Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) Exam - Online Exam Prep

Prepare for the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) exam with online exam prep designed for candidates pursuing a dual residential and commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and solar-related contractor license in Arizona. This preparation product helps students review the trade knowledge, safety standards, code requirements, mechanical systems, fuel gas provisions, plumbing code topics, refrigeration concepts, air conditioning equipment, heating systems, boilers, duct sizing, solar-related system concepts, and field practices connected to the CR-79 contractor classification.

The Arizona CR-79 classification combines the residential and commercial scopes for air conditioning and refrigeration, including solar. This makes preparation especially important for candidates who plan to work across both residential and commercial environments. Students should be ready to study comfort air conditioning, refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilation, heating, fuel gas, mechanical code requirements, plumbing code requirements, OSHA construction safety, boiler principles, duct sizing, and solar-related HVAC applications.

This Arizona CR-79 online exam prep product is built for students who want a more organized way to prepare before test day. HVAC and refrigeration exams can feel broad because the trade includes multiple systems and several reference books. A candidate may need to understand refrigeration cycles, air movement, heating equipment, mechanical ventilation, fuel gas piping, boiler operation, duct sizing, plumbing-related provisions, equipment installation, jobsite safety, and solar heating concepts. Online exam prep helps organize these subjects into a focused study routine.

Because the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) exam is an open book test, preparation should include both technical review and reference-book navigation. Open book testing allows candidates to use approved reference materials during the exam, but it does not replace studying. The strongest candidates know the books before exam day, understand how the references are arranged, and can move quickly from a question to the correct section.

Students preparing for the Arizona CR-79 exam should use this online exam prep with the supplied references. The books support OSHA construction safety, fuel gas code requirements, mechanical code provisions, plumbing code requirements, refrigeration and air conditioning theory, boiler knowledge, duct sizing, and field practices used in residential and commercial HVAC and refrigeration work. Together, these materials support a strong foundation for contractor exam preparation.

Exam Details

The Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) exam is associated with Arizona’s contractor licensing process for air conditioning, refrigeration, and solar-related work. Arizona contractor licensing is administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, and trade examinations are administered through PSI as part of the licensing process.

The CR-79 classification is a dual residential/commercial classification. It allows the scopes of work permitted by the related residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration, including solar classifications. Candidates should prepare for exam content that reflects both residential and commercial HVAC and refrigeration work, along with solar-related subject matter that falls within the classification.

Important subject areas for the Arizona CR-79 exam include refrigeration, air conditioning, warm air heating, controls, motors, boilers, ventilation, evaporative cooling, fuel piping systems, water piping systems, steam, hot water, chilled water, condensing water, testing, balancing, inspections, sizing, estimating, plumbing code topics, mechanical code topics, OSHA safety, and solar-related system knowledge.

For code-based study, candidates should use the listed code editions. The supplied code references include the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, and 2018 International Plumbing Code. These books support questions involving gas piping, appliances, mechanical equipment, refrigeration systems, ventilation, piping, plumbing provisions, definitions, installation rules, and system safety. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 supports construction safety questions involving hazards, protective measures, ladders, scaffolds, tools, equipment, excavation, and jobsite safety practices.

For trade-knowledge study, candidates should review Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Low Pressure Boilers, and the Ductulator. These materials help support practical understanding of refrigeration cycles, air conditioning systems, service principles, boiler systems, airflow, duct sizing, and field practices used by HVAC and refrigeration contractors.

Online exam prep helps candidates connect these references to exam-style topics. Instead of reading the books without direction, students can review one subject area, practice applying that topic, and then return to the books to strengthen areas that need more work. This study cycle helps build both technical knowledge and reference-navigation skill.

Open Book Test

The Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) trade exam is an open book test. Candidates may use approved reference materials during the exam according to the testing rules that apply at the examination center. Since this is an open book exam, preparation should include learning how to use the books quickly and accurately.

Open book testing rewards organization. Candidates should know each reference book’s table of contents, index, chapter layout, definitions, tables, charts, installation sections, safety rules, and common trade terms. A fuel gas question may lead to the International Fuel Gas Code. A mechanical equipment, ventilation, ductwork, refrigeration, or installation question may lead to the International Mechanical Code. A plumbing-related question may require the International Plumbing Code. A safety question may require OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.

Students should prepare the references before exam day according to the testing rules. Highlighting, underlining, annotations, and permanent tabs can help when used carefully. Mark the sections that are most useful for quick lookup, but avoid over-marking the books so heavily that important information becomes difficult to find.

