Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) Exam - Online Exam Prep

The Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) Exam - Online Exam Prep course is designed for contractors, qualifying parties, technicians, and HVAC professionals preparing for the Arizona C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration trade exam. This online exam prep product supports focused study for commercial HVAC, refrigeration, fuel gas, mechanical systems, duct design, boilers, controls, ventilation, piping, system sizing, testing, balancing, inspections, and OSHA construction safety.

The Arizona C-39 classification is a commercial specialty contractor license classification connected to air conditioning and refrigeration work. Candidates preparing for this exam should be ready to study both technical HVACR knowledge and the approved reference materials used for the exam. The test is built around applied trade knowledge, code familiarity, safety awareness, and the ability to locate information efficiently in the allowed books during a timed testing session.

This course helps students prepare with structure instead of guesswork. The Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) Exam - Online Exam Prep course is organized around the core subjects that appear on the exam outline, including refrigeration, air conditioning, warm air heating, controls and motors, boilers, ventilation, evaporative coolers, fuel piping systems, water piping systems, steam, hot, chilled, and condensing water, testing and balancing, inspections, sizing, and estimating.

Commercial HVAC and refrigeration work requires a broad range of knowledge. Contractors may need to understand mechanical equipment, refrigerant-cycle principles, heating systems, duct systems, hydronic concepts, combustion air, venting, fuel gas piping, ventilation requirements, refrigeration equipment, control circuits, motors, jobsite safety, and system performance. The C-39 exam reflects that broad scope. Students should prepare for both calculation-style questions and reference-based questions that require careful reading.

This online exam prep course is a strong fit for experienced HVAC professionals who understand the field but need a better way to prepare for a licensing exam. Field experience is valuable, but exam performance also depends on pacing, reference navigation, question interpretation, and familiarity with the content outline. A technician may know how to diagnose a refrigeration issue or install ductwork correctly and still need practice locating answers quickly under exam conditions.

The course supports students who want a practical study routine. Instead of reviewing books randomly, students can work through the major subject areas, review the references, strengthen weak areas, and build confidence with exam-style preparation. Since the exam is timed, the goal is not only to learn the material but also to become efficient with it.

Exam Details

The Arizona R-39R/C-39 (CR-39) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration trade exam is administered through PSI for the Arizona Registrar of Contractors trade examination program. The published exam outline lists 80 questions, a minimum passing score of 70%, and 210 minutes of allowed testing time.

The exam content outline includes the following subject areas:

• Refrigeration: 12 items
• Air Conditioning: 12 items
• Warm Air Heating: 12 items
• Controls and Motors: 8 items
• Boilers: 4 items
• Ventilation: 4 items
• Evaporative Coolers: 4 items
• Fuel Piping Systems: 5 items
• Water Piping Systems: 5 items
• Steam, Hot, Chilled, and Condensing Water: 5 items
• Testing, Balancing, and Inspections: 5 items
• Sizing and Estimating: 4 items

The exam may include questions based on the listed reference materials, trade knowledge, and general industry practices. Code questions are based on the code editions listed for the examination. For this product, those code references include the International Fuel Gas Code, 2018, and the International Mechanical Code, 2018.

Because the C-39 exam covers a wide range of commercial HVAC and refrigeration topics, students should prepare for both technical theory and applied installation knowledge. Refrigeration and air conditioning questions may involve system components, refrigerant-cycle concepts, equipment operation, troubleshooting logic, and safe installation practices. Warm air heating questions may involve heating equipment, combustion, venting, airflow, controls, and system operation. Fuel piping questions may require careful use of the International Fuel Gas Code.

The exam also includes subject areas that are easy to overlook, including boilers, water piping, steam, hot water, chilled water, condensing water, testing and balancing, inspections, sizing, and estimating. These areas can influence the final score, so students should not focus only on refrigeration and air conditioning. A balanced study plan gives attention to every category on the exam outline.

Open Book Test

The Arizona C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration trade exam is an open book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the examination center. The allowed exam-room references may be used during the exam, but they must follow PSI rules for markings, tabs, and binding.

Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session. Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index references during the examination session. Additional papers, whether loose or attached, are not permitted with the approved references.

References may be tabbed or indexed with permanent tabs only. Permanent tabs are tabs that would tear the page if removed. Temporary removable tabs, including Post-It notes or similar removable tabs, are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins. Downloaded references may be brought into the testing center when bound, such as spiral binding or hole-punched pages placed in a binder.

A silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator may be used in the examination center. Since the exam allows 210 minutes for 80 questions, students should practice pacing before test day. The open book format is helpful only when the student knows how to use the books quickly. Preparation should include repeated practice with the same references, permanent tab organization, index review, and timed question work.

