Mississippi HVAC Contractor Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Mississippi HVAC contractor trade examination with a complete collection of technical books, code references, calculation manuals, and field resources selected to support focused open-book exam preparation. The Mississippi HVAC Contractor Exam Book Package brings the listed references together in one convenient set for experienced HVAC professionals, qualifying parties, technicians, and contractors pursuing the applicable Mississippi HVAC classification.

The Mississippi HVAC contractor exam covers a broad range of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, refrigeration, fuel-gas, ductwork, piping, safety, and system-design subjects. Candidates may need to interpret technical requirements, locate code provisions, use tables and charts, identify proper installation practices, and complete trade calculations. Having the correct reference books available is an important part of preparing for these different question types.

This package includes references for refrigeration principles, mechanical systems, construction safety, fuel-gas installations, liquefied petroleum gas, duct construction, residential load calculations, small-commercial load calculations, residential duct design, airflow, piping, equipment, combustion air, ventilation, and related HVAC work. Each title serves a different purpose, allowing candidates to build a reference library that supports both examination preparation and practical trade knowledge.

The Mississippi HVAC contractor examination is open book, but candidates should not expect to search every reference from beginning to end during the test. Effective preparation requires learning which book applies to each subject, understanding the terminology used in the indexes, and practicing how to locate information efficiently. Candidates should study with the books regularly and become familiar with their chapter layouts, tables of contents, formulas, diagrams, charts, and code structures before test day.

This product includes the listed books only. Course access, application assistance, business formation, licensing services, highlighting, and tabbing are not included unless specifically stated in the order. Candidates who need a highlighted and tabbed package or an online exam-preparation course should select the product that includes those services.

Exam Details

Mississippi recognizes Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning as a tested contractor specialty classification. The classification includes the installation, maintenance, repair, fabrication, alteration, and extension of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. Its scope also includes associated HVAC equipment, ductwork, duct cleaning, industrial air systems used for dust control, ventilation systems, and related work.

Applicants must begin the licensing process by submitting the appropriate contractor application to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. The Board reviews the application and determines whether the applicant and qualifying party have completed the requirements needed to receive examination eligibility. Candidates cannot schedule the required contractor examinations until the Board sends their eligibility information to PSI.

Mississippi contractor examinations are administered by PSI. The testing process begins after PSI receives authorization from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. PSI then provides the candidate with registration and scheduling instructions, examination information, testing locations, content outlines, and reference-material requirements.

The Mississippi Law and Business Management examination is required for contractor applicants. A trade examination may also be required based on the classification requested. Candidates pursuing the Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning classification should prepare for the applicable HVAC trade examination unless the Board approves a qualifying trade-exam waiver through an available reciprocity provision.

The HVAC trade examination may address heating and cooling principles, refrigeration systems, refrigerants, air-conditioning equipment, furnaces, heat pumps, controls, piping, insulation, testing and balancing, ductwork, ventilation, exhaust, combustion air, fuel-gas systems, liquefied petroleum gas, load calculations, system design, safety, and related trade mathematics.

Some questions may test direct technical knowledge, while others may require the candidate to locate information in a code book, manual, handbook, table, or calculation tool. Preparation should include both subject review and repeated use of the listed references.

Open Book Test

Mississippi contractor examinations administered by PSI are open book. Candidates are responsible for bringing the references permitted for the examinations they schedule and complying with the current rules for book editions, markings, tabs, notes, and supplemental materials.

An open-book examination still requires strong preparation. Candidates may have access to several books, but the available testing time does not allow for a complete search of every reference. A candidate must recognize the topic being tested, identify the most appropriate book, locate the relevant chapter or code section, and apply the information correctly.

Reference navigation should be treated as a core exam-preparation skill. Candidates should learn the wording used in each index because the terminology in an exam question may not exactly match the language used in a book. Searching for related technical terms can make it easier to locate the correct provision.

For example, a question about appliance venting may lead to the International Fuel Gas Code or International Mechanical Code. A question about LP-gas containers or piping may require NFPA 58. A residential load question may involve Manual J, while a small-commercial load question may require Manual N. Duct sizing and airflow questions may involve Manual D or the Ductulator.

Candidates should review the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin before testing. The testing provider determines which references and editions may enter the examination room. It also establishes the rules for highlighting, permanent tabs, writing, loose papers, removable notes, and other materials.

Practice sessions should recreate open-book test conditions whenever possible. Place the books within reach, use a timer, and work through questions without relying on online searches. This helps develop familiarity with the printed references and reveals which subjects require additional study.

