Connecticut Limited Heating & Cooling Journeyperson (S-10) Books Allowed into Exam Package

Prepare for the Connecticut Limited Heating & Cooling Journeyperson (S-10) examination with a focused package containing the references approved for use inside the exam room. This collection brings together the mechanical codes, residential codes, fuel standards, safety regulations, refrigeration resources, duct references, and calculation tools associated with the Connecticut S-10 trade examination.

The S-10 examination covers a broad range of heating and cooling knowledge. Candidates may encounter questions involving refrigeration, heating principles, controls, air-conditioning equipment, heat pumps, furnaces, hydronic systems, chimneys, vents, combustion air, fuel gas systems, ductwork, workplace safety, oil burners, testing, adjusting, and balancing.

Because the examination is open book, candidates may use the approved references to locate code provisions, technical information, tables, definitions, formulas, and installation requirements. However, an open-book format does not remove the need for preparation. The test is timed, and candidates must know which reference applies to each subject and how to find information efficiently.

This package contains the International Mechanical Code, International Residential Code, NFPA 31, NFPA 54, OSHA construction regulations, Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, an ACCA Ductulator, HVAC Duct Construction Standards, NFPA 58, and Manual J. Every item in this package is intended for use during the S-10 examination, subject to the testing center’s current reference-material rules.

Preparing with the same books and tools used on exam day allows candidates to build familiarity with chapter structures, indexes, tables, diagrams, terminology, and cross-references. Repeated practice can help candidates recognize whether a question should be researched in the mechanical code, residential code, fuel gas code, oil-burning standard, LP-Gas code, OSHA regulations, refrigeration textbook, duct standard, or load-calculation manual.

This package is especially useful for candidates who already have supplemental study materials and need the approved exam-room references in one organized collection. It does not include books that are recommended only for studying outside the testing center.

What You Get

The package is limited to approved references and tools that support exam-room use. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own materials to the testing center and preparing them according to the applicable rules.

Exam Details

The Connecticut Limited Heating & Cooling Journeyperson (S-10) examination contains 70 questions. Candidates are given 180 minutes to complete the test, and a minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass.

The published examination outline includes the following subjects:

• Insulation: 2 questions
• Hangers and Supports: 2 questions
• Sound, Vibration, and Seismic Control: 1 question
• Heating and Cooling Principles: 3 questions
• Refrigerants and Refrigeration: 5 questions
• Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing: 3 questions
• Controls: 5 questions
• Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment: 5 questions
• Furnaces and Heaters: 5 questions
• Hydronics: 4 questions
• Chimneys, Flues, and Vents: 4 questions
• Combustion Air: 2 questions
• Fuel Gas Systems: 10 questions
• Ducts: 6 questions
• Ventilation and Exhaust: 3 questions
• Safety: 4 questions
• Oil Burners: 6 questions

Fuel gas systems are the largest individual category on the examination. Ductwork and oil burners also account for substantial portions of the test. Refrigeration, controls, air-conditioning equipment, heat pumps, furnaces, and heaters are additional areas that deserve focused study.

Candidates have an average of approximately two and a half minutes per question. This time includes reading the question, identifying the correct reference, finding the applicable information, completing any calculation, and selecting an answer. Efficient reference navigation is therefore an important part of exam preparation.

The examination may include questions based on the listed references, trade knowledge, and accepted industry practices. Code questions are based on the listed code editions, so candidates should prepare with the correct editions rather than relying only on newer books or field experience.

Open Book Test

The Connecticut S-10 examination is an open-book test. Candidates may bring the approved references in this package into the examination center.

Approved books may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs may be used to identify chapters, tables, formulas, definitions, and important subject areas. Temporary tabs and removable notes are not permitted.

Loose papers may not be inserted into or attached to the approved references. Candidates may not write in their books during the examination session. Questions and answers may not be written inside the books before entering the testing room.

A silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator may be used. Candidates should practice common HVAC calculations with an acceptable calculator before exam day.

For gas pipe-sizing questions associated with NFPA 54, candidates must use the longest-length method. Preparation should include identifying the longest piping run, calculating connected demand, selecting the correct sizing table, and determining the required pipe size.

A practical tabbing system may include refrigeration, controls, air-conditioning equipment, heat pumps, furnaces, hydronics, combustion air, chimneys, vents, fuel gas piping, oil burners, ducts, ventilation, OSHA safety, LP-Gas, and residential load calculations.

