knowledge of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, exhaust systems, duct construction, combustion air, chimneys, vents, fuel-gas piping, equipment installation, testing, and mechanical safety.

The ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N exam prep collection includes a books and courses rental package, professionally highlighted and tabbed references, flexible online exam preparation, and a complete exam book package.

This guide explains the available F31-N packages, current exam format, listed references, major study areas, calculation topics, and practical ways to prepare for an open-book mechanical examination.

Available F31-N Exam Prep Packages

• ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N - Books & Courses Rental Package: $790.00 sale price, reduced from $1,090.00
• ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package: $495.00 sale price, reduced from $695.00
• ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N - Online Exam Prep: $295.00 sale price, reduced from $395.00
• ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N Exam Book Package: $345.00 sale price, reduced from $445.00

The rental package combines temporary access to the references with online instruction. The highlighted and tabbed package supports faster code navigation. The online course is suited to candidates who already own the correct books, while the exam book package supports independent preparation and permanent reference ownership.

Books & Courses Rental Package

The ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N Books & Courses Rental Package combines access to the listed mechanical and fuel-gas references with structured online exam preparation.

The package is listed at a sale price of $790.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,090.00.

This package may be suitable for candidates who:

• Need both exam references and online preparation
• Do not currently own the listed code books
• Want an organized journeyman mechanical study plan
• Need help navigating mechanical and fuel-gas provisions
• Want practice with calculations and code-based questions
• Prefer combining books, lessons, and practice exercises

Candidates should review the current product listing for rental periods, course access, shipping information, deposit requirements, and return instructions.

Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package provides professionally organized references for candidates who want to begin studying without preparing every important section themselves.

The package is listed at a sale price of $495.00, reduced from the regular price of $695.00.

The prepared books may help candidates locate:

• General mechanical requirements
• Appliance and equipment provisions
• Ventilation and exhaust requirements
• Duct construction rules
• Combustion-air methods
• Chimney and vent provisions
• Fuel-gas piping tables
• Valves, regulators, and testing requirements

Highlights and tabs can support faster navigation, but candidates must still understand how to interpret definitions, tables, exceptions, footnotes, and equipment conditions.

Online Exam Prep

The ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N Online Exam Prep course provides flexible, self-paced preparation for candidates who already own the correct references or plan to purchase them separately.

The course is listed at a sale price of $295.00, reduced from the regular price of $395.00.

Online preparation may help candidates:

• Review mechanical subjects in a structured order
• Practice using both code references
• Improve open-book navigation speed
• Review ventilation and combustion-air calculations
• Practice gas pipe-sizing questions
• Identify weak knowledge areas
• Complete exam-style practice questions
• Study around an active work schedule

Exam Book Package

The ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N Exam Book Package provides the printed references associated with the examination for independent preparation.

The package is listed at a sale price of $345.00, reduced from the regular price of $445.00.

This package may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Prefer independent book-based study
• Want to own both references
• Already understand many mechanical and fuel-gas topics
• Want to create a personalized highlighting and tab system
• Already have separate training or practice questions
• Need the books for continued professional use

What Is the ICC F31-N Examination?

The F31-N examination is the ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical examination. Participating jurisdictions may use it as part of a journeyman mechanical, HVAC technician, mechanical installer, or similar trade qualification process.

The current exam information lists:

• 50 multiple-choice questions
• Three-hour testing limit
• Open-book format

The examination requires candidates to recognize the topic being tested, select the correct reference, locate the applicable section or table, and apply the code language to the facts presented.

Passing F31-N does not automatically issue a mechanical license. The applicable licensing authority controls experience, applications, supervision, fees, insurance, and final approval.

F31-N Exam References

The current F31-N package identifies two primary references:

• International Mechanical Code, 2015 Edition
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2015 Edition

The International Mechanical Code supports preparation involving appliances, equipment, ventilation, exhaust systems, ducts, combustion air, chimneys, boilers, refrigeration, and general mechanical installations.

The International Fuel Gas Code supports preparation involving gas piping, pipe sizing, valves, regulators, appliance connections, pressure testing, combustion air, chimneys, vents, and fuel-gas safety.

Candidates should confirm that these editions match the examination selected during registration.

