Texas Environmental Air Class A Contractor Book Package

Prepare for the Texas Environmental Air Class A Contractor examination with a comprehensive collection of business, law, mechanical-code, fuel-gas, refrigeration, air-distribution, load-calculation, and equipment-selection references. This book package brings together the materials needed to study the major knowledge areas covered by the Texas Environmental Air Class A examination and to build efficient open-book reference-navigation skills.

The Texas Environmental Air Class A license is administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). A Class A Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license allows a license holder to work on systems of any size within the authorized endorsement. The Environmental Air Conditioning endorsement covers the treatment of air to control temperature, humidity, cleanliness, ventilation, and circulation for human comfort.

The current Environmental Air Class A examination is administered by PSI. The exam includes 120 scored questions with 230 minutes allotted for the scored portion, plus 5 non-scored questions with an additional 10 minutes. The required passing score is 70%.

The examination is broad. Candidates are expected to understand air distribution, refrigeration components, combustion air, controls, equipment requirements and design, HVAC systems, piping, refrigeration principles, safety, service, testing, Texas laws and rules, ventilation, and venting. Preparation should therefore combine technical HVAC knowledge with familiarity with Texas licensing law and contractor regulations.

Effective September 1, 2026, the Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration examinations reference the 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code. This package includes those current code editions along with Texas licensing references and major HVAC study resources.

A strong study approach includes learning how the books work together. A question about equipment installation may require the mechanical code, while a combustion or gas question may lead to the fuel-gas code. Load calculations and equipment selection may require Manual J or Manual S, while duct design questions may involve Manual D and a duct-sizing tool. Texas law questions require familiarity with the Occupations Code and Administrative Code.

Exam Details

• Exam: Texas Environmental Air - 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: Environmental Air Conditioning

The current examination content outline distributes the 120 scored questions across a wide range of HVAC subjects:

• Air Distribution: 18 questions
• Basic Refrigeration Components: 6 questions
• Combustion Air: 6 questions
• Controls: 6 questions
• Equipment Requirements and Design: 14 questions
• HVAC Systems: 11 questions
• Piping: 6 questions
• Refrigeration Principles: 6 questions
• Safety: 6 questions
• Service: 12 questions
• Testing: 12 questions
• Texas Laws and Rules: 6 questions
• Ventilation: 6 questions
• Venting: 5 questions

Air Distribution is the largest single category, followed by Equipment Requirements and Design, Service, Testing, and HVAC Systems. Candidates should still prepare across the complete blueprint because the exam tests broad contractor-level competency rather than a single specialty topic.

Open Book Test

The Texas Environmental Air Class A Contractor examination is an open book test.

PSI allows candidates to bring approved references from the official examination reference list. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own materials to the examination center.

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and contain notes made before the examination session. Permanent index tabs are permitted. Temporary tabs, removable Post-it-style notes, homemade tabs, and loose additional paper are not permitted.

Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, index, or otherwise mark their reference materials during the examination session. This makes preparation of the books before exam day especially important.

Open-book testing does not mean every answer can be found through a simple keyword search. Some questions evaluate practical HVAC concepts, calculations, diagnostic knowledge, and common industry principles. Candidates should combine technical understanding with fast reference navigation.

For code questions, candidates should use the code edition identified for the examination. Effective September 1, 2026, Texas references the 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code for these examinations.

Licensing Steps

1. Meet the minimum age requirement. Applicants for a Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license must be at least 18 years old.
2. Meet an approved experience pathway. Applicants may qualify with 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. An applicant who has held a technician certification for the preceding 12 months may qualify with at least 36 months of practical experience under a licensed contractor during the preceding 48 months.
4. Select the Class A license and Environmental Air endorsement. The license class and endorsement determine the examination and the type of work authorized.
5. Submit the contractor application to TDLR. TDLR reviews the applicant's qualifications before examination eligibility is issued.
6. Receive examination eligibility. After TDLR approval, PSI provides instructions for registering and scheduling the examination.
7. Prepare for the Environmental Air Class A examination. Study the approved references and examination content areas.
8. Take and pass the examination. The current passing score is 70%.
9. Submit required insurance documentation. After passing the examination, complete the applicable TDLR insurance requirement.
10. Complete the licensing process. Satisfy all remaining TDLR requirements before performing work under the contractor license.

