HVAC — Trade + Mechanical Code • Exam Prep Syllabus
Multi-state mechanical code focus with timed simulators, code citations, and rationales.
ConstructIQ • S.F. Johnson Consulting & Construction Services, LLC
Course Overview
Format: 12 weeks • 36–48 study hours • Self-paced milestones. Coverage aligns with IMC/UMC core topics plus IFGC/IPC intersections and OSHA safety.
Target Score: 75%+
Weekly Time: 3–4 hrs
Mode: Open-Book Code Strategy
Outcomes
- Navigate IMC/UMC with tabs, index, and rapid code citation skills.
- Execute duct sizing, ventilation calcs, combustion air, and gas piping sizing.
- Apply refrigeration and psychrometrics basics; select equipment from load & nameplate data.
- Document answers with exact code references and pass timed simulators with rationale review.
Blueprint-Weighted Domains
Mechanical Code Core
| Domain | Focus |
|---|---|
| General Requirements | Definitions, approvals, listings, permits/inspections |
| Ventilation & IAQ | Rate tables, occupancy categories, exhaust systems |
| Duct Systems | Sizing, materials, construction, leakage, insulation |
| Equipment & Appliances | Installation clearances, connections, condensate, roof placement |
| Refrigeration | Piping, controls, locations, machinery rooms |
| Combustion Air/Chimneys | Confined space calcs, venting, terminations |
| Fuel Gas (IFGC) | Piping sizing, pressure drop, regulators, CSST bonding |
| Hydronics/Boilers | Low-pressure steam/hot water, relief, expansion, separation |
| Fire/Smoke Protection | Dampers, shafts, penetrations, plenum rules |
Trade Math & Safety
| Domain | Focus |
|---|---|
| Load & Airflow | Manual J/S/N overview, CFM, Td, ESP, fan laws |
| Psychrometrics | Sensible/latent heat, SHR, coils, Δh, grains |
| Controls & Commissioning | Economizers, safeties, test/adjust/balance |
| OSHA & Safety | Ladders, fall protection, lockout/tagout, refrigerant handling |
Verify your jurisdiction’s adopted code edition and amendments before testing.
Required / Open-Book References
- IMC (International Mechanical Code), current adopted
- UMC (Uniform Mechanical Code), where applicable
- IFGC (Fuel Gas) & IPC excerpts
- ASHRAE 62.1/62.2 ventilation tables (if allowed)
- Manufacturer data (fans, coils, RTUs, boilers)
- Refrigeration handbook & pressure-temp charts
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926 + 1910 (LOTO & PPE)
- TAB/commissioning checklists
Swap these chips with your bookstore/PDF links when ready.
12-Week Study Plan & Milestones
| Week | Focus & Readings | Deliverables | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation & Code Navigation. Tabs/index methods; definitions & admin chapters; permits/inspections. |
Create tab map + index drill (10 items). MCQ (10Q) — admin/definitions. | 3–4 |
| 2 | Ventilation & IAQ. Occupancy tables, exceptions, transfer air, toilet/kitchen exhaust. |
Calc Sheet #1 — minimum OA CFM by space type. MCQ (15Q) — ventilation table lookups. | 3–4 |
| 3 | Duct Systems. Friction rate, equivalent length, fittings, construction, leakage testing. |
Calc Sheet #2 — duct size from CFM/ESP. MCQ (15Q) — construction/insulation rules. | 3–4 |
| 4 | Equipment & Appliances. Clearances, roof/attic installs, condensate, pan protection, electrical coordination. |
MCQ (15Q) — install scenarios & citations. | 3 |
| 5 | Refrigeration I. Cycle basics, P-T charts, superheat/subcooling, piping practices, traps, oil management. |
Calc Sheet #3 — superheat/subcooling. MCQ (15Q) — piping & accessories. | 3–4 |
| 6 | Refrigeration II & Machinery Rooms. Location limits, refrigerant classification, ventilation/emergency controls. |
MCQ (15Q) — machinery room provisions. | 3 |
| 7 | Combustion Air & Venting. Confined space calcs, horizontal/vertical terminations, Category appliances. |
Calc Sheet #4 — combustion air sizing. MCQ (15Q) — venting rules & clearances. | 3–4 |
| 8 | Fuel Gas (IFGC). Piping sizing (low pressure), pressure drop, regulator locations, CSST bonding. |
Calc Sheet #5 — gas line sizing path. MCQ (15Q) — regulator & bonding rules. | 3–4 |
| 9 | Hydronics & Boilers. Relief valves, expansion tanks, separators, controls, low-pressure steam basics. |
MCQ (15Q) — hydronic protection devices. | 3 |
| 10 | Fire/Smoke Protection. Dampers, shafts, penetrations, plenums; smoke control interfaces. |
MCQ (15Q) — damper placement/certification. | 3 |
| 11 | Controls, TAB & Commissioning. Economizer logic, safeties, balance reports, startup checklists. OSHA highlights. |
Essay (300–500 words): Commissioning plan w/ code cites. MCQ (10Q) — controls & safeties. | 3–4 |
| 12 | Final Review & Timed Simulator. Mixed domains; citation practice; weak-area recovery plan. |
Mixed Simulator (80–100Q) — target ≥75%. Tab map verification + formula sheet. | 3–4 |
Assignment Types & Readiness Bands
Assignments
- MCQ Drills (PSI-style): Immediate review with rationales; include article/section citations.
- Calculation Sheets: Ventilation, duct, combustion air, gas piping, refrigeration.
- Open-Book Lookups: 10-item index hunts; record exact section/page/tab.
- Essay: Commissioning or ventilation compliance memorandum (rubric-scored in your Studio).
Readiness Bands (self-scored)
| Band | Range | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ready | 80–100% | Strong simulator performance; accurate citations. |
| Close | 70–79% | Re-work weak domains; tighten lookup speed. |
| Needs Work | <70% | Rebuild tab map; repeat calc drills and rationales. |
Exam Tips & Open-Book Strategy
- First pass: ~45–60 sec/Question. Answer easy, flag hard. Second pass = code lookups.
- Citations win: Write the exact section for every rationale during practice.
- Calc hygiene: Label each step (e.g., OA = Rp·Pz + Ra·Az; duct: CFM↔velocity↔area).
- When unsure: Choose the most conservative, code-compliant control.
- Edition control: Match your practice to the adopted IMC/UMC year and local amendments.