Licensing Steps

1. Select the appropriate classification. Confirm that the Mississippi HVAC classification matches the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, ductwork, and related services the business intends to perform.
2. Choose the applicant structure. Determine whether the license application will be filed by an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or another eligible business entity.
3. Identify the qualifying party. Select the person who will qualify the business and complete the examinations required for the requested classification.
4. Complete the contractor application. Provide the requested information about the business, owners, qualifying party, experience, references, insurance, finances, and classification.
5. Submit the application to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. The Board must receive and review the application before the candidate can schedule the examinations.
6. Respond to application requests. Submit corrections, missing documents, or additional information requested during the application review.
7. Receive examination eligibility. After the candidate is approved to test, the Board sends the qualifying party’s information to PSI.
8. Register and schedule with PSI. Follow the instructions provided by PSI to select an available testing date and location.
9. Study the reference books. Review the examination subjects, learn how each book is organized, and complete timed lookup and calculation practice.
10. Take the required examinations. Bring acceptable identification and only the references and materials permitted under the current examination rules.
11. Complete remaining application requirements. Provide any outstanding documentation required for final review.
12. Receive the licensing decision. Passing the examinations does not automatically issue a license. The completed application must be reviewed and approved by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.

State Requirements

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors administers the state contractor licensing process. Applicants must select a classification that matches the work their business intends to perform. Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning is identified as a tested specialty classification within the mechanical contracting field.

The HVAC classification includes installation, maintenance, repair, fabrication, alteration, and extension of HVAC systems. It also covers associated HVAC equipment, ductwork, duct cleaning, industrial air systems used for dust control, ventilation systems, and related work.

The qualifying party must be connected to the applicant in a manner accepted by the Board. Depending on the business structure, the qualifying party may be an owner, officer, or responsible managing employee. The application may require documentation establishing that relationship.

Applicants may also need to provide business registration information, experience records, references, insurance documentation, workers’ compensation information when applicable, and financial documents. The specific application requirements depend on whether the applicant is pursuing a commercial or residential credential and the classification requested.

All contractor applicants must complete the Mississippi Law and Business Management requirement. A trade examination may also be required. An applicant seeking a trade-exam waiver through reciprocity must receive approval from the Board. Reciprocity does not replace the Mississippi application process or automatically issue a Mississippi license.

Passing the required examinations is only one stage of licensing. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors must receive all required documentation and approve the completed application before the license is issued.

Additional local requirements may apply after state licensing. Contractors should determine whether the city, county, permitting authority, project owner, or other jurisdiction requires local registrations, permits, inspections, insurance, or additional credentials for the work being performed.

Reference Books

• Included Book: Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  A comprehensive HVAC technical reference covering refrigeration principles, refrigerants, heating and cooling systems, equipment, controls, components, installation practices, service concepts, troubleshooting, and system operation.
• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations—29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  A federal construction-safety reference addressing workplace hazards, personal protective equipment, electrical safety, fall protection, tools, scaffolding, excavation, materials handling, and other construction activities.
• Included Book: International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Edition
  A code reference covering fuel-gas piping, equipment connections, appliances, combustion air, venting, testing, installation requirements, and related safety provisions.
• Included Book: HVAC Duct Construction Standards—Metal and Flexible, 2005, 3rd Edition
  A technical standard addressing the fabrication, reinforcement, support, assembly, installation, and construction of metal and flexible HVAC duct systems.
• Included Book: Manual N—Commercial Load Calculation for Small Commercial Buildings, 5th Edition
  An ACCA reference used to calculate heating and cooling loads for small commercial buildings based on construction characteristics, design conditions, heat transfer, occupancy, ventilation, and internal loads.
• Included Book: International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition
  A mechanical-code reference addressing HVAC equipment, ventilation, exhaust systems, duct systems, combustion air, equipment installation, mechanical rooms, chimneys, vents, and related requirements.
• Included Book: NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2020 Edition
  A code covering the storage, handling, transportation, installation, and use of liquefied petroleum gas, including containers, piping, equipment, separation requirements, and safety practices.
• Included Book: Ductulator
  A practical HVAC calculation tool used to compare airflow, duct dimensions, friction rate, and velocity when sizing or evaluating air-distribution systems.
• Included Book: Manual D, 2016, 3rd Edition
  An ACCA residential duct-design reference covering airflow requirements, available static pressure, friction rate, fittings, equivalent length, duct sizing, balancing, and system performance.
• Included Book: Pipefitter’s Handbook
  A field-oriented reference containing piping formulas, fitting dimensions, layout information, measurements, conversion data, and practical pipefitting calculations.
• Included Book: Manual J—Residential Load Calculations, Reprinted 2016, Eighth Full Edition
  An ACCA reference used to calculate residential heating and cooling loads based on climate, construction materials, insulation, windows, doors, infiltration, orientation, occupancy, and internal heat gains.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive study plan should connect each examination topic with the reference most likely to address it. Candidates can divide the books into technical, code, safety, load-calculation, duct-design, and field-reference categories.