How the Two References Work Together

• Use the International Mechanical Code for mechanical equipment, ventilation, exhaust, duct systems, refrigeration, boilers, and general HVAC installation requirements.
• Use the International Fuel Gas Code for fuel supply piping, regulators, shutoff valves, appliance fuel connections, gas testing, combustion air, chimneys, and vents.

Some questions may involve both references. A gas-fired furnace, for example, can involve equipment installation requirements from the mechanical code and gas supply or venting requirements from the fuel-gas code.

Confirm Local Licensing Requirements

Before purchasing materials or scheduling the examination, candidates should verify:

• Whether the licensing authority accepts F31-N
• The permitted scope of journeyman mechanical work
• The required code editions
• The current approved reference list
• The question count and time limit
• The required passing score
• Rules for tabs, highlighting, and notes
• Required mechanical or HVAC experience
• Apprenticeship or education requirements
• Application and examination fees
• Required supervision
• Renewal and continuing-education requirements

What Does a Journeyman Mechanical Professional Do?

A journeyman mechanical professional may install, alter, repair, maintain, and test mechanical systems under the conditions established by the applicable licensing authority.

Common responsibilities may include:

• Reading mechanical plans and specifications
• Installing heating and cooling equipment
• Installing ventilation and exhaust systems
• Fabricating and installing ductwork
• Connecting fuel-gas piping and appliances
• Installing combustion-air openings
• Installing chimneys and vents
• Installing condensate drainage
• Testing mechanical and gas systems
• Troubleshooting equipment and controls
• Coordinating permits and inspections
• Following mechanical safety procedures

The exact scope of work varies by jurisdiction.

Major F31-N Study Areas

• General mechanical requirements
• Appliances and equipment
• Exhaust and ventilation systems
• Duct systems
• Combustion air
• Chimneys and vents
• Fuel supply systems
• Special mechanical requirements
• Electrical-related provisions
• Mechanical calculations
• Plan reading
• Testing and safety

General Mechanical Requirements

General provisions establish requirements for equipment approval, installation, access, support, protection, inspection, and safe operation.

Study subjects may include:

• Equipment listing and labeling
• Manufacturer installation instructions
• Permits and inspections
• Equipment access
• Service clearances
• Outdoor installations
• Rooftop equipment
• Protection from physical damage
• Condensate disposal
• System testing and approval

Mechanical Appliances and Equipment

Candidates should understand installation requirements for common residential and commercial equipment.

Equipment may include:

• Furnaces
• Air-conditioning units
• Heat pumps
• Boilers
• Unit heaters
• Roof-mounted equipment
• Makeup-air units
• Commercial cooking equipment
• Refrigeration equipment
• Fuel-fired water heaters where applicable

Important considerations include location, clearances, support, electrical service, condensate disposal, combustion air, fuel supply, venting, and maintenance access.

Equipment Access and Service Space

Mechanical equipment must remain accessible for inspection, service, repair, and replacement.

Candidates should review:

• Required working space
• Access openings
• Attic and crawl-space access
• Rooftop access
• Service platforms and walkways
• Lighting and service receptacles
• Protection near roof edges
• Access to valves, filters, and controls
• Equipment replacement paths

Ventilation Systems

Ventilation systems introduce outdoor air and remove stale or contaminated air from occupied spaces.

Study subjects may include:

• Natural ventilation
• Mechanical ventilation
• Outdoor-air requirements
• Occupancy-based ventilation rates
• Air-distribution requirements
• Air intake locations
• Exhaust outlet locations
• Recirculation limitations
• Makeup air
• Mechanical ventilation controls

Candidates should identify the occupancy, floor area, occupant load, and ventilation method before calculating required airflow.

Mechanical Exhaust Systems

Mechanical exhaust systems remove moisture, odors, heat, smoke, grease, dust, fumes, and other contaminants.

Common applications include:

• Bathrooms and toilet rooms
• Clothes dryers
• Domestic kitchens
• Commercial kitchens
• Parking garages
• Laboratories
• Hazardous exhaust systems
• Paint and finishing areas
• Equipment rooms

Requirements may address airflow, duct materials, makeup air, discharge locations, fire protection, and separation from other systems.

Commercial Kitchen Exhaust

Commercial kitchen systems may include hoods, grease ducts, exhaust fans, makeup-air equipment, and fire-suppression coordination.