Candidates should avoid placing tabs on nearly every page. Too many labels can make a reference harder to use. A smaller number of clearly organized permanent tabs, combined with familiarity with the index and table of contents, can provide a more effective exam-day system.

Licensing Steps

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection regulates heating and cooling occupational licenses and determines whether an applicant qualifies to take the S-10 examination.

1. Review the S-10 license scope. Confirm that the Limited Heating & Cooling Journeyperson classification covers the work you intend to perform.
2. Complete the applicable application. Submit the required journeyperson application to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
3. Provide supporting documentation. Include apprenticeship records, training documents, employment information, or equivalent experience records required for your application pathway.
4. Receive examination eligibility. The state must approve the application before the candidate can schedule the examination.
5. Register for the S-10 examination. Follow the testing provider’s scheduling instructions after receiving approval.
6. Prepare the approved books. Study the references, practice calculations, and organize the books using permitted highlighting, annotations, and permanent tabs.
7. Complete the examination. Answer the 70 questions within the 180-minute testing period.
8. Complete license issuance requirements. Follow the state’s instructions after passing the examination and submit any remaining documents or licensing fees.

Applicants should review the current application instructions, identification rules, eligibility period, scheduling process, and examination-center policies before registering. Passing the examination is one part of the licensing process and does not automatically issue the credential.

State Requirements

The Connecticut S-10 license is a limited heating and cooling journeyperson credential. The holder may perform work within the established scope while employed by a properly licensed contractor.

The credential covers qualifying heating and cooling work in buildings not exceeding three stories. The scope is limited to systems with a total heating load not exceeding 500,000 BTUs, steam pressure not exceeding 15 pounds, and cooling installations not exceeding 35 tons per system.

The license includes qualifying heating systems, cooling systems, associated piping, appliances, equipment, controls, fuel systems, and sheet metal work that falls within the limitations of the credential.

Applicants must complete a registered apprenticeship program or demonstrate equivalent experience and training accepted by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The published equivalency requirements for the S-10 classification include 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 classroom hours.

Applicants using experience or training earned outside Connecticut must submit documentation for state review. The Department of Consumer Protection determines whether the applicant’s education and work experience meet the requirements for examination eligibility.

An S-10 journeyperson license does not provide independent contracting authority. The license holder must work while employed by a contractor who holds the appropriate Connecticut credential for the work being performed.

Reference Books

• International Mechanical Code, 2021
  This code covers mechanical systems, equipment installation, ventilation, exhaust, combustion air, duct systems, refrigeration, hydronic systems, chimneys, vents, appliances, and related safety requirements.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  This residential code supports review of mechanical and fuel gas requirements for qualifying one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. Topics include appliance installation, ducts, ventilation, combustion air, fuel piping, venting, and equipment clearances.
• NFPA 31: Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment, 2011
  NFPA 31 addresses oil-burning equipment and associated fuel systems. It covers oil storage, tanks, supply piping, burners, controls, equipment installation, combustion, clearances, venting, and safety provisions.
• NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code Handbook, 2012
  This handbook supports study of fuel gas piping, materials, sizing, joints, pressure, valves, appliance connections, testing, combustion air, venting, and gas-fired equipment installation.
• Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction-safety reference addresses jobsite requirements involving personal protective equipment, ladders, scaffolds, fall protection, electrical hazards, tools, material handling, excavation, and other workplace practices.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  This HVAC reference covers refrigeration principles, refrigerants, compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, air-conditioning systems, heat pumps, furnaces, electrical components, controls, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• ACCA Ductulator
  This duct-sizing tool helps candidates work with airflow, friction rate, velocity, duct dimensions, and pressure-loss relationships in HVAC distribution systems.
• HVAC Duct Construction Standards, Metal and Flexible, 2005, 3rd Edition
  This SMACNA standard covers the construction and installation of metal and flexible duct systems, including materials, joints, reinforcement, supports, pressure classifications, and fabrication requirements.
• NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2014
  NFPA 58 covers the storage, handling, transportation, and use of LP-Gas. It supports study of containers, cylinders, tanks, regulators, piping, valves, separation distances, installation locations, protection, and system safety.
• Manual J – Residential Load Calculations, Reprinted 2016, Eighth Full Edition
  This ACCA manual addresses residential heating and cooling load calculations. It includes heat loss, heat gain, design conditions, construction characteristics, windows, doors, infiltration, ventilation, orientation, and equipment-sizing considerations.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following books and reference tools are included in this package and approved for use inside the Connecticut S-10 examination room:

