Important New Jersey testing rule: first-time Master HVACR candidates must take both the HVACR Trade examination and the Business and Law examination on the same day. Both examinations must be passed to qualify for New Jersey HVACR contractor licensure.
What Is the New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor License?
New Jersey licenses heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration contractors through the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors.
The Master HVACR Contractor license covers qualified contracting activity involving the planning, layout, installation, construction, maintenance, service, repair, alteration and modification of HVACR systems and related equipment used to control indoor environmental conditions.
This is a state professional license, not simply a trade certificate. Applicants must meet one of New Jersey's approved education and experience paths, receive Board authorization, pass the PSI examinations and complete the remaining licensing requirements.
Trade examination: 50 questions covering HVACR systems, refrigeration, controls, piping, fuel gas, ventilation and load calculations.
Business and Law examination: a separate 50-question test covering licensing, contracts, estimating, project management, finance, labor, tax and lien law.
Licensing authority: New Jersey State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors.
1 Exam Prep offers New Jersey HVACR resources through the New Jersey contractor exam prep collection and a dedicated Business and Law Online Exam Prep Course for HVACR Contractors .
New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor Licensing Paths
New Jersey provides several education and experience routes to qualify for examination.
| Path | Education / Experience | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | Four-year U.S. Department of Labor approved HVACR apprenticeship | One year of journeyperson experience under a licensed New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor after apprenticeship |
| Option 2 | Four-year bachelor's degree in HVACR | One year of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVACR Contractor |
| Option 3 | Four-year bachelor's degree in a field related to HVACR | Three years of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVACR Contractor |
| Option 4 | Two-year trade, technology, community or county college degree plus at least two years of a U.S. DOL-approved HVACR apprenticeship | One year of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVACR Contractor |
| Board Authorization | New Jersey HVACR Board review | Receive an Examination Eligibility Notice before scheduling PSI |
| PSI Examinations | HVACR Trade + Business and Law | First-time candidates take both examinations on the same day |
Research Authority and Citation Count
Current PSI, New Jersey licensing and 1 Exam Prep information was separated so the trade examination, Business and Law examination and licensing requirements are not mixed together.
| Verified Point | Authority | Research Result |
|---|---|---|
| Current PSI bulletin | PSI Services LLC | Current bulletin updated September 3, 2026 |
| HVACR Trade exam | Current PSI content outline | 50 questions, 130 minutes, 70% passing and open book |
| Business and Law exam | Current PSI content outline | 50 questions, 130 minutes, 70% passing and open book |
| Exam-room code books | Current PSI bulletin | 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code and Manual J reprinted 2016 |
| Qualification pathways | New Jersey HVACR Board | Four approved education and journeyperson-experience pathways |
| Post-exam licensing | New Jersey HVACR law and rules | Surety bond, liability insurance and other licensing requirements apply |
| 1 Exam Prep support | Direct 1 Exam Prep listings | New Jersey HVACR resources plus a dedicated Business and Law course for HVACR candidates |
New Jersey HVACR Contractor Trade Exam Breakdown
The current PSI HVACR Trade examination contains 50 questions. Candidates have 130 minutes and need 35 correct answers to reach the 70 percent passing score.
The largest current subjects are Heating and Cooling Principles, Theory, and Equipment and Refrigerants and Refrigeration, with eight questions each.
Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls contains seven questions, and Piping contains another seven. Fuel and LP Gas, Combustion Air and Venting, Ducts and Ventilation, and Load Calculations each contain five questions.
That gives you about two minutes and 36 seconds per trade question. Open book helps, but only if you already know which book deserves to be opened. Flipping through every reference from page one is a fantastic way to learn what the PSI countdown clock looks like.
License
New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor
Licensing Authority
New Jersey State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors
Testing Provider
PSI Services LLC
Trade Questions
50
Trade Passing Score
35 correct / 70%
Trade Time
130 minutes
Trade Format
Computer-based and open book
Mechanical Code
International Mechanical Code, 2021
Fuel Gas Code
International Fuel Gas Code, 2021
Load Calculation Reference
Manual J - Residential Load Calculations, reprinted 2016
Ductulator
Handheld ductulator allowed in the examination center
Business & Law
Separate 50-question, 130-minute examination with 70% passing score
First-Time Candidates
Trade and Business & Law examinations must be taken on the same day
Retest Rule
Unlimited retests permitted, with a six-month wait between attempts
How to Study for the New Jersey HVACR Contractor Exam
Use the PSI topic counts to decide where your study time goes. The trade exam is balanced across several HVACR systems, so studying only air conditioning or only refrigeration leaves too many points sitting on the table.
Start with heating, cooling and refrigeration. These two categories contain 16 of the 50 current questions.
Practice electrical controls and motors. Seven questions cover electrical knowledge, motors and controls.