Candidates should review:

• Type I and Type II hoods
• Grease duct construction
• Duct clearances
• Welded joints
• Access openings
• Exhaust fan installation
• Hood capture and overhang
• Makeup-air requirements
• Exhaust termination
• Cleaning and inspection access

Duct Systems

Duct systems distribute supply, return, ventilation, makeup, and exhaust air throughout a building.

Important subjects include:

• Duct materials
• Flexible ducts and connectors
• Joints, seams, and closures
• Duct support and protection
• Duct insulation
• Underground ducts
• Air filters
• Plenums
• Return-air limitations
• Duct sealing
• Fire and smoke dampers
• Penetrations through rated assemblies

Duct Construction and Support

Ducts must be constructed and installed to maintain airflow, limit leakage, and prevent excessive movement or collapse.

Preparation may include:

• Sheet-metal construction
• Longitudinal and transverse joints
• Flexible duct limitations
• Hanger and support spacing
• Protection from crushing
• Duct-sealing methods
• Insulation and vapor retarders
• Access for cleaning
• Protection in concealed locations

Fire and Smoke Dampers

Dampers help protect rated assemblies and limit the movement of fire or smoke through duct systems.

Study subjects may include:

• Fire dampers
• Smoke dampers
• Combination fire-smoke dampers
• Ceiling radiation dampers
• Required locations
• Sleeves and breakaway connections
• Access doors
• Installation orientation
• Actuation and controls
• Permitted exceptions

Combustion Air

Fuel-burning appliances require sufficient air for combustion, dilution, and ventilation.

Combustion-air requirements may depend on:

• Total appliance input
• Room volume
• Building construction
• Indoor openings
• Outdoor openings
• Horizontal or vertical ducts
• Mechanical combustion-air systems
• Louver and grille free area
• Competing exhaust equipment
• Appliance type

Candidates should identify the combustion-air method before calculating opening size or mechanical airflow.

Chimneys and Vents

Chimneys and vents carry combustion products safely outdoors.

Important study subjects include:

• Masonry chimneys
• Factory-built chimneys
• Type B gas vents
• Special gas vents
• Single-wall vent connectors
• Common venting
• Vent sizing
• Connector slope and support
• Clearance to combustible materials
• Vent termination
• Condensing appliances
• Manufacturer instructions

Appliance Vent Categories

Gas-fired appliances may be classified according to vent pressure and whether condensation is expected.

• Category I: Nonpositive vent pressure with limited condensation
• Category II: Nonpositive vent pressure with possible condensation
• Category III: Positive vent pressure with limited condensation
• Category IV: Positive vent pressure with possible condensation

Candidates should identify the appliance category before selecting vent materials, joint-sealing methods, and condensate provisions.

Fuel-Gas Piping

Fuel-gas piping must deliver enough gas to connected appliances while maintaining the required operating pressure.

Study subjects may include:

• Natural gas and propane characteristics
• Connected appliance demand
• Developed piping length
• Low-pressure systems
• Elevated-pressure systems
• Steel piping
• Corrugated stainless steel tubing
• Underground polyethylene piping
• Joints and fittings
• Pipe support and protection
• Pressure testing
• Purging and leak detection

Gas Pipe-Sizing Calculations

Gas pipe size may depend on fuel type, operating pressure, permitted pressure drop, piping material, specific gravity, developed length, and connected demand.

A practical sizing process includes:

• List all connected appliances
• Determine each appliance input rating
• Calculate the load carried by each pipe section
• Determine the applicable developed length
• Select the correct fuel, pressure, and material table
• Choose a pipe size with sufficient capacity
• Confirm regulator and appliance pressure requirements

Candidates should avoid mixing natural gas, propane, low-pressure, and elevated-pressure sizing tables.

Gas Valves and Regulators

Valves and regulators control gas flow and protect downstream equipment from improper pressure.

Candidates should review:

• Building shutoff valves
• Branch shutoff valves
• Appliance shutoff valves
• Service regulators
• Line pressure regulators
• Appliance regulators
• Regulator capacity
• Regulator venting
• Overpressure protection
• Appliance connectors
• Sediment traps

Gas Piping Testing and Purging

New and altered gas piping must be tested before concealment or operation.

