Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A Contractor Book Package

Prepare for the Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A Contractor examination with a comprehensive collection of Texas licensing references, current mechanical and fuel-gas codes, refrigeration technical material, safety information, and air-distribution resources. This book package brings together important references for candidates pursuing the Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A contractor license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The Commercial Refrigeration endorsement covers refrigeration work involving mechanical or absorption equipment used to control temperature or humidity for the intended use of a specific space. Texas also places qualifying process cooling and heating work within the applicable air-conditioning and refrigeration licensing framework. A Class A license allows a contractor to work on systems of any size within the authorized endorsement.

The Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A examination is a broad contractor-level test. Candidates should prepare for refrigeration principles, refrigeration components, controls, piping, system design, service procedures, testing, safety, combustion air, air distribution, and equipment requirements. The examination also requires familiarity with the Texas laws and rules governing licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors.

Texas updated its adopted mechanical and fuel-gas codes effective September 1, 2026. This package includes the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, along with technical and regulatory references that support preparation for the current licensing environment.

The package also includes Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition, a substantial technical reference for refrigeration cycles, components, controls, system operation, troubleshooting, and service. A Ductulator is included to support air-distribution calculations involving airflow, velocity, friction rate, and duct sizing.

Effective preparation should combine technical knowledge with efficient open-book reference navigation. Candidates should know which reference is most likely to contain a specific answer instead of searching through every book during the examination. Building that familiarity before test day can make the large reference library much easier to manage.

Exam Details

The Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A examination is administered through PSI for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

• Exam: Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A
• Licensing Agency: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
• Testing Provider: PSI
• Scored Questions: 120
• Time for Scored Questions: 230 minutes
• Non-Scored Questions: 5
• Additional Time for Non-Scored Questions: 10 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%
• Exam Type: Open book
• License Class: Class A
• Endorsement: Commercial Refrigeration

The current Texas examination structure distributes the 120 scored questions across the following technical areas:

• Air Distribution: 6 questions
• Basic Refrigeration Components: 10 questions
• Combustion Air: 3 questions
• Controls: 14 questions
• Equipment Requirements: 12 questions
• HVACR Systems and Design: 20 questions
• Piping: 11 questions
• Refrigeration Principles: 10 questions
• Safety: 7 questions
• Service: 11 questions
• Testing: 6 questions

HVACR Systems and Design is the largest examination category with 20 questions. Controls follows with 14 questions, while Equipment Requirements, Piping, Service, Basic Refrigeration Components, and Refrigeration Principles are also significant areas.

The breadth of the blueprint means candidates should avoid studying only refrigeration theory. The examination combines theory with practical equipment knowledge, code compliance, troubleshooting, controls, piping, installation, safety, and system design.

Open Book Test

The Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A Contractor examination is an open book test.

Candidates may bring references permitted under the current PSI examination rules. Approved books should be prepared before arriving at the testing center so candidates can navigate them efficiently during the examination.

Permitted reference materials may be highlighted and underlined before testing. Notes made before the examination and permitted permanent indexing can also help organize approved books. Temporary removable tabs, loose additional paper, and other materials prohibited by PSI should not be used.

Candidates may not add new notes, highlighting, underlining, or indexing to their reference materials during the examination session.

Open-book preparation should involve more than marking pages. Candidates should know which book applies to each major subject. Mechanical-code questions may point to the UMC or IMC, fuel-gas questions to the IFGC, Texas licensing questions to Chapter 1302 or Chapter 75, and refrigeration theory or troubleshooting questions to Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

Beginning September 1, 2026, Texas adopted the 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code. Candidates preparing for current testing should become comfortable navigating these editions.

Licensing Steps

1. Meet the minimum age requirement. Texas applicants for an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license must be at least 18 years old.
2. Meet an approved experience pathway. The standard pathway requires at least 48 months of practical air-conditioning and refrigeration experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor during the preceding 72 months.
3. Use the certified-technician pathway when applicable. Applicants who have held a technician certification for the preceding 12 months may qualify with at least 36 months of practical experience during the preceding 48 months.
4. Select Class A and the Commercial Refrigeration endorsement. The selected class and endorsement determine the applicable licensing examination and authorized work.
5. Submit the contractor application to TDLR. Experience documentation is reviewed as part of the eligibility process.
6. Receive examination eligibility. After TDLR confirms eligibility, PSI provides instructions for examination registration and scheduling.
7. Prepare with the appropriate references. Study the Texas licensing references, current mechanical and fuel-gas codes, refrigeration technical material, and related examination subjects.
8. Take the Commercial Refrigeration Class A examination. Complete the examination within the allotted testing time.
9. Achieve the required passing score. The current passing requirement is 70%.
10. Submit the required insurance documentation. After passing the examination, applicants must satisfy the applicable Class A insurance requirement.
11. Complete the TDLR licensing process. All applicable licensing requirements must be completed before operating under the contractor license.