Licensing Steps

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors licenses and regulates contractors in Arizona. Candidates pursuing the Arizona C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration commercial contractor license should follow the Arizona ROC licensing process for the classification and business structure they plan to use.

The qualifying party is the person who completes the examination requirements for the license. For many applicants, the licensing process includes completing required examinations, satisfying the Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam when required, preparing business and identification documents, completing background check requirements, obtaining the required contractor license bond, and submitting the license application to the Arizona ROC.

A practical licensing path for the Arizona C-39 commercial contractor license includes:

1. Confirm that the C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration commercial classification matches the work the business intends to perform.
2. Prepare for the C-39 trade examination using the approved references and online exam prep materials.
3. Complete the required Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam when required by the Arizona ROC.
4. Prepare identification, background check, qualifying party, and business documentation.
5. Obtain the required contractor license bond for the commercial license classification.
6. Submit the completed Arizona contractor license application and required fees through the Arizona ROC process.
7. Respond to any application corrections or document requests from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

The trade exam is one part of the licensing process. Passing the exam does not automatically issue the license. The Arizona ROC reviews the application and supporting documents before granting the license. Applicants should make sure the business name, ownership information, qualifying party information, and required documents are consistent before submitting the application.

State Requirements

The Arizona C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration classification is a commercial specialty contractor classification. It applies to commercial air conditioning and refrigeration work within the limits of the Arizona license classification. Arizona also uses related residential and dual classifications for air conditioning and refrigeration, so applicants should select the classification that matches the type of work they intend to perform.

The related air conditioning and refrigeration scope includes installation and repair of comfort air conditioning systems, refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilating, heating, machinery, units, accessories, refrigerator rooms, insulated refrigerated spaces, and controls. Commercial candidates should prepare for the technical knowledge required for larger and more complex commercial systems, including mechanical equipment, fuel gas systems, ventilation, controls, duct systems, piping, boilers, refrigeration, and inspection-related topics.

Arizona contractor applicants should understand that licensing involves both exam readiness and application readiness. The Arizona ROC may require examination completion, SRE completion when applicable, background checks, bonding, fees, and complete application documentation. The contractor license belongs to the licensed business entity or applicant, and the qualifying party is tied to the examination and experience requirements for the classification.

After licensure, contractors should stay within the authorized scope of the license classification. HVAC and refrigeration work can involve safety-sensitive systems, gas piping, ventilation, mechanical equipment, electrical controls, and equipment operation. Working outside the license classification may require a different Arizona contractor license classification or additional authorization.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This reference supports OSHA construction safety review, including jobsite hazard recognition, safe work practices, protective equipment, and construction safety rules that may appear on the exam.
• International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018
  This code reference supports study of fuel gas piping, combustion air, venting, appliances, gas system installation, and fuel gas code compliance for commercial HVAC work.
• International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018
  This code reference supports review of mechanical systems, ventilation, duct systems, exhaust, equipment installation, refrigeration, hydronic piping, and mechanical code requirements.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  This HVACR reference supports study of refrigeration principles, air conditioning systems, equipment components, controls, service procedures, troubleshooting concepts, and system operation.
• Low Pressure Boilers, 5th Edition
  This reference supports review of boiler operation, boiler components, safety controls, steam and hot water concepts, combustion, maintenance, and boiler-related trade knowledge.
• Manual D, 2016, 3rd Edition
  This reference supports study of residential duct system design principles, airflow, duct sizing, fittings, layout concepts, and duct system performance.
• Ductulator
  This duct sizing tool supports review of airflow, friction rate, duct sizing, velocity, and practical duct design concepts used in HVAC system planning.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references are allowed in the examination center for the Arizona R-39R/C-39 (CR-39) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration trade exam:

• Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Allowed OSHA construction safety reference for exam-room use, including the latest available amendments or the PSI selections version.
• International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018
  Allowed fuel gas code reference for exam-room use.
• International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018
  Allowed mechanical code reference for exam-room use.

The exam outline also identifies additional HVACR references and study tools that are used for exam preparation but are not allowed in the examination center. Students should still study those materials because the exam may contain questions based on trade knowledge and general industry practices. The best preparation combines book navigation for the allowed references with technical review from the supporting HVACR materials.

Test Information and Study Materials

The Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) Exam - Online Exam Prep course helps students review the technical areas listed in the exam outline and become more comfortable using the approved references. Since the C-39 exam covers 12 subject areas, students should use a steady study schedule that includes code review, trade review, calculation practice, and timed exam-style questions.

For refrigeration, students should review the refrigeration cycle, compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, refrigerants, controls, piping practices, system operation, troubleshooting, and safe work procedures. Refrigeration questions may test both component recognition and system behavior.

For air conditioning, students should study cooling equipment, airflow, heat transfer, coils, condensate handling, system efficiency, controls, equipment installation, and operating conditions. Air conditioning questions may connect field knowledge with code-based mechanical requirements.