Study topics may include:

• Approved test media
• Test pressure and duration
• Gauge range and accuracy
• Isolation of appliances and regulators
• Inspection of exposed joints
• Approved leak-detection methods
• Repair and retesting
• Purging new piping
• Control of ignition sources
• Combustible gas monitoring

Open flames should never be used to locate a gas leak, and oxygen should not be used as a gas piping pressure-test medium.

Boilers and Hydronic Systems

Journeyman mechanical preparation may include boiler and hydronic installation requirements.

Study subjects may include:

• Boiler location and clearances
• Safety and relief valves
• Expansion tanks
• Low-water cutoffs
• Temperature and pressure controls
• Hydronic piping materials
• Circulating pumps
• Air removal
• System fill and makeup water
• Combustion air and venting

Refrigeration Systems

Refrigeration requirements address equipment, piping, refrigerant quantities, ventilation, controls, and system safety.

Candidates should review:

• Refrigerant classifications
• System classifications
• Refrigerant quantity limits
• Refrigeration piping
• Pressure testing
• Machinery rooms
• Mechanical ventilation
• Refrigerant detection
• Pressure-relief devices
• Emergency controls

Electrical-Related Provisions

Mechanical equipment commonly requires electrical power, controls, disconnects, grounding, and service receptacles.

Candidates may need to recognize requirements involving:

• Equipment disconnecting means
• Service receptacles
• Working clearances
• Equipment grounding
• Motor controllers
• Low-voltage controls
• Emergency shutdown switches
• Wiring protection near equipment

Electrical work must remain within the scope permitted by the applicable trade license.

Mechanical Calculations

F31-N preparation may include formulas and table interpretation.

Common calculation subjects may include:

• Ventilation airflow
• Exhaust and makeup airflow
• Combustion-air openings
• Duct dimensions and areas
• Gas appliance demand
• Gas pipe sizing
• Vent sizing
• Equipment clearances
• Pressure and temperature conversions
• Basic unit conversions

Candidates should identify the requested units, select the correct table or formula, and write each calculation step clearly.

Plan Reading

Journeyman mechanical candidates may need to interpret plans, equipment schedules, duct layouts, gas diagrams, and installation details.

Plan-reading subjects may include:

• Mechanical floor plans
• Duct layouts
• Ventilation and exhaust rates
• Equipment schedules
• Gas piping diagrams
• Hydronic piping
• Refrigeration piping
• Fire and smoke dampers
• Roof equipment details
• Plan symbols and abbreviations

System Testing and Startup

Mechanical systems may require inspection, testing, startup, balancing, and documentation before final approval.

Study areas may include:

• Gas piping pressure tests
• Refrigeration pressure tests
• Duct leakage testing
• Air balancing
• Hydronic balancing
• Equipment startup
• Combustion testing
• Control verification
• Safety-device testing
• Repair and retesting

Mechanical Safety

Mechanical work may involve combustible gas, pressurized systems, refrigerants, electrical hazards, rotating equipment, hot surfaces, rooftops, and confined spaces.

Important safety subjects include:

• Personal protective equipment
• Lockout and tagout
• Pressure-test safety
• Hot-work precautions
• Combustible gas monitoring
• Refrigerant exposure
• Carbon monoxide awareness
• Confined-space awareness
• Fall protection
• Ladder and rooftop safety
• Emergency shutdown procedures

Open-Book Navigation

An open-book examination still requires fast and accurate code navigation. Candidates do not have enough time to research every subject from the beginning.

A practical lookup method includes:

• Read the complete question
• Identify whether the topic is mechanical or fuel gas
• Select the correct reference
• Use the index or table of contents
• Locate the complete section, table, or figure
• Review definitions, exceptions, and footnotes
• Confirm that the requirement applies to the stated installation
• Record difficult subjects for additional practice

Organizing the F31-N References

A practical tab system may include:

• IMC general requirements
• IMC equipment and appliances
• IMC ventilation
• IMC exhaust systems
• IMC commercial kitchens
• IMC ducts and dampers
• IMC combustion air
• IMC boilers
• IMC refrigeration
• IFGC gas piping
• IFGC sizing tables
• IFGC valves and regulators
• IFGC pressure testing
• IFGC combustion air
• IFGC chimneys and vents

Candidates should verify current exam rules before adding tabs, highlighting, notes, or other book modifications.

