Connecticut Limited Heating & Cooling Journeyperson (S-10) Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Connecticut Limited Heating & Cooling Journeyperson (S-10) examination with a comprehensive collection of approved exam-room references and recommended technical study books. This package supports candidates reviewing heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, fuel gas systems, oil-burning equipment, hydronics, ductwork, ventilation, controls, safety, and related HVAC trade knowledge.

The Connecticut S-10 examination covers a wide range of technical subjects. Candidates must understand how heating and cooling systems operate while also knowing how to locate requirements in mechanical codes, residential codes, fuel standards, construction safety regulations, refrigeration textbooks, duct references, and load-calculation materials.

This package includes 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. It also includes Pipefitter’s Handbook, Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, and Residential Oil Burners as additional study resources.

The approved exam-room references help candidates prepare for an open-book testing environment. The supplemental study books provide additional explanations of piping, hydronic heating, oil burners, combustion, controls, service procedures, system design, and troubleshooting. Together, the materials create an organized foundation for S-10 exam preparation.

Field experience is important for any HVAC journeyperson, but the examination may require answers based on a specific code provision, sizing table, safety rule, formula, equipment principle, or installation standard. Studying with the listed references helps candidates connect practical experience with the terminology and requirements used on the test.

Because the S-10 examination is timed, candidates should learn where information is located before arriving at the testing center. Effective preparation includes reviewing the indexes, chapter layouts, definitions, tables, formulas, illustrations, and cross-references in each approved book. Candidates should also practice calculations and reference navigation under timed conditions.

Exam Details

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

The published S-10 examination content outline includes the following subject areas:

• 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 represent the largest individual category on the S-10 examination. Ducts and oil burners also account for significant portions of the test, while refrigeration, controls, air-conditioning equipment, heat pumps, furnaces, and heaters each receive substantial coverage.

Candidates have an average of slightly more than two and a half minutes per question. That time must include reading the question, identifying the correct reference, locating the applicable information, completing any necessary calculation, and selecting an answer. Reference-navigation practice can help candidates use the available time more effectively.

The examination may contain questions developed from the approved references as well as questions based on trade knowledge and accepted industry practices. Code-related questions use the editions identified for the examination, so candidates should prepare with the correct code editions rather than relying only on newer publications or memory.

Open Book Test

The Connecticut S-10 Limited Heating & Cooling Journeyperson examination is an open-book test. Candidates may bring approved references into the testing center, including the codebooks, standards, manuals, safety regulations, and calculation tools identified for the examination.

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session. Permanent tabs may be used to identify major chapters, frequently used tables, definitions, formulas, and subject areas. Temporary tabs and removable notes are not allowed.

Candidates may not bring loose papers into the examination room or attach additional sheets to approved books. Questions and answers may not be written inside the references. Candidates are also prohibited from writing in the books during the examination session.

A silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator may be used. Candidates should become comfortable using an acceptable calculator for HVAC math, gas pipe sizing, airflow relationships, refrigeration calculations, and other trade-related problems before exam day.

For gas pipe-sizing questions based on NFPA 54, candidates must use the longest-length method. Practice should include identifying the longest piping run, calculating connected demand, selecting the correct table, and determining the appropriate pipe size.

A practical permanent-tab system may include refrigeration, controls, heat pumps, furnaces, hydronics, combustion air, chimneys and vents, fuel gas piping, oil burners, ducts, ventilation, LP-Gas, OSHA safety, and residential load calculations. Tabs should make navigation easier without overcrowding the references.

Pipefitter’s Handbook, Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, and Residential Oil Burners are recommended study resources. These three books are not permitted inside the S-10 examination room and should be used during preparation before the test.

Licensing Steps

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection regulates occupational heating and cooling licenses and determines whether applicants qualify to take the S-10 examination. Candidates must receive examination approval before scheduling the test.

1. Review the S-10 license classification. Confirm that the Limited Heating & Cooling Journeyperson credential matches the work you intend to perform.
2. Complete the applicable application. Submit the required journeyperson application and supporting documents to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
3. Document training and experience. Provide the apprenticeship records, classroom instruction, employment history, or equivalent experience required for your application pathway.
4. Receive examination eligibility. The state must approve the application before the examination can be scheduled.
5. Register for the S-10 examination. Follow the testing provider’s current registration and scheduling instructions.
6. Prepare the approved references. Study the books, complete practice questions, work through calculations, and organize permitted materials with permanent tabs.
7. Take the examination. Complete the 70-question S-10 trade test within the 180-minute time limit.
8. Complete license issuance. Follow the state’s instructions for submitting passing results, licensing fees, and any remaining required documents.

Applicants should carefully review all current application instructions, eligibility periods, identification requirements, examination-center rules, and score-report procedures. Passing the examination is an important part of the process, but the credential is issued only after all applicable licensing requirements have been completed.

State Requirements

The Connecticut S-10 credential is a limited heating and cooling journeyperson license. It permits the license holder to perform authorized work within the limitations established for the classification while employed by a properly licensed contractor.

The scope is associated with qualifying heating and cooling systems, equipment, appliances, piping, devices, and accessories. The classification is limited to buildings not exceeding three stories, 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 permitted work includes qualifying hot-water and steam heating systems, air-conditioning systems, refrigeration-related equipment, and associated piping. The classification also covers fuel systems and sheet metal work within the limitations of the credential.

Applicants must satisfy the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s applicable education, training, apprenticeship, and experience requirements. A registered apprenticeship is a common qualification path. Applicants seeking recognition of equivalent training or out-of-state experience must submit the required supporting records for state review.

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

Candidates should review the official license scope before applying because Connecticut offers multiple heating, cooling, piping, refrigeration, fuel gas, and burner classifications. Each license has its own limitations and authorized work.

