Texas license lookup / Exam guides / A/C certified technician
The Texas A/C certified technician exam
The certified technician exam is the step between a registered technician and a contractor. It is a practical-minded test: 27 of the 60 questions are about testing, diagnostics and service.
Based on PSI's candidate bulletin dated 9 July 2026 · Reviewed 9 October 2026
The exam at a glance
| Exam | Questions | Time | To pass | Fee | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified technician | 60 scored + 4 unscored | 112 min + 8 | 70% | $60 | Open book |
"+ N" is extra time or questions for unscored items, which PSI includes to trial new questions. Exam fees are paid to PSI, separately from TDLR's license application fee.
What is on it: exam (60 scored items)
| Topic | Items | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Testing, diagnostics and service | 27 | 45% |
| Basic refrigeration components | 9 | 15% |
| Refrigeration principles | 9 | 15% |
| Controls | 6 | 10% |
| Combustion air | 3 | 5% |
| Piping | 3 | 5% |
| Safety | 3 | 5% |
One book
The reference is Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (22nd edition, 2025), with the pressure/temperature chart on page 1309 called out in the bulletin. TDLR's application page for registered technicians lists no exam; this one is for the certified credential, which also shortens the road to a contractor license.
Scheduling and exam day
- Eligibility first. TDLR reviews your application, then PSI emails you that you are eligible and how to book. You cannot book before that.
- Booking. Online through your PSI account, or by phone; your name must match your government ID exactly.
- On the day. PSI's TDLR bulletins ask you to arrive 30 minutes early with one valid government photo ID; late arrivals are turned away and lose the fee.
- Cancelling. Cancel or reschedule at least two days ahead through PSI, or the fee is forfeited.
- Results. Scores are given at the test center. PSI gives failing candidates a diagnostic report by topic, which is the best study guide for a retake.
Before and after the exam
- How to become an A/C technician in Texas: hours, application and fees
- License statistics and renewal for this trade
- Renewal calculator for once you are licensed
- All exam guides and pass rates
For context: Texas has 40,840 active licenses of this type in the public TDLR file dated 20 September 2026.
Questions
How many questions are on the Texas HVAC certified technician exam?
60 scored questions plus 4 unscored, in 112 minutes plus 8. 70% passes.
Sources
PSI Services, candidate information bulletin dated 9 July 2026. Exam fees, formats and outlines change when PSI reissues a bulletin: the bulletin sent with your eligibility notice is the one that applies to you.
Independent site, not affiliated with TDLR or PSI. We do not sell courses or practice tests.
Cite this page
PermitPulled (2026). The Texas A/C certified technician exam. Retrieved from https://permitpulled.com/exams/certified-technician-exam-texas
Figures compiled from the public TDLR license file and published under CC BY 4.0. Attribution required.