Open book does not mean every answer will be easy to locate word for word. Some questions may require candidates to understand the concept first, identify the correct reference, and then apply the information to the situation described in the question. Online exam prep helps students practice that process by connecting trade topics, code references, and exam-style thinking.

Licensing Steps

Arizona contractor applicants should begin by identifying the correct license classification for the work they plan to perform. The Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) classification is connected to residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, and solar-related work within the authorized scope of the license.

After selecting the license classification, the applicant should review the Arizona Registrar of Contractors licensing requirements. 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 CR-79 classification should prepare for the trade exam and complete any other licensing steps required for the application.

Arizona contractor applicants may also be required to complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam training course, commonly known as the SRE. This requirement is separate from the trade exam. The SRE focuses on Arizona contractor statutes and rules, while the CR-79 trade exam focuses on air conditioning, refrigeration, solar-related work, mechanical systems, fuel gas, plumbing, OSHA safety, boilers, duct sizing, and related trade knowledge.

Once the required exam obligations are completed, the applicant submits the contractor license application and supporting materials to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The state reviews the application 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.

Passing the trade exam is an important step, but it does not automatically issue the contractor license. The applicant must also satisfy the full state licensing process. Exam preparation should be treated as one major part of a larger licensing plan that includes application readiness and compliance with Arizona contractor requirements.

State Requirements

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues contractor licenses for residential, commercial, and dual residential/commercial classifications. The CR designation identifies a dual residential/commercial contractor classification. The CR-79 classification is tied to air conditioning and refrigeration work that includes solar-related scope within both residential and commercial settings.

Residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration work can involve several types of equipment and jobsite responsibilities. Contractors may work with comfort air conditioning systems, refrigeration equipment, evaporative cooling systems, ventilation systems, heating equipment, fuel gas equipment, plumbing-related piping, boiler systems, duct systems, controls, safety requirements, and system layout. The exam preparation process should reflect that broad technical scope.

Candidates preparing for the CR-79 exam should understand that the license classification controls the type of work a contractor is authorized to perform. The dual classification is designed for contractors whose work includes both residential and commercial scope under the applicable Arizona classification. Choosing the correct classification is an important part of the licensing process.

Arizona contractor licensing also requires applicants to complete the state application process. The trade exam is one part of licensing, but it is not the only requirement. Applicants should make sure the qualifying party, business entity, bonding, financial responsibility, and application materials are handled according to Arizona Registrar of Contractors requirements.

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, personal protective equipment, fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, excavation, tools, 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, appliance connections, combustion air, venting, materials, sizing, shutoff valves, installation rules, testing, and safety provisions.
• International Mechanical Code, 2018
  The 2018 International Mechanical Code covers mechanical systems, refrigeration, ventilation, duct systems, equipment installation, combustion air, exhaust, piping, and related mechanical requirements used in HVAC and refrigeration work.
• International Plumbing Code, 2018
  The 2018 International Plumbing Code covers plumbing system requirements, piping, materials, fixtures, drainage, water supply, and related provisions that may support questions involving plumbing connections, piping systems, and code coordination.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd edition
  This trade reference supports study of refrigeration principles, air conditioning systems, service practices, system components, controls, motors, troubleshooting, installation concepts, and HVAC terminology used in the field.
• Low Pressure Boilers 5th Edition
  This reference supports review of low-pressure boiler systems, boiler components, safety devices, operation, controls, steam and hot water systems, maintenance concepts, and boiler-related terminology.
• Ductulator
  The duct calculator supports review of duct sizing, airflow, velocity, friction loss, and air distribution relationships. It is useful for understanding sizing concepts connected to duct systems and HVAC estimating.

Test Information and Study Materials

The Arizona CR-79 exam preparation process should cover air conditioning, refrigeration, solar-related system knowledge, mechanical code, fuel gas code, plumbing code, OSHA safety, boilers, duct sizing, and field practices. Candidates should create a study plan that gives each major subject area attention instead of focusing on only one book.

Refrigeration and air conditioning study should include system components, refrigeration cycles, heat transfer, compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, refrigerants, temperature control, system operation, troubleshooting, and service practices. Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning is an important reference for these trade concepts.

Mechanical code preparation should include equipment installation, ventilation, duct systems, refrigeration provisions, exhaust requirements, combustion air, mechanical clearances, piping, and definitions. The International Mechanical Code is a key reference for mechanical system requirements and should be used regularly during study.

