Texas Certified Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technician Contractor Book Package

Prepare for the Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certified Technician examination with a comprehensive collection of Texas licensing references, current mechanical and fuel-gas codes, HVACR technical material, safety information, and air-distribution resources. This book package supports candidates preparing for the Texas ACR Certified Technician Examination administered for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Texas distinguishes the Certified Technician designation from an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license. A Certified Technician works under the supervision of a licensed Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor and may assist with air-conditioning and refrigeration maintenance and repair work within that supervised employment structure. The Certified Technician designation is a voluntary qualification above the Registered Technician level and requires applicants to satisfy TDLR eligibility requirements and pass the Certified Technician examination.

This package brings together references covering Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration law and rules, occupational safety, mechanical systems, fuel-gas installations, refrigeration principles, HVACR equipment, troubleshooting, controls, service, and air distribution. The combination supports both examination preparation and broader understanding of the regulatory and technical responsibilities encountered in Texas HVACR work.

Texas updated its adopted mechanical and fuel-gas codes effective September 1, 2026. Current preparation should therefore account for the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code. These editions are included in this package along with Texas law and rules and the 22nd edition of Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

Effective exam preparation requires more than reading each book from beginning to end. Candidates should understand which reference addresses a particular subject and become comfortable locating information efficiently. Mechanical installation questions may direct candidates to the IMC or UMC, gas-related subjects to the IFGC, licensing requirements to Texas law and administrative rules, and technical refrigeration or troubleshooting concepts to Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

Exam Details

Applicants seeking Texas Certified Technician status take the TX ACR Certified Technician Examination. The examination is administered through PSI for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

• Exam: TX ACR Certified Technician Examination
• Licensing Agency: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
• Testing Provider: PSI
• Credential: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certified Technician
• Minimum Applicant Age: 18 years old

Candidates must first apply to TDLR and demonstrate that they meet the qualification requirements for Certified Technician status. After TDLR verifies eligibility, the applicant receives examination eligibility information and instructions for registering and scheduling the examination through PSI.

The Certified Technician exam is separate from the contractor endorsement examinations. Texas contractor applicants may take Commercial Refrigeration Class A, Environmental Air Class A, Commercial Refrigeration Class B, or Environmental Air Class B examinations depending on the license class and endorsement selected. Certified Technician applicants instead take the dedicated TX ACR Certified Technician Examination.

Because the technician exam is designed for individuals working directly with air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, candidates should prepare broadly across HVACR fundamentals, equipment operation, controls, refrigeration, mechanical-system requirements, gas-related concepts, safety, and Texas regulatory requirements.

Open Book Test

The Texas ACR Certified Technician examination uses approved reference materials identified for the examination by TDLR and PSI. Candidates should prepare their permitted books before test day and follow the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for examination-room material rules.

Reference preparation is an important part of studying. Knowing where to find definitions, equipment requirements, mechanical-system provisions, fuel-gas requirements, refrigeration concepts, safety information, and Texas licensing rules can reduce time spent searching during testing.

Candidates should become familiar with the structure of the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code. Each code serves a different purpose, and recognizing which book applies to a question can make reference navigation more efficient.

Technical preparation should also include Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition. This reference supports understanding of refrigeration cycles, compressors, evaporators, condensers, metering devices, refrigerant behavior, electrical systems, controls, heating and cooling equipment, service procedures, and troubleshooting.

The included Ductulator provides another useful study resource for airflow and duct-system concepts. Candidates can use it to strengthen familiarity with duct dimensions, airflow quantities, friction rate, and velocity relationships.

Licensing Steps

The Texas Certified Technician designation is administered by TDLR. Applicants must meet an approved qualification pathway before becoming eligible to take the examination.

1. Meet the minimum age requirement. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
2. Qualify through practical experience or approved training. Texas provides an experience pathway and an approved certification-training pathway.
3. Use the practical-experience pathway when applicable. Applicants may qualify by documenting at least 24 months of air-conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor.
4. Use approved training when applicable. Applicants may also qualify by completing a department-approved certification program consisting of 2,000 hours of combined instruction and practical experience.
5. Submit the Certified Technician application. Applicants must provide the required application and qualifying documentation to TDLR.
6. Receive examination eligibility. TDLR reviews the application and verifies that the applicant satisfies the eligibility requirements.
7. Register with PSI. After approval, candidates receive instructions for scheduling the TX ACR Certified Technician Examination.
8. Prepare with the applicable reference materials. Review Texas law, mechanical codes, fuel-gas requirements, HVACR technical principles, service procedures, controls, and safety.
9. Take and pass the Certified Technician examination. Complete the PSI examination within the application eligibility period.
10. Maintain the Certified Technician designation. Certified Technicians must continue to work within the Texas supervision and credential requirements that apply to technicians.

