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

Prepare for the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) exam with online exam prep designed for candidates pursuing a commercial HVAC and refrigeration contractor license in Arizona. This exam prep product helps you study the trade knowledge, code requirements, safety standards, mechanical systems, refrigeration principles, fuel gas provisions, duct design concepts, boilers, ventilation, controls, motors, piping, testing, balancing, and estimating topics connected to the C-39 contractor classification.

The Arizona C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration classification is a commercial specialty contractor classification. It allows the licensee to install, alter, and repair refrigeration and evaporative cooling systems. Because this classification is commercial, candidates should prepare for trade knowledge that applies to commercial and industrial air conditioning and refrigeration work rather than residential-only HVAC work.

This Arizona C-39 online exam prep is built for students who want a more structured way to study before test day. HVAC and refrigeration exams can feel broad because the trade includes several connected systems. Candidates may need to review refrigeration cycles, air conditioning equipment, warm air heating, controls, motors, boilers, ventilation, evaporative cooling, fuel piping, water piping, steam piping, chilled water systems, condensing water systems, testing, balancing, inspection, sizing, and estimating. A focused online exam prep course helps organize these topics into a more manageable study plan.

The Arizona C-39 exam is an open book test, which means preparation should include both content review and reference-book navigation. Open book testing gives candidates access to approved references in the exam center, but it does not remove the need to study. The strongest preparation comes from knowing the books, understanding how the exam topics are organized, and practicing how to connect a question to the correct reference section quickly.

This online exam prep product is intended to help students build confidence through organized review. Instead of reading the references without direction, students can study around the exam content outline and the listed books. The supplied references support important areas such as OSHA construction safety, mechanical code requirements, fuel gas systems, refrigeration and air conditioning theory, boilers, duct design, duct sizing, and field practices used in commercial HVAC and refrigeration work.

Exam Details

The Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) exam is associated with Arizona’s contractor licensing process for commercial HVAC and refrigeration work. Arizona contractor licensing is administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, and trade examinations are administered through PSI.

The R-39R/C-39 (CR-39) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration examination content outline lists 80 questions, a 210-minute time limit, and a minimum passing score of 70%. The exam covers 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.

The content outline includes 12 questions on refrigeration, 12 questions on air conditioning, 12 questions on warm air heating, 8 questions on controls and motors, 4 questions on boilers, 4 questions on ventilation, 4 questions on evaporative coolers, 5 questions on fuel piping systems, 5 questions on water piping systems, 5 questions on steam, hot, chilled, and condensing water, 5 questions on testing, balancing, and inspections, and 4 questions on sizing and estimating.

The reference material listed for the examination is used to prepare exam questions, and the exam may also contain questions based on trade knowledge or general industry practices. For code questions, candidates should study the exact code edition listed for the exam. For non-code references, later editions may be used as they become available, but candidates should still prepare around the official exam content and testing rules.

Because the C-39 exam is timed, candidates should practice efficient question reading and reference lookup. A good study routine includes reviewing each content area, locating related information in the books, answering practice-style questions, and returning to missed topics until the material becomes easier to recognize and apply.

Open Book Test

The Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) trade exam is an open book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved reference materials to the examination center. The approved references allowed in the exam center include Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), International Fuel Gas Code, 2018, and International Mechanical Code, 2018.

Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session. Candidates may not write in, highlight, underline, or index references during the exam. Additional loose papers or attached papers are not permitted with the approved references. References may be tabbed or indexed with permanent tabs only. Temporary tabs, removable sticky notes, and tabs that can be removed without tearing the page are not allowed.

Open book does not mean the exam is simple. HVAC and refrigeration questions often require candidates to identify the system type, understand the trade concept, and then know which reference applies. A question involving fuel gas should lead you toward the International Fuel Gas Code. A question involving mechanical ventilation, duct systems, refrigeration machinery, or mechanical installation requirements may require the International Mechanical Code. A safety question may require OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.

Students should prepare by using the approved exam-room references during study sessions. Practice locating definitions, tables, safety requirements, installation provisions, mechanical system rules, and fuel gas requirements. The more familiar the references become before exam day, the less time you are likely to lose searching during the test.

Licensing Steps

Arizona contractor applicants should begin by identifying the correct license classification for the work they plan to perform. The C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration classification is a commercial specialty classification for air conditioning and refrigeration work within the authorized commercial scope.

