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100+ Free SOPEEC Refrigeration Operator A Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SOPEEC Refrigeration Operator A Exam

100

Multiple-Choice Questions

TSSA Exam Format

3 hours

Exam Duration

SOPEEC / TSSA Rules

65%

Passing Mark

Interprovincial Standard

$89 CAD

Base Exam Fee

TSSA Fee Schedule

1,920 hrs

Experience Prerequisite

Operating Regulation

CSA B52

Core Code Reference

Syllabus Standard

The SOPEEC Refrigeration Operator Class A exam is a 100-question multiple-choice test over 3 hours. It requires a 65% passing score, costs $89 CAD (base TSSA fee), and covers advanced refrigeration thermodynamics, CSA B52 compliance, and safe plant operation.

Sample SOPEEC Refrigeration Operator A Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SOPEEC Refrigeration Operator A exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A refrigeration system operating on a vapor compression cycle has an evaporator exit enthalpy (suction to compressor) of 1450 kJ/kg and a condenser inlet enthalpy (compressor discharge) of 1720 kJ/kg. If the liquid entering the expansion valve has an enthalpy of 350 kJ/kg, what is the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the refrigeration cycle?
A.2.70
B.3.14
C.4.07
D.4.91
Explanation: The Coefficient of Performance (COP) for a refrigeration cycle is calculated as the Net Refrigerating Effect (NRE) divided by the Work of Compression (Wc). Here, NRE = h1 - h4 = 1450 kJ/kg - 350 kJ/kg = 1100 kJ/kg. The work of compression Wc = h2 - h1 = 1720 kJ/kg - 1450 kJ/kg = 270 kJ/kg. COP = NRE / Wc = 1100 / 270 ≈ 4.07.
2An ammonia refrigeration system is required to provide a cooling capacity of 150 kW. The evaporator exit enthalpy is 1460 kJ/kg and the liquid entering the expansion valve has an enthalpy of 360 kJ/kg. What is the required mass flow rate of the refrigerant in kg/s?
A.0.103 kg/s
B.0.136 kg/s
C.0.417 kg/s
D.0.733 kg/s
Explanation: First, calculate the Net Refrigerating Effect (NRE): NRE = h_suction - h_liquid = 1460 kJ/kg - 360 kJ/kg = 1100 kJ/kg. The mass flow rate (m) is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity (Q) by the NRE: m = Q / NRE = 150 kW / 1100 kJ/kg = 0.13636 kg/s ≈ 0.136 kg/s.
3A reciprocating compressor has a cylinder displacement of 0.085 m³/s. The mass flow rate of refrigerant is 0.136 kg/s and the specific volume of the vapor at the compressor inlet is 0.50 m³/kg. What is the volumetric efficiency of the compressor?
A.72%
B.80%
C.85%
D.92%
Explanation: Volumetric efficiency (Ve) is the ratio of the actual volume of vapor drawn in to the compressor displacement. Actual volume flow rate = mass flow rate × specific volume = 0.136 kg/s × 0.50 m³/kg = 0.068 m³/s. Volumetric Efficiency = Actual Volume / Displacement = 0.068 m³/s / 0.085 m³/s = 0.80 or 80%.
4An ammonia compressor operates with a suction mass flow rate of 0.15 kg/s. The specific volume of ammonia vapor at suction conditions is 0.42 m³/kg. If the compressor has a volumetric efficiency of 75%, what is the required theoretical compressor displacement in m³/s?
A.0.047 m³/s
B.0.063 m³/s
C.0.084 m³/s
D.0.112 m³/s
Explanation: First, calculate the actual volume flow rate at suction: V_actual = mass flow × specific volume = 0.15 kg/s × 0.42 m³/kg = 0.063 m³/s. Since Volumetric Efficiency = V_actual / Displacement, the required compressor displacement is V_displacement = V_actual / Volumetric Efficiency = 0.063 m³/s / 0.75 = 0.084 m³/s.
