ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N Exam Prep Guide

The ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N examination is designed for experienced mechanical professionals preparing to demonstrate advanced knowledge of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, duct systems, exhaust systems, fuel-gas piping, combustion air, chimneys, vents, boilers, hydronic systems, equipment installation, and mechanical safety.

The ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N exam prep collection includes a books and courses rental package, professionally highlighted and tabbed references, flexible online exam preparation, and a standard exam book package.

This guide explains the available packages, examination details, approved references, major mechanical study subjects, calculation topics, code-navigation methods, and practical preparation strategies.

Available G29-N Exam Prep Packages

• ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N - Books & Courses Rental Package: $790.00 sale price, reduced from $1,090.00
• ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package: $495.00 sale price, reduced from $695.00
• ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N - Online Exam Prep: $295.00 sale price, reduced from $395.00
• ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N Exam Book Package: $345.00 sale price, reduced from $445.00

The rental package combines temporary book access with structured online training. The highlighted and tabbed package supports faster reference navigation. The online course is suitable for candidates who already own the correct books, while the exam book package supports independent preparation.

Books & Courses Rental Package

The ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N Books & Courses Rental Package combines access to the assigned code 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 appropriate for candidates who:

• Need the exam books and online course together
• Do not currently own the approved references
• Want an organized master mechanical study plan
• Need help navigating mechanical and fuel-gas codes
• Want practice with advanced calculations and code questions
• Prefer combining lessons, books, and practice exams

Candidates should review the current product listing for the rental period, course-access period, shipping details, deposit requirements, and return instructions.

Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package provides professionally organized references for candidates who want to begin studying without highlighting and tabbing every 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
• Equipment and appliance provisions
• Ventilation and exhaust requirements
• Duct construction and installation rules
• Combustion-air methods
• Chimney and vent requirements
• Fuel-gas piping and sizing tables
• Refrigeration, boiler, and hydronic provisions

Prepared books can improve navigation, but candidates must still understand how to interpret tables, definitions, exceptions, and installation requirements.

Online Exam Prep

The ICC Master Mechanical - G29-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 advanced mechanical subjects in a logical order
• Understand how the two references work together
• Practice mechanical and fuel-gas calculations
• Improve code-book navigation
• Identify weak knowledge areas
• Complete exam-style practice questions
• Study around active projects and work schedules

The course is most effective when candidates actively use both approved references while completing lessons and practice questions.

Exam Book Package

The ICC Master Mechanical - G29-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 the exam references
• Already understand many advanced mechanical subjects
• Want to create a personalized tab and highlighting system
• Already have separate training or practice questions
• Need the code books for continued professional use

What Is the ICC G29-N Examination?

The G29-N examination is the ICC National Standard Master Mechanical examination. Participating jurisdictions may use it as part of a master mechanical contractor, HVAC contractor, qualifying individual, or similar licensing process.

The examination includes 100 multiple-choice questions and has a four-hour time limit.

The exam is open book, subject to current rules for approved references, permanent tabs, highlighting, handwritten notes, inserted materials, and book condition.

Passing G29-N does not automatically issue a mechanical contractor license. Candidates must also satisfy the experience, application, insurance, business-registration, financial, and supervisory requirements established by the applicable licensing authority.

G29-N Exam References

The current G29-N package identifies two primary references:

• International Mechanical Code, 2018 Edition
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 Edition

The International Mechanical Code supports preparation involving mechanical equipment, ventilation, exhaust systems, duct systems, refrigeration, boilers, hydronic systems, combustion air, chimneys, vents, and special mechanical installations.

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

Candidates should confirm the required code cycle before purchasing materials or scheduling the examination because jurisdictions may use different editions.

How the Two References Work Together

• Use the International Mechanical Code for HVAC equipment, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, boilers, refrigeration, hydronic systems, and general mechanical installations.
• Use the International Fuel Gas Code for gas piping, regulators, appliance fuel connections, pressure testing, combustion air, chimneys, vents, and fuel-gas safety.

Some questions may involve both books. For example, a gas-fired appliance may be governed by mechanical equipment requirements in one reference and gas supply or venting requirements in the other.

Confirm Local Mechanical Contractor Requirements

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

• Whether the licensing authority accepts G29-N
• The scope of the master mechanical classification
• The required mechanical and fuel-gas code editions
• The current approved reference list
• The question count and testing time
• The required passing score
• Rules for tabs, highlighting, and notes
• Required mechanical or HVAC experience
• Application and examination fees
• Insurance and bonding requirements
• Business and qualifying-party requirements
• License renewal requirements

What Does a Master Mechanical Contractor Do?

A master mechanical contractor may design, install, alter, repair, maintain, test, and supervise mechanical systems within the scope permitted by the applicable licensing authority.