Learn piping systems together. Refrigeration, hydronic, steam and process piping account for another seven questions.
Practice Manual J calculations. Load Calculations is a five-question category, and Manual J is allowed in the examination center.
HVACR Calculations and Reference Navigation Strategy
New Jersey HVACR exam questions can combine system theory, code requirements and calculations. Practice identifying the system first, then select the reference, formula or table that actually controls the answer.
Simplified New Jersey HVACR contractor exam prep illustration for refrigeration, load calculations, controls and duct systems.
Build a repeatable lookup process instead of bouncing between books. Identify the system, decide whether the problem is code, calculation or trade knowledge, then go to the correct source.
- Heating and Cooling: equipment operation, system theory, airflow and performance
- Refrigeration: refrigerants, cycles, components, charging, recovery and troubleshooting
- Electrical Controls: motors, relays, contactors, control circuits and electrical fundamentals
- Piping: refrigeration, hydronic, steam and process-piping principles
- Fuel Gas and Venting: gas systems, combustion air, chimneys, flues and vents
- Load Calculations: Manual J, sensible and latent loads, equipment sizing and design conditions
Your New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor Roadmap
Move from qualifying education and experience to Board approval, PSI testing and final licensure.
1
Choose your qualifying education and experience path
Compare your apprenticeship, degree and journeyperson experience with the four pathways recognized by the New Jersey HVACR Board.
2
Document your journeyperson experience
Collect the employment certifications, apprenticeship records, transcripts and other documentation required for your selected qualification path.
3
Submit the New Jersey application
The Board reviews applications and determines whether a candidate meets the requirements to take the licensing examinations.
4
Receive the Examination Eligibility Notice
Do not schedule the initial PSI examinations until the Board has approved your eligibility.
5
Prepare for the HVACR Trade examination
Study all eight trade categories and practice using the 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC and Manual J under a 130-minute test rhythm.
6
Prepare for Business and Law
Study licensing, estimating, contracts, project management, risk, safety, labor, finance, tax and lien law.
7
Complete final licensing requirements
After passing, complete applicable bond, insurance, Federal Tax Identification and other Board requirements before offering HVACR contracting services.
New Jersey HVACR Trade Exam Topic Weighting
These counts follow the current PSI HVACR Trade outline. The bars compare each subject with the largest eight-question categories.
Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls
7 questions • 14%
Piping: Refrigeration, Hydronic, Steam, Process
7 questions • 14%
Heating and Cooling Principles, Theory, and Equipment
8 questions • 16%
Refrigerants and Refrigeration
8 questions • 16%
Fuel and LP Gas
5 questions • 10%
Combustion Air, Chimneys, Flues and Vents
5 questions • 10%
Ducts, Ventilation and Exhaust
5 questions • 10%
Load Calculations
5 questions • 10%
New Jersey HVACR Contractor Exam References
PSI distinguishes between books allowed in the examination room and references used to develop questions that are study-only.
| Reference | Primary Study Use | Exam-Room Status |
|---|---|---|
| International Mechanical Code, 2021 | Mechanical systems, equipment, ventilation, duct systems, exhaust and installation requirements | Allowed |
| International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 | Fuel gas systems, combustion air, venting, chimneys and equipment | Allowed |
| Manual J - Residential Load Calculations, reprinted 2016 | Heating and cooling load calculations | Allowed |
| Handheld Ductulator | Airflow and duct-sizing calculations | Allowed |
| Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 20th, 21st or 22nd Edition | Refrigeration theory, equipment, electrical systems, controls and service | Study only. Not allowed in exam room. PSI states the 20th edition will no longer be used beginning December 1, 2026 |
| HVAC Duct Construction Standards, Metal and Flexible, 2005 or 2020 | Duct construction, fabrication and installation | Study only. Not allowed in exam room. PSI states the 2005 third edition will no longer be used beginning December 1, 2026 |
| Ugly's Electrical References, 2017, 2020 or 2023 | Electrical formulas, motors, controls, wiring and trade calculations | Study only. Not allowed in exam room |
| NASCLA Contractors' Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Basic 11th Edition | Separate Business and Law examination | Allowed for Business and Law exam |
How to Prepare for the Open-Book New Jersey HVACR Exam
Build these exam-prep habits
- Practice with the 2021 International Mechanical Code
- Practice with the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
- Work Manual J load calculations under a timer
- Use permanent tabs in approved references
- Highlight and underline important rules before testing
- Practice with a handheld ductulator if you plan to use one
- Complete full 50-question, 130-minute simulations
Avoid these exam-prep mistakes
- Bringing study-only books into the examination room
- Writing handwritten notes inside approved references
- Using temporary Post-it-style tabs
- Adding loose or attached papers to books
- Studying refrigeration while ignoring fuel gas and ventilation
- Skipping electrical controls
- Spending too long searching for one code answer
Open-book strategy: 50 questions in 130 minutes gives you about 2 minutes and 36 seconds per question. Identify the system, choose the reference, locate the rule or formula, answer and move forward.