For warm air heating, students should review furnaces, combustion, venting, heat exchangers, burners, safeties, ignition systems, controls, ducts, and airflow. Fuel gas code knowledge is especially useful when studying gas-fired heating equipment and venting requirements.

For controls and motors, students should review electrical control concepts, relays, contactors, thermostats, safeties, motor operation, control circuits, and troubleshooting basics. Even though the C-39 exam is not an electrical contractor exam, HVAC technicians must understand how motors and controls operate within mechanical systems.

For boilers and hydronic topics, students should review boiler components, low-pressure boiler operation, steam systems, hot water systems, chilled water systems, condensing water, pumps, valves, piping arrangements, safety controls, and system maintenance. These areas are important for commercial HVAC systems and should not be skipped.

For ventilation and duct systems, students should review mechanical ventilation, air distribution, ducts, fittings, exhaust systems, makeup air, duct sizing, airflow, pressure, balancing, and system performance. Manual D and the Ductulator support review of duct design concepts, while the IMC supports code compliance topics.

For fuel piping systems, students should study the International Fuel Gas Code, including pipe sizing, materials, appliance connections, combustion air, venting, installation requirements, and safety provisions. Fuel gas questions require careful reading because small details can change the correct answer.

For testing, balancing, and inspections, students should review system startup, airflow measurement, balancing procedures, performance checks, safety inspections, code compliance, and common inspection concerns. For sizing and estimating, students should review basic quantity takeoff concepts, equipment sizing awareness, duct sizing, and job planning.

Students should prepare for the exam by combining technical study with book navigation. The allowed references can be marked before test day within PSI rules, so students should use highlighting, annotations, and permanent tabs to organize frequently used sections. The goal is to know where important information is located before the timer starts.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps students prepare for the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) exam with organized online study support built for contractor licensing preparation. The course helps students focus on the exam outline, review the major HVACR subjects, and become more comfortable using the approved references in an open book testing environment.

This online exam prep course gives students a structured way to study refrigeration, air conditioning, warm air heating, controls, motors, boilers, ventilation, evaporative cooling, fuel gas piping, water piping, hydronic systems, testing, balancing, inspections, sizing, estimating, and OSHA construction safety. Instead of trying to study every topic at once, students can work through the material in a more organized and manageable way.

1 Exam Prep also supports reference navigation. For an open book exam, students need to know more than the general topic. They need to understand how the OSHA, IFGC, and IMC references are organized, where key sections are located, and how to move through the books without wasting time. Reference familiarity can make a major difference in a timed exam setting.

The course is also helpful for experienced HVAC technicians and contractors who need exam-specific preparation. Work experience is important, but licensing exams require careful reading, pacing, and the ability to identify the best answer from multiple choices. 1 Exam Prep helps students convert field knowledge into a more exam-ready study approach.

With consistent use, students can build a stronger study routine, identify weak areas, review key references, practice applying code and trade knowledge, and approach the Arizona C-39 exam with greater confidence. The course is promotional, practical, and realistic, supporting preparation without promising exam results, licensing approval, or business outcomes.

FAQ Section

What is the Arizona C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration exam?

The Arizona C-39 exam is the commercial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration trade exam used for the Arizona commercial HVAC and refrigeration contractor licensing path.

Is the Arizona C-39 exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration trade exam is open book. Candidates must bring their own approved references and follow PSI rules for markings, permanent tabs, and binding.

How many questions are on the Arizona C-39 exam?

The published exam outline lists 80 questions for the Arizona R-39R/C-39 (CR-39) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration trade exam.

What score is required to pass the Arizona C-39 exam?

The published minimum passing score is 70%.

How much time is allowed for the Arizona C-39 exam?

The published time allowed is 210 minutes.

What topics are covered on the Arizona C-39 exam?

The exam outline includes refrigeration, air conditioning, warm air heating, controls and motors, boilers, ventilation, evaporative coolers, fuel piping systems, water piping systems, steam, hot, chilled, and condensing water, testing, balancing, inspections, sizing, and estimating.

Which books are allowed in the exam room?

The allowed exam-room references are Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018, and International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018.

Are Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Low Pressure Boilers, Manual D, and the Ductulator used for study?

Yes. These materials support HVACR trade knowledge, boilers, duct design, airflow, refrigeration, and system operation study. They are useful for preparation, even though the exam-room approved references are limited to the allowed books listed for the examination center.

Can I use permanent tabs in my references?

Permanent tabs are allowed when they meet PSI rules. Temporary removable tabs are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins.

Who should take this online exam prep course?

This course is for contractors, qualifying parties, HVAC technicians, refrigeration technicians, and trade professionals preparing for the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) exam.