Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor Class I (Restricted) Contractor - Online Exam Prep Course

Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor Class I (Restricted) Contractor - Online Exam Prep Course

If you’re working toward a Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor Class I (Restricted) license, your exam prep needs to match what the state tests: code-driven decisions, system design fundamentals, installation knowledge, and service/repair judgment.

This online exam prep course is built to help you study with structure, reinforce high-frequency HVAC concepts, and practice applying rules and best practices the way they show up on the PSI exam—so you can prepare with confidence for an open-book, timed test.

Exam Details

• Licensing board: Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board – Division of Conditioned Air Contractors
• Testing provider: PSI (computer-based testing at PSI Test Centers)
• License exam: Conditioned Air Contractor Class I (Restricted)
• Total number of test questions: 100
• Additional pre-test questions (not scored): 20
• Total questions presented: 120
• Time limit (Part I): 3.5 hours (Part I is the Class I portion; the full two-part program allows 3.5 hours per part)
• Minimum passing score: Final scaled score of 70

Content categories (question counts):

• Regulations, Laws, and Administrative Functions (8 questions)
• System Design (55 questions)
• Installation (25 questions)
• Maintain and Repair System (12 questions)

Open Book Test

The Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor exam program is reference-permitted (open book). The Candidate Information Handbook and the official suggested reference list state that only the references listed may be used during the examination, and candidates may bring as many or as few of the listed references as desired.

Book handling rules (important): The candidate notice states you are not to bring photocopied materials or handwritten notes, even if they are pasted into the reference book. References may be highlighted, underlined, or tabbed with permanent tabs. Any additional materials may be removed and confiscated, and the candidate may be removed from the examination.

Code update timing: The reference list notes that beginning May 1, 2026, the exam will be based on only the 2024 Georgia Gas Code and the 2024 Georgia Mechanical Code (each with Georgia amendments).

Licensing Steps

1. Select the correct license path: Class I (Restricted) is for conditioned air systems not exceeding 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling.
2. Apply through Georgia’s licensing portal: Georgia directs candidates to apply through the state’s online licensing system (GOALS) and obtain Board approval to sit for the exam.
3. Prepare your required documents: Georgia’s how-to guide lists items that may be required, such as a background check, references, citizenship/secure document verification, and trade-related certifications (as applicable).
4. Receive approval to test: Once approved, follow PSI instructions for exam scheduling.
5. Schedule and test at PSI: Take the Class I (Restricted) exam at an authorized PSI Test Center.

State Requirements

Georgia conditioned air contractor licensing is regulated by the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board – Division of Conditioned Air Contractors under the Georgia Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division.

Georgia’s how-to guide for Conditioned Air Contractors notes that applicants for a Class I (Restricted) license by examination must submit a completed application and obtain Board approval before testing. The same guide describes Class I (Restricted) scope as systems not exceeding 175,000 BTU heating and 60,000 BTU cooling, and lists an application fee of $110 for licensure by examination.

Reference Books

• Georgia Gas Code (2018 International Fuel Gas Code with 2018 Georgia amendments) OR 2024 Georgia Gas Code (2024 International Fuel Gas Code with 2024 Georgia amendments)
  Primary gas code reference listed for the exam program. Beginning May 1, 2026, the exam is based only on the 2024 Georgia Gas Code (with Georgia amendments).
• Georgia Mechanical Code (2018 International Mechanical Code with 2018 Georgia amendments) OR 2024 Georgia Mechanical Code (2024 International Mechanical Code with 2024 Georgia amendments)
  Primary mechanical code reference listed for the exam program. Beginning May 1, 2026, the exam is based only on the 2024 Georgia Mechanical Code (with Georgia amendments).
• Georgia State Electrical Code (2023 National Electrical Code or National Electrical Code Handbook)
  Electrical code reference listed for exam preparation and reference-permitted testing.
• Manual D – Duct Design for Residential Winter and Summer Air Conditioning, 2016 (3rd edition, version 2.5)
  ACCA duct design reference used for airflow and duct system design topics.
• Manual J – Load Calculation for Residential Winter and Summer Air Conditioning, 2016 (8th edition, version 2.5)
  ACCA load calculation reference used for sizing and design decisions.
• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology, 2025 (10th edition) OR Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 2025 (22nd edition)
  Core HVAC technical reference listed for system operation, components, and practical application.
• Contractors Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management – Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (5th edition)
  Business, law, and project management reference listed for contractor responsibilities and administrative knowledge.
• Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 1926 (OSHA) (latest available edition)
  Construction safety standards reference listed for compliance and safety expectations.
• Carrier System Design Manuals (1–3)
  System design reference listed for HVAC design and application concepts.
• Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 2010 (5th edition)
  Duct performance and installation standards reference listed for duct system topics.
• Trane Ductulator (current)
  Duct sizing tool listed for duct system calculations and field application.
• Flexible Duct Slide Rule or Calculator (such as an ACCA Duct Calculation Slide Rule or equivalent)
  Calculation tool listed for duct sizing and related field calculations.
• International Energy Conservation Code, 2015 (with 2015 Georgia amendments)
  Energy code reference listed for efficiency and compliance concepts.

Test Information and Study Materials

• Know what drives the exam score: PSI’s outline places the heaviest weight on System Design (55 questions), followed by Installation (25), Maintain/Repair (12), and Regulations/Laws/Admin (8).
• Open-book success depends on speed: Practice “find-and-confirm” lookups using your indexes and a clean permanent tab system, so you don’t lose time searching during the test.
• Stay reference-compliant: Use only the listed references. Avoid photocopies and pasted notes. Keep highlighting and tabbing clean and permanent.
• Don’t ignore the admin section: Even with fewer questions, regulations and administrative requirements can be easy points when you prepare for them on purpose.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Georgia Conditioned Air candidates prepare with a structured, practice-oriented approach that supports real exam readiness. Our course is designed to guide your study through the major exam categories, reinforce the HVAC concepts that appear most often, and build your confidence with timed practice and reference navigation.

• Organized study guidance: A clear path for covering design, installation, service/repair, and regulatory topics without gaps.
• Practice-oriented preparation: Helps you apply rules and concepts the way exam questions are written, not just memorize definitions.
• Reference navigation habits: Encourages efficient, compliant open-book strategies (index practice, clean permanent tabs, and faster lookups).
• Confidence-building structure: A steady routine that helps reduce overwhelm and keeps you moving toward scheduling and test day.

FAQ

What does Class I (Restricted) mean in Georgia conditioned air licensing?

Georgia’s how-to guide states Class I (Restricted) is limited to systems not exceeding 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling.

How many questions are on the Georgia Conditioned Air Class I exam?

The PSI handbook lists 100 test questions plus 20 pre-test questions, for a total of 120 questions presented.

How long do I have to complete the Class I exam?

The PSI handbook states the exam program is administered in two parts with 3.5 hours allotted per part. The Class I (Restricted) portion is the Part I exam.

What score do I need to pass?

The PSI handbook states the minimum passing final scaled score for each examination is 70.

Is the Georgia Conditioned Air exam open book?

Yes. The PSI handbook and the official suggested reference list state that only the listed references may be used during the examination, and references may be highlighted, underlined, or tabbed with permanent tabs.

Can I use permanent tabs and highlighting on my references?

Yes. The candidate notice states references may be highlighted, underlined, or tabbed with permanent tabs. It also warns not to bring photocopied materials or handwritten notes, even if pasted into the book.

What is the licensure by examination application fee for Class I (Restricted)?

Georgia’s Conditioned Air Contractor how-to guide lists a $110 fee for the completed, signed, and notarized licensure by examination application.