Recommended Study Plan

• Confirm the current exam title and reference editions
• Learn the organization of both code books
• Review general mechanical requirements
• Study equipment access and clearances
• Review ventilation and exhaust systems
• Study commercial kitchen exhaust
• Review ducts, plenums, and dampers
• Practice combustion-air calculations
• Study chimneys and appliance venting
• Practice natural gas and propane pipe sizing
• Review valves, regulators, testing, and purging
• Study boilers and refrigeration systems
• Practice plan reading and calculations
• Complete timed code-navigation exercises
• Review every missed practice question

Which F31-N Package Should You Choose?

• Choose the Books & Courses Rental Package for temporary access to both references and structured online preparation.
• Choose the Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package for professionally organized mechanical and fuel-gas references.
• Choose Online Exam Prep when you already own the correct books and want guided study.
• Choose the Exam Book Package for independent preparation and permanent book ownership.

FAQ

Q. What is the ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N exam?

A. It is an ICC Contractor and Trades examination used by participating jurisdictions to evaluate journeyman-level mechanical, HVAC, fuel-gas, code-navigation, installation, and safety knowledge.

Q. How much does the Books & Courses Rental Package cost?

A. The sale price is $790.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,090.00.

Q. How much does the Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package cost?

A. The sale price is $495.00, reduced from the regular price of $695.00.

Q. How much does Online Exam Prep cost?

A. The sale price is $295.00, reduced from the regular price of $395.00.

Q. How much does the Exam Book Package cost?

A. The sale price is $345.00, reduced from the regular price of $445.00.

Q. What books are used for F31-N?

A. The current package identifies the 2015 International Mechanical Code and 2015 International Fuel Gas Code.

Q. How many questions are on the F31-N examination?

A. The current examination information lists 50 multiple-choice questions.

Q. How much time is allowed?

A. Candidates currently have three hours to complete the examination.

Q. Is the F31-N examination open book?

A. Yes. Candidates may use approved references subject to current testing rules.

Q. What score is required to pass?

A. Candidates should confirm the current passing requirement in the ICC Exam Catalog or with the licensing authority accepting F31-N.

Q. What subjects should I study?

A. Study equipment, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, combustion air, chimneys, vents, fuel-gas piping, boilers, refrigeration, calculations, testing, plans, and safety.

Q. Should I study both code books?

A. Yes. Candidates should know when to use the International Mechanical Code and when to use the International Fuel Gas Code.

Q. Should I practice gas pipe sizing?

A. Yes. Practice appliance demand, developed length, fuel type, pressure, piping material, and sizing-table selection.

Q. Should I study combustion-air calculations?

A. Yes. Review indoor, outdoor, ducted, and mechanical combustion-air methods.

Q. Should I practice plan reading?

A. Yes. Candidates should practice mechanical plans, duct layouts, gas piping diagrams, equipment schedules, and installation details.

Q. Does passing F31-N automatically issue a journeyman mechanical license?

A. No. The applicable licensing authority controls experience, applications, supervision, fees, and final approval.

Q. Where can I purchase the F31-N packages?

A. The available options can be found in the ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N exam prep collection.

Conclusion

The ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N examination requires candidates to combine field knowledge with efficient navigation of the International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code.

Important preparation subjects include equipment, ventilation, exhaust systems, ducts, combustion air, chimneys, vents, gas piping, regulators, boilers, refrigeration, testing, calculations, plan reading, and safety.

1 Exam Prep offers a Books & Courses Rental Package, Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package, Online Exam Prep, and Exam Book Package for different preparation needs and budgets.

Shop ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical - F31-N Exam Prep

Key Takeaways

• F31-N is the ICC National Standard Journeyman Mechanical examination.
• The Books & Courses Rental Package sale price is $790.00.
• The Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package sale price is $495.00.
• The Online Exam Prep sale price is $295.00.
• The Exam Book Package sale price is $345.00.
• The current exam information lists 50 questions and a three-hour limit.
• The examination is open book under current testing rules.
• The listed references are the 2015 International Mechanical Code and 2015 International Fuel Gas Code.
• Major subjects include ventilation, exhaust, ducts, combustion air, fuel gas, boilers, and refrigeration.
• Passing F31-N does not automatically issue a journeyman mechanical license.
• Candidates should verify current examination and jurisdictional requirements before registering.