Common responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing mechanical plans and specifications
• Selecting and sizing HVAC equipment
• Coordinating duct and ventilation systems
• Designing or reviewing fuel-gas piping
• Installing boilers and hydronic systems
• Coordinating refrigeration systems
• Reviewing combustion-air and venting requirements
• Supervising journeymen, technicians, and apprentices
• Coordinating permits and inspections
• Testing and commissioning systems
• Correcting unsafe or noncompliant installations
• Maintaining project and inspection records

The exact work permitted depends on state and local licensing rules.

Common G29-N Study Areas

• General mechanical regulations
• Equipment and appliance installation
• Ventilation systems
• Mechanical exhaust
• Commercial kitchen exhaust
• Duct systems
• Fire and smoke dampers
• Combustion air
• Chimneys and vents
• Fuel-gas piping and sizing
• Valves and regulators
• Boilers and hydronic systems
• Refrigeration systems
• Special mechanical systems
• Electrical provisions related to mechanical work
• Water-related mechanical provisions
• Testing, inspection, and safety

General Mechanical Regulations

General mechanical provisions establish requirements for permits, inspections, equipment installation, access, support, protection, and safe operation.

Study subjects may include:

• Equipment listing and labeling
• Manufacturer installation instructions
• Required permits and inspections
• Equipment access and service space
• Protection from physical damage
• Outdoor and rooftop equipment
• Equipment installed in garages
• Structural supports and platforms
• Condensate disposal
• Flood-hazard protection
• System testing and approval

Mechanical Equipment and Appliances

Master mechanical candidates should understand installation and coordination requirements for a wide range of equipment.

Equipment may include:

• Furnaces
• Heat pumps
• Air-conditioning systems
• Boilers
• Water heaters
• Unit heaters
• Roof-mounted equipment
• Makeup-air units
• Commercial cooking equipment
• Refrigeration equipment
• Solid-fuel appliances
• Industrial process equipment

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

Equipment Access and Service Space

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

Candidates should review:

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

Ventilation Systems

Ventilation systems introduce outdoor air and remove contaminated or stale 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
• Demand-controlled ventilation
• System controls

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

Mechanical Exhaust Systems

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

Common applications include:

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

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

Commercial Kitchen Exhaust

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

Candidates should review:

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

Duct Systems

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

Important study subjects include:

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

Duct Construction and Installation

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

Preparation may include:

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

Fire and Smoke Dampers

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

Study subjects may include:

• Fire dampers
• Smoke dampers
• Combination fire-smoke dampers
• Ceiling radiation dampers
• Required locations
• Access doors
• Sleeves and breakaway connections
• Installation orientation
• Actuation and controls
• Inspection and testing
• 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 the required opening size or airflow.

Chimneys and Vents

Chimneys and vents carry combustion products safely outdoors.

Important preparation subjects include:

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

Appliance Vent Categories

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

Candidates should understand:

• Category I appliances
• Category II appliances
• Category III appliances
• Category IV appliances
• Positive and nonpositive vent pressure
• Condensing and noncondensing operation
• Approved vent materials
• Joint sealing
• Condensate disposal

Vent materials approved for one appliance category may not be suitable for another.

Fuel-Gas Piping

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

Important preparation subjects include:

• Natural gas and propane characteristics
• Connected appliance demand
• Pipe-sizing methods
• Developed piping length
• Steel piping
• Corrugated stainless steel tubing
• Underground plastic piping
• Joints and fittings
• Pipe support and protection
• Corrosion protection
• Pressure testing
• Leak detection and purging

Gas Pipe-Sizing Calculations

Gas pipe sizing may depend on fuel type, system 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 appliances from improper operating pressure.

Candidates should review:

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

Pressure 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
• Leak-detection procedures
• Repair and retesting
• Purging new piping
• Removing systems from service
• 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

Boilers and hydronic systems use heated water or another fluid to transfer energy through piping and terminal equipment.

Study subjects may include:

• Boiler location and clearances
• Safety and relief valves
• Expansion tanks
• Low-water cutoffs
• Pressure and temperature controls
• Hydronic piping materials
• Circulating pumps
• Air removal
• System fill and makeup water
• Testing and commissioning
• Combustion air
• Chimneys and vents

Refrigeration Systems

Refrigeration requirements address equipment, piping, machinery rooms, 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
• Equipment access
• System identification

Special Mechanical Systems

Master-level preparation may include specialized mechanical systems beyond standard residential heating and cooling.

Possible subjects include:

• Smoke-control systems
• Hazardous exhaust systems
• Dust collection
• Medical gas coordination
• Industrial process exhaust
• Paint spray booths
• Commercial kitchen systems
• Parking garage ventilation
• Energy recovery systems
• Large commercial refrigeration
• Mechanical systems in high-rise buildings

Electrical Provisions Related to Mechanical Work

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

Candidates may need to recognize requirements involving:

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

Electrical work must be performed within the scope allowed by the applicable trade licenses.