State Requirements

Texas defines Certified Technician status as a technician qualification rather than a contractor license. A person holding the designation may call themselves a Certified Technician, but the credential does not independently authorize the technician to operate as an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor.

Certified Technicians performing regulated air-conditioning and refrigeration work must work under the supervision of a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor. Technicians may not independently advertise air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting services under the technician credential.

An applicant can qualify through practical experience by documenting at least 24 months of air-conditioning and refrigeration-related work performed under the supervision of a licensed Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor.

Military HVACR experience may be combined with or used toward the practical-experience requirement when properly documented according to TDLR requirements.

Texas also permits qualification through a TDLR-approved Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certification Training Program. The approved program must consist of 2,000 hours of combined instruction and practical experience. Applicants using this pathway must meet the applicable timing and documentation requirements associated with completion of the program.

Certified Technician status can also become part of a future contractor-license pathway. A person who has held the Certified Technician designation for the preceding 12 months and has accumulated at least 36 months of qualifying practical air-conditioning and refrigeration experience during the preceding 48 months may qualify to apply for a Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license, subject to all applicable contractor requirements.

This makes the Certified Technician credential useful both as a professional technician designation and as a potential step toward contractor-level licensing for individuals who continue to gain qualifying experience.

Reference Books

• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Law, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1302
  Covers the Texas statutory framework for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors and technicians, including licensing authority, credential requirements, responsibilities, exemptions, and regulatory provisions.
• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Rules, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 75
  Contains administrative rules governing Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors, Registered Technicians, Certified Technicians, examinations, training programs, supervision, and related regulatory requirements.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1904
  Covers federal occupational injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting requirements and supports study of workplace safety and compliance concepts relevant to HVACR technicians.
• Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024
  A current mechanical-code reference covering heating, cooling, refrigeration, ventilation, combustion air, duct systems, equipment installation, piping, and other mechanical requirements.
• International Mechanical Code, 2024
  Provides requirements for mechanical equipment, refrigeration systems, ventilation, exhaust, duct construction, installation, combustion air, and HVACR system safety.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2024
  Covers fuel-gas piping, appliance installation, combustion air, gas-system testing, venting, regulators, shutoff valves, and related safety requirements.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  A comprehensive technical reference covering refrigeration principles, compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, electrical systems, controls, heating systems, cooling systems, commercial refrigeration, service, and troubleshooting.
• Ductulator
  A practical air-distribution tool used to work with airflow, duct dimensions, friction rate, velocity, and other duct-sizing relationships encountered in HVAC work.

Exam Room Approved Books

• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Law, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1302
  A Texas regulatory reference covering the statutory requirements of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program.
• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Rules, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 75
  The administrative rules governing contractors and technicians within the Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1904
  A workplace recordkeeping and reporting reference relevant to safety and regulatory preparation.
• Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024
  The 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code reflects the current Texas mechanical-code framework effective September 1, 2026.
• International Mechanical Code, 2024
  The 2024 International Mechanical Code provides current requirements for HVACR equipment, systems, installation, and mechanical safety.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2024
  The 2024 International Fuel Gas Code addresses gas piping, combustion air, appliances, testing, and venting requirements relevant to HVAC technicians.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  A technical HVACR reference supporting refrigeration theory, system operation, controls, service, maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment knowledge.

The Ductulator included in this package is a useful study and air-distribution calculation resource. Candidates should follow the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin regarding the specific reference materials and calculation aids permitted during their scheduled examination.

Test Information and Study Materials

Refrigeration Principles: Review the basic refrigeration cycle and the relationship between compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. Understand sensible heat, latent heat, saturation, pressure-temperature relationships, superheat, and subcooling.

Compressors: Study common compressor types, operation, electrical requirements, lubrication, capacity, failure conditions, and troubleshooting. The compressor is a central component of both air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Evaporators and Condensers: Understand heat absorption at the evaporator and heat rejection at the condenser. Review airflow, temperature differences, refrigerant conditions, coil cleanliness, and common performance problems.

Metering Devices: Review thermostatic expansion valves, fixed metering devices, and other methods used to regulate refrigerant entering an evaporator. Understand how metering-device operation affects superheat and overall system performance.

Electrical Systems and Controls: HVACR technicians frequently work with thermostats, relays, contactors, capacitors, motors, transformers, pressure switches, control boards, and safety controls. Review electrical troubleshooting and common control-circuit operation.

Air Distribution: Study airflow, supply and return systems, duct sizing, static pressure, velocity, friction loss, registers, grilles, filters, and common airflow problems. The Ductulator can support practical study in this area.

Mechanical Codes: Use the 2024 IMC and UMC to review mechanical-equipment installation, access, clearances, ventilation, duct systems, exhaust, refrigeration systems, condensate disposal, combustion air, and equipment safety.

Fuel Gas: Use the 2024 IFGC to review gas piping, pressure testing, shutoff valves, regulators, appliance connections, combustion air, vent connectors, venting systems, and fuel-burning appliance requirements.