New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor Is the State Licensing Credential
New Jersey's HVACR licensing system centers on the licensed Master HVACR Contractor. Journeyperson experience is an important part of qualifying for the Master license, but it is not the same as receiving the Master HVACR Contractor credential.
Once licensed, a Master HVACR Contractor may perform HVACR contracting within the scope allowed by New Jersey law. Businesses offering HVACR contracting services may also need a licensed Master HVACR Contractor serving as the company's bona fide representative.
Before the exam: complete one of the approved education and experience pathways and obtain Board authorization.
During testing: pass both the HVACR Trade and Business and Law examinations.
After testing: complete the Board's remaining licensing requirements before offering HVACR contracting services to the public.
New Jersey HVACR Trade vs Business and Law Exam
Both examinations are required, but they test very different parts of being a licensed HVACR contractor.
| Exam / Stage | Current Format | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| HVACR Trade | 50 questions • 130 minutes • 70% | HVACR theory, refrigeration, piping, electrical controls, fuel gas, ventilation and loads |
| Business and Law | 50 questions • 130 minutes • 70% | Licensing, estimating, contracts, project management, finance, labor, tax and lien law |
| First-Time Candidate | Both examinations on the same day | Prepare your study stamina for two separate testing blocks |
| Journeyperson Experience | Licensing qualification stage | Required experience under a licensed Master HVACR Contractor according to your qualifying path |
| Master HVACR License | Final Board credential | State-authorized HVACR contracting after all requirements are completed |
New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor License Requirements
Education and Experience
Qualify for Board Review
- Approved HVACR apprenticeship or education path
- Required journeyperson experience
- Work certifications
- Apprenticeship records where applicable
- School transcripts where applicable
PSI Examinations
Trade + Business and Law
- 50-question HVACR Trade exam
- 50-question Business and Law exam
- 70% passing score on each
- 130 minutes per exam
- Both required for licensure
- Both taken same day for first-time candidates
Licensing Follow-Through
After Passing
- $3,000 surety bond
- $500,000 general liability insurance requirement when applicable
- Federal Tax Identification number for an HVACR business
- Pressure seal requirements
- Board licensing completion
Six-Week New Jersey HVACR Contractor Exam Prep Plan
Study the trade exam in technical blocks while building Business and Law familiarity throughout the six weeks.
Week 1
Exam Setup, Electrical and Controls
- Review the PSI bulletin
- Organize approved references
- Study motors
- Review control circuits
- Start Business and Law review
Week 2
Heating, Cooling and Load Calculations
- Heating principles
- Cooling theory
- Equipment operation
- Manual J navigation
- Load-calculation practice
Week 3
Refrigeration and Piping
- Refrigeration cycle
- Refrigerants
- Components
- Refrigeration piping
- Hydronic and steam piping
Week 4
Fuel Gas and Combustion
- 2021 IFGC navigation
- Fuel and LP gas
- Combustion air
- Chimneys and flues
- Venting systems
Week 5
Ducts, Ventilation and Business Law
- Duct systems
- Ventilation
- Exhaust
- Ductulator practice
- Contracts, estimating and licensing
Week 6
Full Trade + Business Simulation
- 50-question trade simulation
- 130-minute trade timer
- Business and Law practice
- Reference-navigation drills
- Final PSI rule review
How Hard Is the New Jersey HVACR Contractor Exam?
The trade examination is broad because a Master HVACR Contractor needs working knowledge of several connected systems. Refrigeration, heating, cooling, motors, controls, fuel gas, piping, airflow and load calculations can all appear in the same 50-question test.
The open-book format helps, but 130 minutes still requires quick decisions. You have roughly two minutes and 36 seconds per question.
The licensing process also requires Business and Law. First-time candidates must take both examinations on the same day, so exam-day endurance matters. Think of it as a doubleheader where one game involves refrigerant and the other suddenly wants to discuss lien law.