5In a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant mass flow rate is 0.12 kg/s. The compressor inlet enthalpy is 1450 kJ/kg, the compressor outlet enthalpy is 1750 kJ/kg, and the liquid enthalpy leaving the condenser is 380 kJ/kg. What is the total rate of heat rejected by the condenser in kW?
A.128.4 kW
B.164.4 kW
C.204.0 kW
D.216.0 kW
Explanation: The rate of heat rejected by the condenser (Q_cond) is calculated as: Q_cond = mass flow × (h_discharge - h_liquid) = 0.12 kg/s × (1750 kJ/kg - 380 kJ/kg) = 0.12 kg/s × 1370 kJ/kg = 164.4 kW.
6A refrigeration plant operates with an evaporator temperature of -20°C and a condenser temperature of 35°C. What is the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a Carnot refrigerator operating between these two temperatures?
A.0.21
B.3.14
C.4.60
D.5.60
Explanation: The Carnot COP for a refrigerator is calculated using absolute temperatures (Kelvin): COP_Carnot = T_evap / (T_cond - T_evap). Converting temperatures to Kelvin: T_evap = -20 + 273 = 253 K. T_cond = 35 + 273 = 308 K. COP_Carnot = 253 / (308 - 253) = 253 / 55 ≈ 4.60.
7A heat pump system is used to heat a building. It extracts heat from the outside air at -10°C and delivers heat to the building interior at 25°C. What is the maximum theoretical Coefficient of Performance (COP) of this heat pump?
A.1.17
B.7.51
C.8.51
D.9.51
Explanation: The maximum theoretical COP of a heat pump is its Carnot COP, calculated as: COP_HP_Carnot = T_cond / (T_cond - T_evap) using absolute temperatures. Converting to Kelvin: T_evap = -10 + 273 = 263 K. T_cond = 25 + 273 = 298 K. COP_HP_Carnot = 298 / (298 - 263) = 298 / 35 ≈ 8.51.
8A glycol cooling loop circulates a secondary coolant with a specific heat capacity of 3.20 kJ/kg·°C and a specific gravity of 1.05. If the flow rate is 6.0 L/s, and the glycol enters the process at -2°C and exits at 3°C, what is the thermal load removed by the glycol loop in kW?
A.96.0 kW
B.100.8 kW
C.120.0 kW
D.126.0 kW
Explanation: First, calculate the mass flow rate of the glycol. Density of water = 1.0 kg/L. Density of glycol = Specific Gravity × Water Density = 1.05 kg/L. Mass flow rate = volume flow × density = 6.0 L/s × 1.05 kg/L = 6.30 kg/s. Next, use the heat transfer equation: Q = mass flow × Cp × ΔT = 6.30 kg/s × 3.20 kJ/kg·°C × (3°C - (-2°C)) = 6.30 × 3.20 × 5 = 100.8 kW.
9An ideal single-stage ammonia system has a compressor suction pressure of 200 kPa (absolute) and a discharge pressure of 1200 kPa (absolute). What is the compression ratio of this system?
A.0.17
B.5.00
C.6.00
D.10.00
Explanation: The compression ratio is defined as the absolute discharge pressure divided by the absolute suction pressure. Compression Ratio = P_discharge (abs) / P_suction (abs) = 1200 kPa / 200 kPa = 6.00.
10Which of the following processes represents the change in state that occurs within a system's expansion valve on a standard Pressure-Enthalpy (P-h) diagram?
A.Constant pressure (isobaric) cooling
B.Constant entropy (isentropic) expansion
C.Constant enthalpy (isenthalpic) expansion
D.Constant temperature (isothermal) expansion
Explanation: The expansion process through a thermostatic expansion valve or capillary tube is modeled as an adiabatic throttling process, meaning no heat is added or removed. Consequently, the enthalpy remains constant, making it a constant enthalpy (isenthalpic) process represented as a vertical line on a standard P-h diagram.