After selecting the license classification, the applicant should review the Arizona Registrar of Contractors requirements for the license. The qualifying party for the license is generally responsible for satisfying the required examination obligations unless the state grants an applicable waiver. Candidates pursuing the C-39 classification should prepare for the trade exam and complete any other state licensing steps that apply to the application.

Arizona contractor applicants may also be required to complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam training course, commonly known as the SRE. The SRE is separate from the trade exam. The SRE focuses on Arizona contractor statutes and rules, while the C-39 trade exam focuses on commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, mechanical systems, fuel gas, safety, piping, ventilation, boilers, controls, and related trade knowledge.

Once the required exam obligations are complete, the applicant submits the contractor license application and supporting materials to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The state reviews applications according to its licensing rules. Application requirements may include business information, qualifying party information, bonding, background requirements, financial responsibility, and other required state application items.

Exam preparation should begin before the test date is close. Candidates should gather the correct books, review the exam content outline, study the C-39 scope of work, and use online exam prep to build familiarity with the topics and references. A steady preparation schedule can help reduce last-minute stress and improve overall study organization.

State Requirements

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues separate contractor licenses for commercial work, residential work, and dual residential/commercial scopes. The C-39 classification is a commercial specialty classification. Contractors who plan to perform residential HVAC work should make sure they hold the proper residential or dual classification for that work.

The C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration classification allows the licensee to install, alter, and repair refrigeration and evaporative cooling systems. Candidates should understand the commercial nature of the classification and prepare for technical topics connected to commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Commercial air conditioning and refrigeration work can involve complex systems, equipment coordination, safety standards, code requirements, piping, ventilation, heating, cooling, controls, motors, testing, balancing, inspection, and estimating. The exam preparation process should reflect the range of knowledge needed for this classification.

Passing the trade exam is an important step, but it does not automatically issue a contractor license. The applicant must also satisfy the Arizona Registrar of Contractors application requirements for the selected license classification. Candidates should treat exam prep as one part of the full licensing process.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This construction safety reference covers federal OSHA standards for construction work. It supports preparation for safety-related questions involving jobsite hazards, protective measures, access, equipment, excavation, fall protection, personal protective equipment, and general construction safety practices.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2018
  The 2018 International Fuel Gas Code covers fuel gas system requirements, including gas piping, appliances, combustion air, venting, installation rules, sizing, materials, and safety provisions. It is an important code reference for fuel piping and gas-fired equipment topics.
• International Mechanical Code, 2018
  The 2018 International Mechanical Code covers mechanical systems, ventilation, duct systems, refrigeration, exhaust, combustion air, equipment installation, piping, and related mechanical requirements. It is a key code reference for commercial HVAC and refrigeration exam preparation.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd edition
  This trade reference supports study of refrigeration principles, air conditioning systems, equipment components, service practices, electrical controls, motors, troubleshooting, system operation, and HVAC terminology used in the field.
• Low Pressure Boilers 5th Edition
  This reference supports review of low-pressure boiler systems, boiler components, operation, safety devices, controls, steam and hot water systems, maintenance concepts, and boiler-related terminology.
• Manual D, 2016, 3rd Ed
  This duct design reference supports study of residential and light commercial duct design principles, airflow, duct sizing, friction rate, fittings, balancing considerations, and system layout concepts that help candidates understand duct-related questions.
• Ductulator
  The duct calculator supports review of duct sizing, airflow, velocity, friction loss, and duct system relationships. It is useful for understanding sizing and estimating concepts connected to air distribution systems.

Test Information and Study Materials

The Arizona C-39 exam preparation process should begin with the content outline. The largest topic areas include refrigeration, air conditioning, and warm air heating. Candidates should review system components, refrigeration cycle principles, compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, heat transfer, air distribution, heating equipment, and system operation. These subjects form a major part of the exam and should receive consistent study time.

Controls and motors are also important. Candidates should review basic control circuits, thermostats, relays, contactors, motor operation, motor protection, electrical components, wiring concepts, and troubleshooting procedures. HVAC and refrigeration systems depend on controls and motors, so understanding how those components interact with the system is essential.