New Jersey HVACR Contractor Exam Day Checklist
Do this
- Confirm your PSI appointment and exact examinations
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Bring the required valid identification
- Bring approved exam-room references
- Use permanent tabs only
- Bring a handheld ductulator if you plan to use one
- Prepare for both exams if you are a first-time candidate
Do not do this
- Bring handwritten notes inside approved books
- Use temporary Post-it-style tabs
- Attach loose papers to references
- Bring study-only technical books into the exam room
- Assume every question is a code lookup
- Forget Business and Law preparation
- Spend too much time on one difficult calculation
New Jersey HVACR Contractor Exam Prep Options
New Jersey HVACR Contractor Exam Prep
Trade Exam Preparation
- HVACR trade review
- Reference navigation
- Heating and cooling theory
- Refrigeration
- Electrical controls
- Fuel gas and venting
- Load calculations
HVACR Business and Law Online Course
Required Second Exam
- Test-taking techniques
- Reference-book overview
- Highlighting and tab guidance
- Instructional videos
- Practice exams
- Business and law topics
- Online access
New Jersey Contractor Exam Resources
Additional Licensing Support
- New Jersey exam resources
- Reference books
- Business and Law materials
- Study guides
- Contractor application information
- Exam-navigation support
New Jersey HVACR Licensing Requires Trade and Business Knowledge
The Master HVACR Contractor exam path tests both technical HVACR knowledge and the business responsibilities of running a licensed contracting operation.
• HVACR Trade exam: 50 questions
• Trade exam time: 130 minutes
• Trade passing score: 70%
• Business and Law: 50 questions
• Business and Law time: 130 minutes
• Both examinations are open book
• First-time candidates take both examinations on the same day
• Board approval is required before the initial examination
Prepare for both halves of the license path. Knowing how to troubleshoot an HVAC system will not answer a lien-law question for you.
New Jersey HVACR Contractor Exam Prep FAQ
New Jersey Master HVACR Licensing
The New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors licenses and regulates Master HVACR Contractors.
New Jersey generally requires a Master HVACR Contractor license to perform HVACR contracting unless a specific exemption applies.
Applicants must meet one of the Board's approved education and experience pathways. These include combinations of U.S. Department of Labor approved apprenticeship, HVACR or related college education, and qualifying journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVACR Contractor.
Yes. Initial candidates must receive authorization from the Board. After approval, the candidate receives an Examination Eligibility Notice with PSI scheduling instructions.
HVACR Trade Examination
The current PSI HVACR Trade examination contains 50 questions.
Candidates currently receive 130 minutes for the HVACR Trade examination.
The current passing score is 70 percent, or 35 correct answers out of 50 questions.
Yes. PSI currently lists the HVACR Trade examination as open book.
Heating and Cooling Principles, Theory, and Equipment and Refrigerants and Refrigeration are the largest current categories, with eight questions each.
Yes. Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls contains seven questions in the current PSI outline.
Books and Open-Book Rules
The current PSI bulletin requires the 2021 International Mechanical Code. The older 2018 edition is no longer allowed for this examination.
The current exam-room reference is the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code.
Yes. PSI currently lists Manual J - Residential Load Calculations, reprinted 2016, as an allowed reference.
Yes. The current PSI bulletin specifically states that a handheld ductulator is allowed in the examination center.
Yes. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs are allowed.
No. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are prohibited. PSI also prohibits handwritten notes and loose or attached papers inside approved references.
No. PSI uses Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning as a question-development reference, but the current bulletin states that it is not allowed in the examination center.
Business and Law
Yes. Candidates must pass both the HVACR Trade and Business and Law examinations to qualify for New Jersey HVACR Contractor licensure.
The current Business and Law examination contains 50 questions, allows 130 minutes and requires 70 percent to pass.
Yes. The current PSI bulletin requires first-time candidates to take both the HVACR Trade and Business and Law examinations on the same day.
PSI's current bulletin states that candidates may retest on an unlimited basis, but a six-month waiting period applies between attempts.
Yes. 1 Exam Prep offers a New Jersey Business and Law Online Exam Prep Course specifically for HVACR Contractors, with test-taking instruction, book-navigation guidance, instructional videos and practice exams.
Watch: New Jersey Business and Law Contractor Exam Guide
Watch this related 1 Exam Prep New Jersey video for Business and Law exam strategy, open-book reference organization and contractor licensing preparation. This is especially useful for HVACR candidates because Business and Law is the required second examination in the New Jersey Master HVACR licensing process.
New Jersey HVACR exam prep note: use this 1 Exam Prep video for the required Business and Law portion of your licensing preparation. For the HVACR Trade examination, follow the current PSI HVACR bulletin for the technical topic counts, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, Manual J and exam-room reference rules.
New Jersey HVACR Contractor Exam Prep Resources
Use current New Jersey HVACR Board and PSI information together with focused 1 Exam Prep study resources.
New Jersey HVACR Exam Prep Resources
HVACR Business and Law Online Course
New Jersey Contractor License Exam Prep
New Jersey Business and Law Resources
Official PSI New Jersey HVACR Bulletin
PSI New Jersey HVACR Exam Portal
New Jersey HVACR Board
New Jersey HVACR Applications
New Jersey HVACR Licensing FAQ
New Jersey HVACR Law
HVACR Application Process Overview
Contact 1 Exam Prep
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