• International Mechanical Code, 2021
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
• NFPA 31: Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment, 2011
• NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code Handbook, 2012
• Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
• ACCA Ductulator
• HVAC Duct Construction Standards, Metal and Flexible, 2005, 3rd Edition
• NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2014
• Manual J – Residential Load Calculations, Eighth Full Edition

Candidates must bring their own approved references. The testing center does not provide a personal set of books for each candidate. Every book should be reviewed and organized before the scheduled examination.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive S-10 study plan should follow the published examination outline. Begin with fuel gas systems, ducts, and oil burners because these categories contain the greatest number of questions. Continue with refrigeration, controls, air-conditioning equipment, heat pumps, furnaces, heaters, hydronics, chimneys, vents, ventilation, balancing, and safety.

Use NFPA 54 to review gas piping, sizing tables, valves, appliance connections, pressure, testing, combustion air, and venting. Practice the longest-length sizing method until the table-selection and pipe-sizing process becomes familiar.

Use NFPA 31 to study oil tanks, supply systems, piping, burners, controls, equipment placement, combustion, and venting. Review definitions and exceptions carefully because they can change how a general provision applies.

Use Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning to reinforce the refrigeration cycle, refrigerants, compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, controls, heat pumps, furnaces, electrical systems, charging, testing, and troubleshooting.

Use the Ductulator and HVAC Duct Construction Standards together when preparing for duct questions. Practice relationships among airflow, velocity, friction rate, duct size, pressure loss, construction class, reinforcement, joints, and support requirements.

Manual J can strengthen understanding of residential heat loss, heat gain, building construction, infiltration, ventilation, and equipment-sizing principles. Even when a question does not require a complete load calculation, familiarity with the manual can support broader heating and cooling knowledge.

Complete timed practice sessions with the same approved books and calculator planned for exam day. When researching an answer, identify the most likely reference first, use the index or permanent tabs, and read the complete provision, including notes, exceptions, and table headings.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Connecticut S-10 candidates organize their preparation around the references approved for use inside the examination room. This package combines the major codes, standards, safety regulations, calculation tools, and technical materials associated with the Limited Heating & Cooling Journeyperson exam.

Trade-focused review helps candidates connect each test subject with the correct resource. NFPA 54 supports fuel gas preparation, NFPA 31 addresses oil-burning equipment, NFPA 58 covers LP-Gas, OSHA regulations support safety review, and Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning reinforces refrigeration and equipment knowledge.

Reference-navigation practice is an important part of open-book preparation. Learning each book’s chapter structure, index terminology, formulas, definitions, and tables can reduce unnecessary searching and help candidates use the available testing time more effectively.

Practice-oriented preparation also helps candidates identify weak areas before exam day. Reviewing missed questions and locating the supporting provision can strengthen knowledge of gas systems, oil burners, refrigeration, controls, hydronics, furnaces, heat pumps, ductwork, ventilation, and safety.

No exam-preparation package can guarantee a passing score or license approval. Consistent study, qualifying experience, organized references, accurate calculations, and effective time management remain essential parts of the Connecticut S-10 licensing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Connecticut S-10 examination open book?

Yes. The Connecticut Limited Heating & Cooling Journeyperson examination is open book. Candidates may bring the approved books and reference tools listed for the examination.

Are all items in this package allowed into the exam?

Yes. This package is limited to the references and tools approved for use inside the Connecticut S-10 examination room.

How many questions are on the S-10 examination?

The examination contains 70 questions. Candidates have 180 minutes to complete the test, and the minimum passing score is 70 percent.

Can the books be highlighted and tabbed?

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs are permitted. Temporary tabs and removable notes are prohibited.

Can I write in the books during the exam?

No. Candidates may not write in the approved references during the examination session. Loose papers and written practice questions or answers are not permitted inside the books.

What is the largest examination subject?

Fuel gas systems are the largest published category, with 10 questions. Ducts and oil burners each account for six questions.

What gas pipe-sizing method is required?

Candidates must use the longest-length method for gas pipe-sizing questions associated with NFPA 54.

Is Manual J allowed in the examination room?

Yes. Manual J – Residential Load Calculations, Eighth Full Edition is included as an approved S-10 exam-room reference.

Is the ACCA Ductulator allowed during the examination?

Yes. The ACCA Ductulator is an approved reference tool for duct-sizing and airflow questions on the S-10 examination.

Does this package guarantee a passing score?

No. Examination performance depends on the candidate’s trade knowledge, preparation, calculation skills, reference-navigation ability, time management, and performance on test day.