Service and Troubleshooting: Practice diagnosing symptoms such as inadequate cooling, high or low system pressures, improper superheat or subcooling, airflow restrictions, compressor problems, electrical faults, and control failures.

Refrigerant Handling: Review safe procedures involving system charging, recovery, evacuation, leak detection, cylinders, hoses, gauges, and pressure hazards. Technicians should understand how refrigerant conditions affect both system performance and servicing procedures.

Heating Equipment: Study gas-fired heating equipment, electric heating equipment, heat pumps, controls, combustion considerations, and common service issues encountered in environmental air systems.

Commercial Refrigeration: Review coolers, freezers, condensing units, evaporators, defrost systems, temperature controls, refrigeration piping, and other commercial applications that may be encountered by an HVACR technician.

Safety: Use OSHA material and technical references to strengthen awareness of workplace hazards, electrical safety, pressurized systems, hot surfaces, moving equipment, refrigerant handling, and proper work practices.

Texas Law and Rules: Review the difference between Registered Technician, Certified Technician, and Contractor credentials. Understand supervision requirements and the limitations placed on technicians working under a contractor.

Reference Navigation: Practice identifying the type of question before opening a reference. A gas-appliance question may require the IFGC, a mechanical installation question may require the IMC or UMC, a technician-rule question may require Chapter 75, and a refrigeration-theory question may lead to Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Texas Certified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician candidates organize multiple HVACR references into a focused study structure. The goal is to reinforce practical trade knowledge while building familiarity with the codes and regulations that apply to technicians working in Texas.

Trade-focused review can strengthen understanding of refrigeration principles, system components, controls, electrical troubleshooting, air distribution, fuel-gas systems, heating equipment, commercial refrigeration, service, and safety.

Reference-navigation practice helps candidates become more comfortable working with multiple books. Instead of searching randomly, candidates can learn to recognize whether a question belongs in a mechanical code, fuel-gas code, Texas regulatory reference, OSHA material, or technical refrigeration textbook.

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning can help connect technical theory to day-to-day service work, including system pressures, refrigerant states, component operation, troubleshooting, controls, and electrical concepts.

The Texas law and rules references help candidates understand the professional framework surrounding Certified Technician status. This includes how the credential differs from technician registration, how supervision works, and how Certified Technician experience may contribute toward future contractor-license eligibility.

The Ductulator provides additional support for candidates reviewing airflow and duct-system relationships. Developing confidence with these practical tools can strengthen understanding of system performance and air-distribution problems.

The overall study structure combines technical review, code navigation, regulatory knowledge, safety awareness, and practical HVACR concepts without promising a specific examination result, contractor license, or professional outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What examination does a Texas Certified Technician applicant take?

Applicants approved for the Certified Technician designation take the TX ACR Certified Technician Examination.

Who administers the examination?

The examination is administered through PSI for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Is a Certified Technician the same as a licensed Texas ACR Contractor?

No. Certified Technician is a technician designation. A Certified Technician must work under the supervision of a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor and does not independently hold contractor authority through the technician credential.

How old must I be to apply?

Applicants for Texas Certified Technician status must be at least 18 years old.

How much practical experience is required?

The practical-experience pathway requires at least 24 months of air-conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor.

Is there a training-program pathway?

Yes. Applicants may qualify by completing a TDLR-approved certification training program consisting of 2,000 hours of combined instruction and practical experience.

Can military HVACR experience count?

Military air-conditioning and refrigeration experience may be used as part of the experience pathway when properly documented under TDLR requirements.

Can a Certified Technician advertise HVACR contracting services independently?

No. Texas technicians must work under the supervision of a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor and may not independently advertise air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting services under the technician designation.

Can Certified Technician status help me qualify for a contractor license later?

Yes. A person who has held Certified Technician status for the preceding 12 months and has at least 36 months of qualifying practical experience during the preceding 48 months may become eligible to apply for a contractor license, subject to the remaining TDLR requirements.

What code editions apply beginning September 1, 2026?

Texas updated its adopted codes to the 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code.

Why is Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning included?

The book supports preparation for refrigeration principles, components, electrical systems, controls, heating and cooling equipment, service, troubleshooting, and commercial refrigeration concepts.

Why is a Ductulator included?

A Ductulator supports study of airflow, duct size, velocity, friction rate, and other air-distribution relationships encountered in HVAC systems.

What should I focus on during preparation?

Focus on refrigeration principles, HVACR components, controls, electrical systems, air distribution, fuel-gas requirements, mechanical codes, service, troubleshooting, safety, and Texas technician laws and rules.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates combine technical HVACR study with organized code and reference navigation. The package supports preparation across refrigeration, controls, mechanical systems, gas requirements, safety, Texas regulations, troubleshooting, and practical technician knowledge.