Reference Books

• International Mechanical Code, 2021
  This code addresses mechanical systems, equipment installation, ventilation, exhaust, combustion air, ducts, refrigeration, hydronics, chimneys, vents, appliances, and related safety requirements.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2021
  This residential code covers qualifying one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. Relevant sections address residential mechanical systems, fuel gas piping, appliance installation, combustion air, ductwork, ventilation, venting, and equipment clearances.
• NFPA 31: Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment, 2011
  NFPA 31 provides requirements for oil-burning equipment and associated fuel systems. It supports review of oil storage, tanks, fuel supply piping, burners, equipment installation, controls, combustion, venting, and safety provisions.
• NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code Handbook, 2012
  This handbook supports preparation involving fuel gas piping, pipe sizing, pressure, materials, joints, valves, appliance connections, testing, combustion air, venting, and gas-fired equipment.
• Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This construction-safety reference covers workplace requirements involving personal protective equipment, fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, electrical hazards, tools, material handling, excavation, and other jobsite safety practices.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  This comprehensive HVAC reference covers refrigeration principles, refrigerants, compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, air-conditioning systems, heat pumps, furnaces, controls, electrical components, installation, service, and troubleshooting.
• ACCA Ductulator
  This calculation tool supports duct sizing and airflow review. It helps candidates work with airflow volume, duct dimensions, velocity, friction rate, and pressure-loss relationships.
• HVAC Duct Construction Standards, Metal and Flexible, 2005, 3rd Edition
  This SMACNA standard covers construction and installation requirements for metal and flexible duct systems, including materials, joints, reinforcement, supports, pressure classifications, and fabrication practices.
• NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2014
  NFPA 58 addresses the storage, handling, transportation, and use of LP-Gas. It supports study of containers, cylinders, tanks, regulators, valves, piping, separation distances, system protection, and installation safety.
• Manual J – Residential Load Calculations, Reprinted 2016, Eighth Full Edition
  This ACCA manual supports residential heating and cooling load calculations. It addresses heat loss, heat gain, design conditions, construction characteristics, windows, doors, infiltration, ventilation, orientation, and equipment-sizing considerations.
• Pipefitter’s Handbook
  This recommended study reference provides practical piping information, calculations, measurements, fitting layouts, materials, and field-oriented reference data. It is not permitted inside the S-10 examination room.
• Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, John Siegenthaler, P.E., 2022
  This study book explains hydronic system design, heat sources, circulators, distribution systems, piping configurations, radiant heating, controls, hydraulic separation, and modern residential and light-commercial applications. It is not permitted inside the examination room.
• Residential Oil Burners, 3rd Edition
  This recommended technical reference covers residential oil burner operation, combustion, ignition, fuel delivery, controls, adjustment, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It is not permitted inside the S-10 examination room.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references from this package are 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

Pipefitter’s Handbook, Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, and Residential Oil Burners, 3rd Edition are recommended for study but are not allowed inside the examination center.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive S-10 study plan should follow the published content outline. Begin with fuel gas systems, ducts, oil burners, refrigeration, controls, heat pumps, furnaces, and heaters because these areas account for many of the examination questions.

Use NFPA 54 to review fuel gas piping, sizing, materials, valves, appliance connections, pressure, testing, combustion air, and venting. Practice the longest-length method until you can identify the required information and locate the correct sizing table efficiently.

Use NFPA 31 and Residential Oil Burners to study oil storage, fuel supply systems, burners, ignition, controls, combustion, adjustment, testing, maintenance, and venting. The code standard establishes installation requirements, while the supplemental study book reinforces operating and service principles.

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

Use the ACCA Ductulator and HVAC Duct Construction Standards together when preparing for duct questions. Review airflow, velocity, friction rate, dimensions, pressure classes, joints, reinforcement, flexible duct, and support requirements.

Manual J supports load-calculation knowledge even though load calculations are not listed as a separate S-10 content category. Working with residential heat-loss and heat-gain principles can reinforce equipment selection, airflow, heating, cooling, and system-performance concepts.

Complete timed practice using the same approved references and calculator intended for exam day. Identify the likely reference before searching, read the full provision, and review any exceptions, table notes, or footnotes that may affect the answer.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Connecticut S-10 candidates organize a large group of technical references into a focused preparation plan. This package combines the approved exam-room books with supplemental study resources that reinforce HVAC installation, operation, service, piping, hydronics, combustion, and troubleshooting.

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

Reference-navigation practice is especially important for a 70-question open-book examination. Learning each book’s index, chapter structure, tables, definitions, and formulas can reduce unnecessary searching and help candidates work more confidently under the time limit.

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

No exam-preparation package can guarantee a passing score or license approval. Consistent study, practical trade experience, organized references, accurate calculations, and effective time management remain important 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 approved references into the testing center under the current examination rules.

How many questions are on the S-10 examination?

The S-10 examination contains 70 questions. Candidates have 180 minutes to complete the test and must earn a minimum score of 70 percent.

Are all books in this package allowed into the examination?

No. Ten references and tools are approved for exam-room use. Pipefitter’s Handbook, Modern Hydronic Heating, and Residential Oil Burners are supplemental study resources that are not permitted inside the testing center.

Can approved references be highlighted and tabbed?

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

Can I write in the books during the examination?

No. Candidates may not write in approved references during the examination session. Questions and answers may not be written inside the books.

What is the largest subject area on the S-10 examination?

Fuel gas systems are the largest 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 based on NFPA 54.

What is the difference between S-9 and S-10?

S-9 is the contractor-level Limited Heating & Cooling credential. S-10 is the corresponding journeyperson credential, which requires the license holder to work while employed by an appropriately licensed contractor.

Does purchasing this package guarantee a passing score?

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