Use Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning for broad review of refrigeration cycles, refrigerants, heating systems, cooling systems, equipment, controls, components, installation principles, and HVAC operation.

Use the International Mechanical Code for mechanical-system requirements involving equipment, ventilation, exhaust, duct systems, combustion air, chimneys, vents, and installation provisions. Use the International Fuel Gas Code for fuel-gas piping, appliances, testing, combustion air, and venting.

Use NFPA 58 for liquefied petroleum gas subjects, including containers, piping, equipment, separation requirements, storage, handling, and installation. Use the OSHA reference for construction safety and workplace practices.

Use the HVAC duct construction standard for duct materials, joints, reinforcement, supports, fabrication, and installation. Use Manual J for residential load calculations and Manual N for small-commercial load calculations. Use Manual D and the Ductulator for duct sizing, airflow, velocity, friction, pressure, fittings, and residential air-distribution design.

The Pipefitter’s Handbook supports questions involving piping dimensions, fittings, formulas, layout, measurements, and practical field calculations. Candidates should become comfortable locating information in tables and converting units when necessary.

Timed lookup exercises can improve reference-navigation speed. Choose a technical subject, identify the correct book, find a related term in the index, and locate the applicable section. Repeat difficult searches until the process becomes familiar.

Calculation practice should include identifying the known values, choosing the correct formula or procedure, checking units, completing the calculation, and reviewing whether the result is reasonable. Candidates should practice with the same manuals and tools they expect to use during the examination.

During the test, answer familiar questions first and return to difficult questions after completing the easier material. When a reference search is required, identify the main technical keyword and select the book that most directly addresses the subject.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Mississippi HVAC contractor candidates begin their preparation with an organized set of technical, code, safety, calculation, and field references. Purchasing the books together reduces the need to locate each title individually and helps candidates build a complete trade-exam library.

The package supports preparation across refrigeration, heating, cooling, mechanical systems, fuel gas, LP gas, duct construction, safety, piping, residential load calculations, commercial load calculations, duct design, airflow, and related HVAC subjects.

1 Exam Prep encourages candidates to use the references actively. Effective study includes completing practice questions, locating answers in the books, reviewing code provisions, working through calculations, and repeating difficult searches.

Organized study can help candidates identify weak areas and divide the examination content into manageable subjects. A candidate may dedicate separate study sessions to refrigeration, mechanical code, fuel gas, LP gas, safety, ductwork, load calculations, piping, and system design.

Reference familiarity can also help candidates approach an open-book examination with greater confidence. Knowing which book to use and where information is generally located can reduce unnecessary searching and allow more time for reading and answering questions carefully.

This book package does not guarantee a passing score, examination eligibility, or licensing approval. Results depend on the candidate’s trade experience, preparation, understanding of the references, calculation skills, test performance, and completion of the Mississippi licensing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Mississippi HVAC Contractor Exam Book Package?

The package includes the eleven listed HVAC technical, code, safety, load-calculation, duct-design, and pipefitting references.

Are the Mississippi HVAC contractor examinations open book?

Yes. Mississippi contractor examinations administered by PSI are open book. Candidates must follow the current testing rules for permitted references, editions, markings, tabs, and materials.

Are the books highlighted and tabbed?

No highlighting or tabbing is included in the package information provided. Candidates seeking prepared references should select a package that specifically states that the books are highlighted and tabbed.

Does this package include an online course?

No. This product includes the listed books only. Online course access is not included in the package information provided.

Does this package include the Mississippi Business and Law reference?

No. The NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Mississippi edition is not included in the listed book package.

Does the package include application assistance?

No application service is included in the package information provided. Applicants remain responsible for completing the Mississippi contractor licensing application process.

Can I schedule the exam before submitting my application?

No. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors must receive and review the application and send the candidate’s eligibility to PSI before examination scheduling.

How should I use these books to prepare?

Learn the purpose of each reference, complete timed lookup exercises, review major trade subjects, practice calculations, and become familiar with each book’s index and chapter structure.

Does purchasing the package guarantee that I will pass?

No. Examination results depend on the candidate’s trade knowledge, preparation, ability to use the references, calculation skills, and performance on test day.

Does passing the exam automatically issue a Mississippi contractor license?

No. Passing the required examination is one part of the licensing process. The completed application and supporting documents must also be reviewed and approved by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.