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100+ Free SC Air Conditioning Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SC Air Conditioning Exam

80 Q

Official Exam Questions

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

70%

Passing Score (56 of 80)

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

4 hours

Time Allowed

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

USD 60

PSI Exam Fee

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

Open Book

Book Policy

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

South Carolina Air Conditioning Contractor Examination is the official CLB/PSI open-book exam: 80 questions, 70% (56 of 80), 4 hours, USD 60 (bulletin updated 5/15/2025). Official delivery is English.

Sample SC Air Conditioning Practice Questions

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

1According to the 2021 IMC, each length of pipe and tubing used in a mechanical system must:
A.Bear the identification of the manufacturer
B.Be Type M copper regardless of the fluid
C.Have a pressure rating of at least 600 psig
D.Be painted the same color as the equipment it serves
Explanation: IMC 301.3 requires each length of pipe and tubing and each pipe fitting in a mechanical system to bear the manufacturer's identification. The mark lets the inspector confirm the material is the listed product specified on the job. Color coding and a blanket 600 psig rating are not IMC identification rules, and Type M copper is not approved for every mechanical fluid.
2When brazing ACR copper refrigerant tubing, dry nitrogen should be purged through the tube primarily to:
A.Prevent internal copper-oxide scale that later circulates as debris
B.Convert remaining mineral oil into POE oil
C.Pressure-test the finished joint at 600 psig
D.Raise the brazing temperature so the filler metal flows faster
Explanation: A low-flow dry-nitrogen purge displaces oxygen inside the tube while it is hot, so copper oxide (scale) does not form on the inner wall. That scale would otherwise break loose, plug the filter-drier or metering device, and contaminate POE oil. Nitrogen is not used to raise brazing temperature, convert oil, or serve as the final high-pressure leak test.
3Soft-drawn ACR copper tubing joined with a 45-degree flare fitting is generally limited to which field use?
A.Factory-charged line-set and equipment connections where the fitting is listed for the refrigerant and pressure
B.Concealed joints inside a fire-rated shaft serving Group A2L refrigerant
C.Any joint on R-410A as a substitute for brazing
D.Underground refrigerant piping without a protective sleeve
Explanation: Flare joints on annealed ACR copper are acceptable only where the fitting is listed for the refrigerant, pressure, and location—typically accessible equipment and line-set connections. High-pressure R-410A field joints that are concealed or shafted are brazed. IMC Chapter 11 does not allow flare fittings as a universal substitute for brazed joints, and buried refrigerant pipe needs approved protection.
4A 2021 IMC refrigerant pipe that penetrates two or more floor/ceiling assemblies generally must be:
A.Installed in a fire-resistance-rated shaft, unless an IMC 1109 exception applies
B.Wrapped with ordinary duct wrap in lieu of a shaft
C.Left uninsulated so leaks are easy to see
D.Run in PVC conduit with solvent-welded joints
Explanation: IMC 1109 requires refrigerant piping that penetrates two or more floor/ceiling assemblies to be enclosed in a fire-resistance-rated shaft, with listed exceptions (including limited Group A1 installations). Ordinary duct wrap or PVC conduit is not a substitute for the shaft. Insulation is still required on suction and other cold lines to control condensation.
5Under the South Carolina Air Conditioning contractor classification, which of the following is outside the licensed scope?
A.Installing a rooftop DX air-conditioning unit that also provides electric heat
B.Replacing a split-system condensing unit and evaporator coil
C.Installing a hot-water or steam boiler heating system
D.Altering the refrigerant piping on an environmental cooling system
Explanation: The PSI Commercial Contractor bulletin states that this classification covers installation, replacement, alteration, and repair of air-conditioning equipment and systems that produce conditioned air for environmental heating or cooling. Hot-water or steam heating systems and components are expressly excluded. Electric heat that is part of an AC unit, split-system work, and refrigerant piping for environmental cooling remain in scope.
6Long, straight runs of refrigerant or chilled-water piping need expansion loops, offsets, or expansion joints primarily to:
A.Absorb thermal expansion and contraction without overstressing joints and equipment connections
B.Provide a built-in oil trap at every hanger
C.Replace the need for vibration isolators at the compressor
D.Increase refrigerant velocity so oil returns faster
Explanation: Copper and steel change length with temperature. Without loops, offsets, or expansion joints, that movement shears brazed joints, breaks equipment stubs, and loosens hangers. Expansion provisions do not increase velocity, create oil traps, or replace compressor vibration isolators.
7Service (king) valves on a split-system condensing unit are primarily used to:
A.Isolate the unit so the system can be pumped down, gauged, or recovered without cutting the line set
B.Relieve high-side pressure automatically like a fusible plug
C.Blend POE oil into the liquid line
D.Meter refrigerant into the evaporator in place of a TXV
Explanation: Front-seating the liquid-line service valve lets the compressor pump refrigerant into the outdoor coil/receiver so the line set can be opened. Back-seating isolates the gauge port. The TXV or fixed orifice meters refrigerant; the service valve does not. It is not a pressure-relief device and does not mix oil.
8Under IMC 307, the condensate drain from a cooling coil must be not smaller than 3/4-inch internal diameter and must have a minimum horizontal slope of:
A.1/8 inch per foot (1-percent slope)
B.1/2 inch per foot
C.No slope if the pipe is PVC
D.1/16 inch per foot
Explanation: IMC 307 requires condensate piping to maintain a minimum slope of 1/8 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1 percent) toward the disposal point, and the drain must not be smaller than 3/4 inch ID or smaller than the pan outlet. PVC still must be sloped; 1/16 inch per foot is less than the code minimum, and 1/2 inch per foot is steeper than required.
9A thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) controls refrigerant flow by responding primarily to:
A.Evaporator superheat
B.Compressor amperage
C.Outdoor dry-bulb temperature
D.Condenser subcooling only
Explanation: The TXV sensing bulb on the suction line, plus the evaporator pressure under the diaphragm, positions the pin to hold a fairly constant evaporator superheat. Subcooling is used to check the high-side charge on a TXV system, but the valve itself is a superheat controller. It does not read amps or outdoor dry-bulb.
10A liquid-line filter-drier is installed to:
A.Remove moisture, acid, and particulate before the metering device
B.Separate oil from discharge gas at the compressor
C.Replace the need for a vacuum after a burnout
D.Raise suction pressure by storing extra refrigerant
Explanation: The liquid-line filter-drier is the last defense before the TXV or piston. Desiccant holds moisture and acid; the screen or core catches solids that would score the pin or plug the orifice. A receiver stores refrigerant, an oil separator handles discharge oil, and a burnout still requires a deep vacuum and usually a suction-line filter-drier as well.