About the SOPEEC Refrigeration Operator A Exam

The SOPEEC Refrigeration Operator Class A Qualification Examination is the advanced interprovincial standard for refrigeration plant operators in Canada. Transitioned to a 100-question multiple-choice computer-based format in 2025, the exam tests advanced engineering concepts and math. The syllabus covers advanced refrigeration thermodynamics (including coefficient of performance, displacement, and cycle calculations), system components (such as screw and centrifugal chillers), the CSA B52 Mechanical Refrigeration Code, and rigorous emergency safety procedures for handling refrigerants like ammonia (R-717) and halocarbons. Passing this exam demonstrates the competency necessary to supervise high-capacity industrial refrigeration systems safely and efficiently.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions (Computer-based format)

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

65%

Exam Fee

$89 CAD (+ local test center fees) (Standardization of Power Engineer Examinations Committee (SOPEEC))

SOPEEC Refrigeration Operator A Exam Content Outline

30%

Refrigeration Thermodynamics & Calculations

Pressure-Enthalpy (P-h) charts, coefficient of performance (COP), refrigerating effect, mass flow rate, compressor displacement, theoretical power, and secondary coolants.

25%

CSA B52 Mechanical Refrigeration Code

Occupancy classifications, system leak test pressures, relief valve sizing and venting, machinery room ventilation, safety controls, and piping installations.

20%

Plant Operation & Maintenance

Start-up and shutdown of screw, centrifugal, and reciprocating systems, oil drainage safety, air purgers, non-condensable removal, and troubleshooting component failures.

15%

Safety & Emergency Procedures

Ammonia and halocarbon leak emergency response, WHMIS, PPE and breathing apparatus (SCBA) standards, gas monitoring alarms, and fire safety systems.

10%

Secondary Systems & Controls

Brine and glycol system properties, cooling towers, evaporative condensers, thermal expansion devices, and electrical control circuits.

How to Pass the SOPEEC Refrigeration Operator A Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 65%
  • Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions (Computer-based format)
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: $89 CAD (+ local test center fees)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SOPEEC Refrigeration Operator A Study Tips from Top Performers

1Review thermodynamic processes on Pressure-Enthalpy (P-h) charts, and practice calculating refrigerating effect, heat of compression, and COP step-by-step.
2Thoroughly index your CSA B52 codebook. Pay close attention to occupancy definitions (Group A, B, C), charge limits, ventilation formulas, and pressure relief valve settings.
3Understand the chemistry and hazards of ammonia (R-717), including its flammability limits (15-28% by volume in air), toxicity exposure limits (TLV-TWA, IDLH), and reaction with moisture.
4Practice calculating secondary coolant systems, specifically the required mass flow rate when given thermal load, specific heat, and temperature differences.
5Study operational control loops, such as oil temperature/pressure differential safety controls and high/low-pressure cutouts, including their typical reset configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Refrigeration Operator Class A and Class B?

Class B is the entry-level certification focused on basic operations of smaller plants. Class A is the advanced level, requiring mastery of thermodynamic cycle calculations, large screw/centrifugal compressors, cooling tower designs, secondary coolant calculations, and stricter compliance with the CSA B52 code.

How did the exam format change recently?

Previously, the Class A exam consisted of long essay-style and calculation-based written questions. As of recent updates (effective January 1, 2025 in major jurisdictions like Ontario), the exam has transitioned to a standard 100-question multiple-choice computer-based format with a 3-hour time limit.

What tools are allowed in the examination room?

Candidates are permitted a non-programmable calculator, standard refrigeration tables, and clean, unmarked copies of the CSA B52 Mechanical Refrigeration Code and CSA B51. Mobile phones and programmable devices are strictly prohibited.

Where can I write the exam?

Exams are booked through your provincial safety authority (such as TSSA, TSBC, or TSASK) and written at approved test centers (like Prometric centers) or participating community colleges.

How long is my exam score valid if I haven't completed my practical hours?

Once you pass the exam, the result is valid for 5 years. You must accumulate and submit your required 1,920 operating hours within this 5-year window to obtain your Certificate of Qualification without having to rewrite the exam.