NATE Core Knowledge Exam Vocabulary Game
Exam terms with clues and explanations by OpenExamPrep.
About the NATE Core Knowledge Exam Vocabulary Game
A free word game for the NATE Core Knowledge Exam exam. Each round shows a clue for one of 20 exam terms across 7 topics. Recall the term, spell it out, then read a short explanation. Rounds pick a random term, so you can keep playing as long as you like.
How to Play
- 1Read the clue and type a term with the right number of letters (3 to 6). Abbreviations count: type the letters only.
- 2Press Check Answer or Enter. Each letter changes color to show how close you are.
- 3You have 6 tries. Stuck? Need a hint? asks the AI tutor for a nudge without giving the term away, and Skip moves to a new term.
- 4After the round, read the explanation, ask the AI to explain it, share your result, or press Next.
- ARight letter, right spot
- AIn the term, wrong spot
- ANot in the term
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Topics in the NATE Core Knowledge Exam Vocabulary Game
Basic Electricity
Jobsite hazards
Achieving Desired Conditions
Temperature & Humidity
Hand tools
Using Basic Science
Basic Construction
Sources for these terms (19)
- Improving Motor and Drive System Performance: A Sourcebook for Industry · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Full Text Glossary · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Ampere: Introduction · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Volt (V) · Source checked 2026-11-04
- SI Units - Electric Current · Source checked 2026-11-04
- 1910.399 - Definitions applicable to this subpart · Source checked 2026-11-04
- eTool: Construction - Electrical Incidents - Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets · Source checked 2026-11-04
- 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I - Tools - Hand and Power (2025) · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) - Overview · Source checked 2026-11-04
- What is a MERV rating? · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Standard 62.2-2022 Fact Sheet · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Glossary · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Module 11: Glossary and Conversions · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Energy Savings Potential and RD&D Opportunities for Non-Vapor-Compression HVAC Technologies · Source checked 2026-11-04
- National Weather Service Glossary 'S' · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Solutions for Electrical Contractors eTool - Tool Index · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Trusses · Source checked 2026-11-04
- Boyle's Law (Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics) · Source checked 2026-11-04
About the NATE Core Exam
The NATE Core Knowledge Exam is the foundational test every HVAC/R technician must pass to earn most NATE installation or service specialty certifications. It contains 50 multiple-choice questions delivered closed-book over 1.5 hours, and requires 70% (35 of 50) to pass.
Exam sponsor: North American Technician Excellence (NATE). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Assessment
50 multiple-choice questions over a 1.5-hour (90-minute) closed-book exam, 70% to pass (35 of 50); this practice bank is 100 selected-response items
Time Limit
1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Passing Score
70% (35 of 50)
Exam / Certification Fees
About $75 in-person; up to ~$150 for live online proctoring (varies by testing organization)
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NATE-Core vocabulary game free?
Yes. The game is free to play with no sign-up. Signing in adds AI explanations for any term.
How does the NATE-Core vocabulary game work?
Each round shows a clue for one of 20 NATE-Core terms. Guess the term in six tries: green means the right letter in the right spot, yellow means the letter is in the term but in another spot, and gray means it is not in the term. After the round, read the explanation and play the next term.
Where do the NATE-Core terms come from?
OpenExamPrep researched each term from the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) content outline and primary sources, listed under Sources on this page. The game is independent study material, not an official exam resource.
How many questions are on the NATE Core exam and how long is it?
The NATE Core Knowledge Exam has 50 multiple-choice questions and a 1.5-hour (90-minute) time limit. It is a closed-book exam, and you need 70% (35 of 50 correct) to pass.
What score do I need to pass the NATE Core exam?
You need 70% to pass, which is 35 of the 50 questions. Because Basic Electricity is the largest domain at 26% and Safety is 18%, balanced study weighted toward those areas is the most efficient path to passing.