Water-Related Mechanical Provisions

Mechanical systems may involve condensate, makeup water, drains, relief discharge, hydronic piping, and other water connections.

Study subjects may include:

• Condensate drainage
• Condensate pumps
• Indirect waste connections
• Boiler makeup water
• Backflow protection
• Relief valve discharge
• Cooling tower connections
• Hydronic system filling
• Expansion control
• Equipment drain pans

Mechanical Calculations

G29-N preparation may include calculations and table interpretation.

Common calculation subjects may include:

• Ventilation airflow
• Exhaust and makeup airflow
• Combustion-air openings
• Duct areas and dimensions
• Gas appliance demand
• Gas pipe sizing
• Vent sizing
• Hydronic system capacity
• Refrigerant quantity limits
• Equipment clearances
• Unit conversions

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

Plan Reading and System Coordination

Master mechanical candidates may need to interpret plans, specifications, riser diagrams, equipment schedules, control diagrams, and construction details.

Plan-reading subjects may include:

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

Candidates should connect information shown on the plans with the applicable code requirements.

System Testing and Commissioning

Mechanical systems may require inspection, testing, balancing, startup, 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
• Commissioning records

Mechanical Safety

Mechanical work may involve combustible fuel, pressurized systems, rotating equipment, refrigerants, hot surfaces, electrical hazards, confined spaces, and elevated work areas.

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
• Protection of occupants and property

Code-Book Navigation

An open-book examination still requires fast and accurate reference navigation. The testing time does not allow candidates to research every answer from the beginning.

A practical lookup method includes:

• Read the complete question
• Identify whether it concerns mechanical equipment or fuel gas
• Select the International Mechanical Code or International Fuel Gas Code
• Use the index or table of contents
• Locate the complete section, table, or figure
• Review definitions, footnotes, and exceptions
• Confirm that the requirement applies to the stated system
• Record difficult topics for additional practice

Organizing the G29-N References

A practical tab system may include:

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

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

Recommended Study Plan

• Review exam rules and reference-book organization
• Study general mechanical requirements
• Review equipment access and clearances
• Study ventilation and exhaust systems
• Review commercial kitchen systems
• Study duct construction 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 hydronic systems
• Review refrigeration and special systems
• Practice plan reading and calculations
• Complete timed code-navigation exercises
• Review every missed practice question

Which G29-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 Master Mechanical - G29-N exam?

A. It is an ICC Contractor and Trades examination used by participating jurisdictions to evaluate master-level mechanical, HVAC, fuel-gas, refrigeration, ventilation, and supervisory 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 G29-N?

A. The current package identifies the 2018 International Mechanical Code and 2018 International Fuel Gas Code.

Q. How many questions are on the G29-N examination?

A. The current examination information lists 100 multiple-choice questions.

Q. How much time is allowed?

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

Q. Is the G29-N examination open book?

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

Q. What subjects should I study?

A. Study equipment, ventilation, exhaust, duct systems, combustion air, chimneys, vents, gas piping, boilers, hydronics, refrigeration, testing, calculations, and safety.

Q. Should I study both mechanical and fuel-gas codes?

A. Yes. The examination uses both the International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code.

Q. Should I practice gas pipe-sizing calculations?

A. Yes. Candidates should practice appliance demand, developed length, fuel type, pressure, piping material, and table selection.

Q. Should I study plan reading?

A. Yes. Master-level candidates should practice mechanical plans, duct layouts, gas diagrams, equipment schedules, hydronic piping, and refrigeration plans.

Q. Does passing G29-N automatically issue a mechanical contractor license?

A. No. The applicable licensing authority controls experience, applications, insurance, business requirements, fees, and final approval.

Q. Where can I purchase the G29-N packages?

A. The available options can be found in the ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N exam prep collection.

Conclusion

The ICC Master Mechanical - G29-N examination requires candidates to combine advanced mechanical experience with efficient navigation of the International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code.

Important preparation subjects include mechanical equipment, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, combustion air, chimneys, vents, gas piping, regulators, boilers, hydronic systems, refrigeration, special systems, 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 Master Mechanical - G29-N Exam Prep

Key Takeaways

• G29-N is the ICC National Standard Master 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 exam currently includes 100 questions and a four-hour limit.
• The examination is open book under current testing rules.
• The references are the 2018 International Mechanical Code and 2018 International Fuel Gas Code.
• Major subjects include equipment, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, fuel gas, boilers, hydronics, and refrigeration.
• Master-level preparation should include calculations, system design, plan review, and supervision.
• Passing G29-N does not automatically issue a mechanical contractor license.
• Candidates should verify current exam and jurisdictional requirements before registering.