State Requirements

Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor licensing is regulated by TDLR under the Texas Occupations Code and Texas Administrative Code.

The Class A license permits work on equipment of any size within the license holder's authorized endorsement. This distinguishes Class A from Class B, which has equipment-capacity limitations.

The Environmental Air Conditioning endorsement covers air treatment for human comfort, including control of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, ventilation, and circulation.

Applicants must establish qualifying practical experience before TDLR authorizes them to take the contractor examination. The standard experience pathway requires at least 48 months of practical experience under the supervision of a licensed air-conditioning and refrigeration contractor during the preceding 72 months.

A separate pathway is available for applicants who have held a technician certification for the preceding 12 months and have accumulated at least 36 months of practical experience during the preceding 48 months.

Applicants must complete the licensing requirements, including passing the appropriate examination, within the application eligibility period established by TDLR. After passing the examination, the applicant must satisfy the applicable insurance requirement before the contractor license is completed.

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, responsibilities, authority, and regulatory requirements.
• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Rules, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 75
  Contains the administrative rules governing the Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program, including licensing, responsibilities, applicable standards, and regulatory requirements.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1904
  Addresses recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses and supports preparation for contractor safety and compliance questions.
• Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024
  A current mechanical-code reference covering HVAC systems, ventilation, ducts, combustion air, equipment installation, piping, and related mechanical requirements.
• International Mechanical Code, 2024
  Covers mechanical-system installation requirements, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, equipment, refrigeration, combustion air, and related HVAC code provisions.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2024
  Covers fuel-gas piping, combustion air, appliance installation, venting, gas-system requirements, safety provisions, and related fuel-gas topics.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  A comprehensive HVAC technical reference covering refrigeration principles, components, electrical systems, controls, service, diagnostics, air conditioning, heating, and system operation.
• Ductulator
  A duct-sizing reference tool used to work with airflow, duct dimensions, velocity, friction rate, and other air-distribution calculations.
• Manual D, 2016, 3rd Edition
  A residential duct-design reference covering duct-system design principles, airflow, friction, pressure, sizing, and distribution-system considerations.
• Manual J - Residential Load Calculations, Reprinted 2016, Eighth Full Edition
  A residential heating and cooling load-calculation reference used to determine building loads and support proper HVAC system design.
• Manual S - Residential Equipment Selection
  A residential equipment-selection reference used to match heating and cooling equipment to calculated loads and system-design requirements.

Exam Room Approved Books

• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Law, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1302
  Listed on the Texas Business and Law reference list for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration examinations.
• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Rules, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 75
  Listed as an approved Texas Business and Law examination reference.
• OSHA CFR 29 Part 1904
  Listed as the OSHA recording and reporting reference used for the contractor examinations.
• Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024
  Effective September 1, 2026, the examinations reference the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code.
• International Mechanical Code, 2024
  Effective September 1, 2026, the examinations reference the 2024 International Mechanical Code.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2024
  Effective September 1, 2026, the examinations reference the 2024 International Fuel Gas Code.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  The current technical reference list identifies the 22nd edition as an approved examination reference.
• ADI Duct Size Calculator
  The Air Distribution Institute duct-size calculator is listed as an approved technical reference.
• Manual D - Residential Duct Systems, 2014 Edition
  Listed specifically for the Environmental Air Class A and Class B examinations.
• Manual J - Residential Load Calculation, Eighth Edition, Version 2.50, 2016
  Listed specifically for the Environmental Air Class A and Class B examinations.
• Manual S - Residential Equipment Selection, 2014 Edition
  Listed specifically for the Environmental Air Class A and Class B examinations.

Test Information and Study Materials

Air Distribution: With 18 questions, air distribution is the largest examination category. Study airflow, duct installation, duct sizing, filtration, return and supply grilles, and static pressure. Manual D and a duct-sizing calculator are particularly useful for this area.

Basic Refrigeration Components: Review compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, and refrigerants. Understand what each component does and how it affects refrigeration-system operation.

