Georgia HVAC Exam Prep

In Georgia, HVAC licensing is called conditioned air contracting. The Division of Conditioned Air Contractors issues two license classes: Class I (restricted) covers systems not exceeding 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling, while Class II (non-restricted) allows unrestricted conditioned air contracting. Exams are administered by PSI, the board's testing vendor, and require board approval before scheduling.

Georgia's mechanical work follows the International Mechanical Code 2024 with 2026 Georgia Amendments, effective January 1, 2026. Separately from the state license, anyone handling refrigerants needs federal EPA Section 608 certification, which is administered by EPA-approved organizations rather than by Georgia and does not expire.

Georgia issues two classes of conditioned air contractor license:

• Conditioned Air Contractor Class I (restricted) - Systems not exceeding 175,000 BTU heating and 60,000 BTU cooling.
• Conditioned Air Contractor Class II (non-restricted) - Unrestricted conditioned air contracting statewide.

EPA Section 608 certification is a separate federal requirement for refrigerant work and is not issued by the Georgia board.

Georgia conditioned air exams are delivered by PSI, the testing vendor for the State Construction Industry Licensing Board. You need board approval of your application before you can sit for the exam. Expect trade questions on heating, cooling, ducted systems, and the mechanical code. Check the current PSI candidate bulletin for question counts, time limits, and allowed references.

Georgia requires a minimum exam score of 70 for conditioned air contractor licensure. Confirm the current passing requirement with the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors or PSI before your exam date.

Experience requirements differ by class:

• Class I: 2 years of residential installation as a lead mechanic, plus 1 year as a service technician (with EPA certification), plus 1 year of residential supervisory experience, plus a board-approved heat loss/gain and duct design course (Manuals J and D).
• Class II: 2 years of installation as a lead mechanic (at least 1 commercial), plus 1 year as a service technician or supervisor (with EPA certification), plus 2 years of commercial supervisory experience, plus Manuals J and D and Manuals N and Q certifications.
• 3 references (architect, professional engineer, inspector, or licensed conditioned air contractor), a high school diploma or GED, and EPA Section 608 certification.

Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state or local licensing authority before applying.

The exam application fee is $110 for both Class I and Class II, and reinstatement is $310. Renewal fees follow the GOALS fee schedule. PSI exam fees are paid separately. Always confirm current fee amounts with the board or the GOALS fee schedule before submitting payment.

A 6 to 8 week plan works for most Georgia conditioned air candidates:

• Week 1-2: Review refrigeration cycle fundamentals, heating systems, and airflow basics.
• Week 3-4: Study the International Mechanical Code 2024 sections on ventilation, exhaust, and equipment installation, plus Manual J load calculation concepts.
• Week 5-6: Drill EPA 608 refrigerant handling rules and take topic-level practice tests.
• Week 7-8: Take full-length practice exams, review misses, and rehearse under timed conditions.