Boilers, ventilation, and evaporative coolers each appear as separate content areas. Candidates should review low-pressure boiler operation, safety controls, steam and hot water concepts, ventilation requirements, duct systems, outdoor air, exhaust, and evaporative cooling equipment. These areas may not have as many questions as refrigeration or air conditioning, but they can still affect the final score.

Fuel piping systems and water piping systems require careful code and trade review. The International Fuel Gas Code should be used to study gas piping, sizing concepts, materials, appliance connections, combustion air, and venting. Water piping preparation should include piping arrangements, system components, valves, pumps, and general installation practices that support HVAC and refrigeration systems.

The exam also includes steam, hot, chilled, and condensing water. Candidates should review hydronic system concepts, chilled water systems, condenser water systems, pumps, piping, valves, balancing, heat exchange, and system circulation. Commercial HVAC work often involves larger water-based systems, making this an important topic for C-39 candidates.

Testing, balancing, and inspections should be studied as practical field topics. Candidates should understand airflow measurement, system startup, balancing procedures, inspection points, equipment checks, and performance verification. These questions may require both trade knowledge and reference familiarity.

Sizing and estimating preparation should include calculations, system measurements, duct sizing relationships, airflow, material quantities, job planning, and reading the question carefully. The Ductulator and Manual D can help reinforce air distribution concepts, while the mechanical code and trade references support broader system knowledge.

Students should use online exam prep as part of an active study routine. Review a topic, locate the related information in the reference material, answer exam-style questions, and return to any missed areas for additional study. This approach helps improve retention and supports the reference-navigation skills needed for an open book contractor exam.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Arizona contractor candidates prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, and practical exam preparation. For the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) exam, that means helping students focus on the HVAC, refrigeration, mechanical code, fuel gas, OSHA safety, piping, ventilation, boiler, controls, and sizing topics connected to the exam.

This online exam prep product gives students a structured way to study. Instead of working through several references without a plan, candidates can follow preparation material that connects directly to the exam content areas. That structure helps make the study process more manageable and keeps attention on the topics most relevant to the C-39 trade exam.

1 Exam Prep also supports reference navigation. Since the C-39 exam is open book, candidates should know how to use the allowed references before test day. The goal is to help students become comfortable identifying which book applies, locating the right section, and applying the information to exam-style questions.

Practice-oriented preparation helps build confidence. Students can use online exam prep to identify weaker areas, review missed topics, and return to the books for additional study. This process strengthens both trade understanding and exam readiness.

Contractor exams reward preparation, consistency, and familiarity with the source material. 1 Exam Prep helps students approach the Arizona C-39 exam with a focused study plan, stronger trade review, and better confidence using the references that support the test.

FAQ Section

What is the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Commercial Contractor (C-39) Exam - Online Exam Prep?

It is an online exam prep product designed to help candidates study for the Arizona C-39 commercial air conditioning and refrigeration contractor trade exam. It supports review of HVAC, refrigeration, mechanical code, fuel gas, OSHA safety, controls, motors, boilers, piping, ventilation, testing, balancing, sizing, and estimating topics.

Is the Arizona C-39 contractor exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona C-39 trade exam is an open book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references and should become familiar with the books before exam day.

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

The R-39R/C-39 (CR-39) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration examination content outline lists 80 questions.

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

The examination content outline lists a 210-minute time limit.

What passing score is required for the Arizona C-39 exam?

The minimum passing score listed for the examination is 70%.

What does the Arizona C-39 classification cover?

The C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration classification allows the licensee to install, alter, and repair refrigeration and evaporative cooling systems within the commercial specialty classification scope.

Which references are allowed in the examination center?

The approved exam-room references include Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), International Fuel Gas Code, 2018, and International Mechanical Code, 2018.

Which books are included in this study list?

The supplied study list includes OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, International Fuel Gas Code 2018, International Mechanical Code 2018, Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 22nd edition, Low Pressure Boilers 5th Edition, Manual D 2016 3rd Ed, and Ductulator.

Does online exam prep replace the reference books?

No. Online exam prep should be used with the reference materials. The books provide the source material, while the exam prep helps organize review, reinforce key topics, and improve your ability to apply the information.

Who administers Arizona contractor trade exams?

Arizona contractor trade examinations are administered through PSI as part of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors licensing process.

Does this online exam prep guarantee a passing score?

No. This product is designed to support preparation with structured study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented learning, and reference navigation. Exam results depend on the candidate’s preparation and performance on test day.