Combustion Air and Venting: Use the mechanical and fuel-gas codes to review combustion-air requirements, appliance venting, vent assemblies, and safe operation of fuel-burning equipment.

Controls: Review general HVAC controls, pressure and safety controls, temperature controls, and how control systems interact with heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment.

Equipment Requirements and Design: This 14-question category includes sensible and latent capacities, heat loads, HVAC codes, and voltage. Manual J and Manual S are important study resources for load calculations and equipment selection.

HVAC Systems: Study equipment components, installation requirements, refrigeration systems, and the interaction between individual components in complete heating and cooling systems.

Piping: Review condensate systems, fittings, pipe sizing, pipe types, support, and valves. Know where code requirements differ depending on system type and installation conditions.

Refrigeration Principles: Understand heat transfer, basic physics, and system pressures. Candidates should be comfortable applying refrigeration theory to practical service and diagnostic questions.

Service and Testing: These categories together account for 24 questions. Review electrical diagnosis, refrigerant recovery, superheat, subcooling, airflow measurement, combustion testing, electrical testing, and gas-system testing.

Texas Laws and Rules: Review Chapter 1302 of the Texas Occupations Code and Chapter 75 of the Texas Administrative Code. Know the licensing structure, contractor responsibilities, and regulatory provisions relevant to air-conditioning and refrigeration work.

Reference Navigation: Practice deciding which book controls a question before searching. Code questions should lead to the appropriate 2024 mechanical or fuel-gas reference, while design calculations may require Manual J, Manual D, Manual S, or the duct-sizing tool.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Texas Environmental Air Class A candidates organize a large reference library into a practical study strategy. Rather than treating every book as equally important for every question, candidates can learn which reference is most useful for a particular subject and practice moving between technical manuals, codes, and Texas regulations efficiently.

Trade-focused review can reinforce air distribution, refrigeration principles, combustion, equipment selection, controls, piping, service, testing, and ventilation. Practice-oriented preparation also helps candidates identify areas that may need more attention before exam day.

Reference-navigation practice is particularly valuable for this examination because the official book list is extensive. Knowing where information is located can reduce time spent searching during a 120-question open-book test.

1 Exam Prep also helps candidates connect practical HVAC experience with contractor-level code and regulatory knowledge. A technician may already understand system operation but need additional review of Texas licensing law, load calculations, code requirements, or formal design procedures.

The goal is to build a structured preparation routine that combines HVAC technical review, open-book reference navigation, calculations, design principles, Texas laws and rules, and exam-focused practice without promising a particular examination or licensing outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Texas Environmental Air Class A exam open book?

Yes. The current Texas Environmental Air Class A examination is an open book test.

How many questions are on the exam?

The examination contains 120 scored questions plus 5 non-scored questions.

How much time is allowed?

The scored examination allows 230 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes allocated for the non-scored items.

What score is required to pass?

The current passing score is 70%.

Who administers the examination?

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

What code editions apply beginning September 1, 2026?

The examinations reference the 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code.

What does a Texas Class A license allow?

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

What does the Environmental Air Conditioning endorsement cover?

It covers treating air to control temperature, humidity, cleanliness, ventilation, and circulation for human comfort.

Which exam category has the most questions?

Air Distribution is the largest current category, with 18 questions.

Can approved books be highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, contain pre-exam notes, and use permanent index tabs. Temporary removable tabs are not permitted.

Can I write in the books during the examination?

No. Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, index, or otherwise mark reference materials during the examination session.

Why are Manual J, Manual D, and Manual S important?

These references support preparation for load calculations, duct-system design, airflow, and residential equipment selection, all of which relate directly to Environmental Air examination topics.

What should I focus on during final preparation?

Focus on air distribution, equipment requirements and design, service, testing, HVAC systems, refrigeration principles, combustion air, controls, ventilation, venting, Texas laws and rules, and efficient navigation of the approved reference books.

Current exam format, open-book rules, and the September 1, 2026 transition to the 2024 mechanical and fuel-gas codes are supported by the current TDLR/PSI candidate information. ([Texas Licensing and Regulation][1])