About the SC Air Conditioning Exam

The South Carolina Air Conditioning Contractor Examination is the official CLB classification examination administered by PSI. The official exam has 80 scored questions. Passing is 70% (56 of 80) in 4 hours. The examination is open book. PSI lists USD 60 (South Carolina Commercial Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin updated 5/15/2025). Install, replace, alter, and repair air conditioning equipment and systems that produce conditioned air for environmental heating or cooling or both within buildings. Hot water or steam heating systems or components are not included. All commercial general and mechanical contractor candidates must pass the Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractor Examination in addition to this technical examination. LLR charges a separate USD 350 license application fee. This bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation. It does not replace required trade experience, board approval, financial statements or bonds, or the official examination.

Assessment

Open-book computer-based multiple-choice. Allowed references are listed in the South Carolina Commercial Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin updated 5/15/2025.

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

70% (56 of 80)

Exam Fee

USD 60 (PSI Services LLC (for the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board))

SC Air Conditioning Exam Content Outline

13%

Piping, Tubing, and Valves

General Piping (1 item); General Tubing (1 item); Pipe Assembly (1 item); Piping Systems (4 items); Drain Piping (1 item); Valves (1 item); Piping Specialties (1 item)

8%

Pumps, Insulation, Supports, and Mechanical Systems

Pumps (2 items); Piping Insulation (1 item); Hangers and Supports (General) (1 item); Mechanical Sound, Vibration, and Seismic Control (1 item); Water Treatment for Mechanical Systems (1 item)

15%

Heating and Cooling Principles and Load Calculations

Heating and Cooling Principles (2 items); Refrigerants (1 item); Load Calculations (7 items); Heating and Cooling Equipment (1 item); Air Compressors (1 item)

8%

TAB and HVACR Controls

Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) (2 items); HVACR Control Fundamentals (1 item); Control Schematics and Wiring Diagrams (1 item); HVACR Control Systems (1 item); Machine Room (1 item)

9%

Air Conditioning Systems and Heat Pumps

Air Conditioning Systems (3 items); Heat Pumps (4 items)

11%

Furnaces, Heaters, Chimneys, and Combustion Air

Furnaces (Warm Air Heating Equipment) (2 items); Specialized Heaters (2 items); Chimneys, Flues, Vents, and Vent Connectors (3 items); Combustion Air (2 items)

6%

Fuel Knowledge

General Fuel Knowledge (1 item); Natural Gas (2 items); LP Gas (2 items)

19%

Duct Systems

General Duct Systems Knowledge and Principles (4 items); Duct Conversions/Equivalencies (4 items); Mechanical Sheet Metal Devices/Systems (2 items); Duct System Components (5 items)

6%

Duct Materials and Filtering

Metal Ducts (3 items); Fiberglass Ducts (1 item); Filtering Systems (1 item)

5%

Ventilation, Exhaust, and Safety

Ventilation Equipment and Devices (1 item); Exhaust Systems (2 items); Safety (2 items)

How to Pass the SC Air Conditioning Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% (56 of 80)
  • Assessment: Open-book computer-based multiple-choice. Allowed references are listed in the South Carolina Commercial Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin updated 5/15/2025.
  • Time limit: 4 hours
  • Exam fee: USD 60

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SC Air Conditioning Study Tips from Top Performers

1Distribute study time to the official PSI content outline (bulletin updated 5/15/2025)
2Use only the PSI-listed references for this classification
3Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are prohibited in the PSI center
4This bank is an English-language MCQ study aid, not an official PSI form

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the South Carolina Air Conditioning Contractor Examination?

The official PSI examination has 80 scored questions. Passing is 70% (56 of 80) within 4 hours (South Carolina Commercial Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin updated 5/15/2025).

How much does the SC Air Conditioning exam cost?

PSI lists USD 60 for this examination. The South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board charges a separate USD 350 license application fee.

Is the SC Air Conditioning exam open book?

Yes. PSI lists the commercial contractor examinations as open book. Candidates may bring the PSI-listed references for this classification. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are prohibited.

Does the SC air conditioning classification include hot water or steam heating?

No. The PSI/CLB scope covers air conditioning equipment and systems for environmental heating or cooling. Hot water or steam heating systems or components are not included under this classification.