State Requirements

Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor licensing is administered by TDLR under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1302 and Texas Administrative Code Chapter 75.

A Class A license allows the license holder to work on systems of any size within the authorized endorsement. Unlike Class B, Class A does not impose the Class B cooling-capacity and heating-output limitations.

The Commercial Refrigeration endorsement covers the use of mechanical or absorption equipment to control temperature or humidity to satisfy the intended use of a specific space. Commercial refrigeration and qualifying process cooling and heating work include equipment such as coolers, freezers, ice machines, and equipment used for applicable temperature and humidity control.

The standard experience pathway requires at least 48 months of practical air-conditioning and refrigeration experience during the preceding 72 months under the supervision of a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor.

An applicant who has held a certified technician designation for the preceding 12 months may qualify through a pathway requiring at least 36 months of practical experience during the preceding 48 months.

Texas also recognizes certain exceptions and alternative experience qualifications for eligible applicants with relevant education, engineering backgrounds, military training, or qualifying industrial experience.

After passing the examination, a Class A contractor must maintain the commercial general liability insurance required by TDLR while the license is active. The current minimum Class A coverage is $300,000 per occurrence for property damage and bodily injury, $600,000 aggregate for property damage and bodily injury, and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations.

Reference Books

• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Law, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1302
  Covers the statutory framework governing Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor licensing, license classes, endorsements, responsibilities, regulatory authority, and contractor requirements.
• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Rules, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 75
  Contains the administrative regulations governing contractor licensing, responsibilities, examinations, insurance, standards of conduct, and other requirements of the Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1904
  Covers federal occupational injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting requirements and supports preparation for safety and contractor-compliance topics.
• Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024
  A current mechanical-code reference covering refrigeration systems, mechanical equipment, ventilation, combustion air, duct systems, piping, installation requirements, and related mechanical provisions.
• International Mechanical Code, 2024
  Covers mechanical-system installation, commercial refrigeration, ventilation, exhaust, refrigeration machinery, equipment requirements, piping, and other HVACR code topics.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2024
  Addresses fuel-gas piping, appliance installation, combustion air, venting, pressure testing, shutoff requirements, and related fuel-gas safety provisions.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  A comprehensive technical HVACR reference covering refrigeration principles, components, controls, electrical systems, commercial refrigeration, troubleshooting, service procedures, and system operation.
• Ductulator
  A practical air-distribution tool for evaluating airflow, duct size, velocity, friction rate, and related duct-system relationships during study and field calculations.

Exam Room Approved Books

• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Law, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1302
  The Texas licensing statute is included among the regulatory references used for contractor examination preparation.
• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Rules, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 75
  The administrative rules are included among the Texas law and licensing references applicable to Air Conditioning and Refrigeration contractor testing.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1904
  The OSHA occupational injury and illness recordkeeping provisions are included in the contractor examination reference material.
• Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024
  The 2024 UMC is part of the current Texas mechanical-code framework effective September 1, 2026.
• International Mechanical Code, 2024
  The 2024 IMC is part of the current Texas mechanical-code framework effective September 1, 2026.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2024
  The 2024 IFGC is part of the current Texas fuel-gas code framework effective September 1, 2026.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  A technical reference used for refrigeration principles, equipment, controls, service, troubleshooting, and HVACR systems.

The Ductulator included in this package can be used as a study and calculation resource. Candidates should follow the current PSI reference list and testing-center requirements regarding the specific duct-sizing calculator permitted in the exam room.

Test Information and Study Materials

HVACR Systems and Design: With approximately 20 questions, this is the largest individual examination category. Candidates should understand complete commercial refrigeration systems, system selection, equipment application, capacity, operating conditions, installation requirements, and design principles.

Controls: Approximately 14 questions involve refrigeration and HVACR controls. Review thermostats, pressure controls, relays, contactors, solenoid valves, defrost controls, safety controls, temperature controls, and system sequencing.

Equipment Requirements: Approximately 12 questions address equipment requirements. Study installation, access, clearances, equipment ratings, machinery-room considerations, code requirements, and proper application of refrigeration equipment.

Piping: Approximately 11 questions cover piping. Review refrigerant piping, suction lines, liquid lines, discharge lines, oil return, fittings, piping support, insulation, installation practices, and system configuration.

