Are you preparing for the state of Ohio HVAC Test?
I recently took a course online through Exam Prep to prepare me for the test. I would have gone another route if I had to do this again. Although the exam simulates the test, the actual test is a lot more like being on the job than being in a classroom.
I think the actual test was written to test contractors on their field knowledge and experience. The pretest that I took over and over spent a lot of time going over topics like how many float days between jobs, calculating velocities in air ducts and distances between gas, exhaust and HVAC equipment and structures. I spent a lot of time in my International Fuel gas code book. You will need to know where to find information in all the required books for the test. No joke, it would be hard to pass without the books in hand and the tabs.
The actual test will go beyond what you would expect in a multiple choice test. There is a lot of thought behind the correct answers, as they put answers that seem correct at 1st glance and perhaps seem like a possibility. Be careful to read the questions slowly. Basically, you have to think it through and go outside the box to make a good decision. Definetly, know how to calculate R and U factors for your total heat loss and know terminology like "total degree days". The test I took didn't spend much time on these, but more on the facts dealing with proper installation, making a good diagnostic evaluation and knowing how to run the business. Know your I9 rules, OSHA laws and the accounting process. It's important to know the ratio formulas in the accounting section of our Business Law and Project management book. They ask a few questions fond the appendix of the book. These question pertain to the board rules, renewing a license and the rules for filing legality forms so you can get paid.
The business law side of the test was by far the hardest part. As a contractor, I know what I am doing in the field... That's how I make my living. Know body can claim to be know it all and with the changes in technology we will always being going back to school.
A good example is the way older techs install a water heater or heating system and the way a newly schooled tech will do it, considering the types of materials the prefer to do the plumbing, the connections and the brands.
There isn't a lot of testing on dealing with residential customers and everyday field repairs or installations. I know that is what a lot of us are doing with the license and the test focuses more on the big companies that work on large projects and even joint ventures. I guess they bring in a lot of revenue for the state and the state wants to make sure contractors making the "big bucks" are following the rules.
Hope this helps someone. Call me if you have questions. I chose to improve my field knowledge by taking a two year course in HVAC/R at Ashworth College in out of Daluth, Georgia. I thought that was a hard course until I got studying for the State of Ohio test.
The HVAC trade has many avenues to explore.
David Evans
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