Fuel gas preparation should include gas piping materials, pipe sizing concepts, appliance connections, shutoff valves, combustion air, venting, testing, pressure, and safety provisions. Candidates should become familiar with the structure of the International Fuel Gas Code so they can locate information quickly during the open book exam.

Plumbing code preparation should include plumbing system organization, piping, materials, water supply, drainage, and provisions that may relate to HVAC, refrigeration, or solar-related systems. The International Plumbing Code adds another layer of code knowledge for candidates preparing for the CR-79 exam.

Boiler study should include low-pressure boiler components, operation, safety devices, controls, steam and hot water system concepts, maintenance, and boiler-related terminology. Low Pressure Boilers helps support review of these topics and should be used alongside the other mechanical references.

Duct sizing preparation should include airflow, velocity, friction loss, duct sizing relationships, system layout, and estimating concepts. The Ductulator is a practical tool for understanding how duct size, airflow, and friction relate to one another. Candidates should practice using it before test day so it feels familiar during the exam.

OSHA safety preparation should include hazard recognition, personal protective equipment, fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, excavation, tools, equipment, and construction site safety practices. Safety questions often require candidates to identify the hazard and apply the correct rule or safety principle.

Solar-related preparation should include the way solar equipment can connect to heating, cooling, refrigeration, and water-based system concepts within the license scope. Since the classification includes solar, students should pay close attention to any solar-related exam topics, system terminology, components, piping, controls, and installation considerations included in the study materials and exam content.

Online exam prep helps turn this wide range of material into a practical study routine. Review one topic at a time, locate the related section in the reference, answer exam-style questions, and then return to missed topics for additional review. This process helps build both trade knowledge and reference-navigation skill.

Since the CR-79 exam is open book, candidates should also prepare their references carefully before test day. Highlighting, underlining, annotations, and permanent tabs may help, but organization matters. Mark the sections that are most useful for quick lookup. Learn how each book is arranged. Practice using the index and table of contents so that the books become working tools rather than unfamiliar materials.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Arizona contractor candidates prepare with organized study support, trade-focused review, reference navigation, and practical exam preparation. For the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) exam, that means helping students focus on HVAC, refrigeration, solar-related concepts, mechanical code, fuel gas, plumbing code, OSHA safety, boilers, duct sizing, and related residential and commercial trade topics.

This online exam prep product helps students study with more structure. Instead of working through several references without a plan, candidates can focus on major subject areas and connect each topic back to the books. That structure helps make the study process more manageable and keeps attention on the material most relevant to the CR-79 trade exam.

1 Exam Prep also supports reference navigation. Since the CR-79 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 CR-79 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, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) Exam - Online Exam Prep?

It is an online exam prep product designed to help candidates study for the Arizona CR-79 residential/commercial contractor trade exam. It supports review of air conditioning, refrigeration, solar-related topics, mechanical code, fuel gas, plumbing code, OSHA safety, boilers, duct sizing, and field practice topics.

Is the Arizona CR-79 contractor exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona CR-79 trade exam is an open book test. Candidates should study the approved references and become familiar with each book before exam day.

What does the Arizona CR-79 classification include?

The CR-79 classification is connected to residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration work that includes solar-related scope. Candidates should prepare for HVAC, refrigeration, solar-related work, mechanical systems, fuel gas, plumbing, safety, boilers, and duct-sizing topics.

Which books are included in this study list?

The supplied study list includes Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), International Fuel Gas Code 2018, International Mechanical Code 2018, International Plumbing Code 2018, Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 22nd edition, Low Pressure Boilers 5th Edition, and Ductulator.

Does online exam prep replace the reference books?

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

What should I focus on while studying for the Arizona CR-79 exam?

Focus on air conditioning, refrigeration, solar-related system knowledge, fuel gas code, mechanical code, plumbing code, OSHA safety, low-pressure boilers, duct sizing, airflow, equipment installation, piping, controls, and field practices.

Why is reference navigation important for the CR-79 exam?

Because the exam is open book, candidates need to know how to find information quickly. Strong reference navigation helps you identify the correct book, locate the right section, and apply the information to the question.

Who issues Arizona contractor licenses?

Arizona contractor licenses are issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The trade exam is one part of the licensing process, and applicants must also complete the required state application steps.

Who administers Arizona contractor trade exams?

Arizona contractor trade examinations are administered through PSI as part of the Arizona contractor 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.