Service: Approximately 11 questions cover service and troubleshooting. Candidates should understand common refrigeration-system faults, electrical diagnosis, refrigerant charging, evacuation, recovery, leak detection, compressor problems, and system performance.

Basic Refrigeration Components: Approximately 10 questions address compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, receivers, accumulators, filter-driers, sight glasses, and other refrigeration components.

Refrigeration Principles: Approximately 10 questions test fundamental concepts such as pressure-temperature relationships, sensible and latent heat, heat transfer, saturation, superheat, subcooling, compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.

Safety: Approximately seven questions focus on safe work practices. Review refrigerant handling, electrical safety, pressure hazards, personal protective equipment, workplace procedures, and applicable safety requirements.

Air Distribution: Approximately six questions address air-distribution principles. The included Ductulator can support study of airflow, velocity, friction rate, and duct sizing.

Testing: Approximately six questions involve testing. Review pressure and temperature measurements, superheat, subcooling, electrical measurements, refrigerant system testing, leak testing, and system performance evaluation.

Combustion Air: Approximately three questions involve combustion-air concepts. Review applicable mechanical and fuel-gas code requirements when fuel-fired equipment is part of a system.

Commercial Refrigeration Applications: Study walk-in coolers, freezers, reach-in equipment, ice machines, refrigerated spaces, condensing units, evaporators, compressors, and commercial system controls.

Defrost Systems: Review off-cycle, electric, and other applicable defrost methods, including controls, timing, termination, and system behavior during and after defrost.

Refrigerant Charging: Understand charging methods, refrigerant state, system operating conditions, superheat and subcooling, and how charge affects equipment performance.

Reference Navigation: Practice deciding which reference applies before beginning a search. Code-compliance questions may require the IMC or UMC, fuel-gas questions may require the IFGC, regulatory questions require Texas law and rules, and refrigeration theory often points to Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A candidates organize a broad contractor reference library into a structured preparation strategy. Candidates can focus on the highest-value examination subjects while developing familiarity with the books used for different types of questions.

Trade-focused review can reinforce refrigeration components, HVACR systems, system design, piping, controls, service, testing, refrigeration principles, equipment requirements, safety, combustion air, and air distribution.

Reference-navigation practice is especially valuable on an open-book examination with multiple codes and technical references. Candidates can practice recognizing the topic of a question and moving directly to the resource most likely to contain the relevant information.

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning can support technical study of refrigeration cycles, equipment operation, controls, service, and troubleshooting, while the mechanical and fuel-gas codes support formal installation and code-compliance questions.

The Texas law and rules references help candidates connect technical contracting work with the responsibilities of holding a state contractor license. This includes understanding the license class, endorsement, regulatory framework, and professional requirements that apply to licensed contractors.

The goal is to combine organized study guidance, refrigeration-focused technical review, open-book navigation, calculation practice, code familiarity, and contractor-law knowledge into a practical preparation structure. This approach supports candidates preparing for the Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A examination without guaranteeing a specific examination or licensing result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A exam open book?

Yes. The current Texas Commercial Refrigeration Class A examination is an open book test.

How many scored questions are on the exam?

The current examination contains 120 scored questions.

Are there non-scored questions?

Yes. The current contractor examination also includes 5 non-scored questions.

How much time is allowed?

The scored portion allows 230 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes for the non-scored questions.

What score is required to pass?

The current passing score is 70%.

Who administers the examination?

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

What does a Class A license allow?

A Texas Class A Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license allows the license holder to work on systems of any size within the authorized endorsement.

What does the Commercial Refrigeration endorsement cover?

The endorsement covers qualifying refrigeration work using mechanical or absorption equipment to control temperature or humidity for the intended use of a specific space.

What code editions apply beginning September 1, 2026?

Texas adopted the 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code.

Which exam category has the most questions?

HVACR Systems and Design is the largest current category, with approximately 20 questions.

Are controls important for this exam?

Yes. Controls account for approximately 14 questions, making them one of the largest individual subject areas.

Why is Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning important?

The book supports preparation for refrigeration principles, components, controls, system design, troubleshooting, service, and commercial refrigeration applications.

Can approved examination books be highlighted and tabbed?

Approved references may be prepared before the examination with permitted highlighting, underlining, notes, and permanent indexing in accordance with PSI rules. Temporary removable tabs and loose additional paper are prohibited.

Can I mark my books during the examination?

No. Candidates may not add notes, highlighting, underlining, or indexing to examination references during the testing session.

What should I focus on during final preparation?

Focus on HVACR systems and design, controls, equipment requirements, piping, service, refrigeration components, refrigeration principles, safety, testing, air distribution, current code requirements, and Texas contractor laws and rules.