# Texas HVAC Certified Technician Exam (2026): 60 Questions and Topics > Source: PermitPulled, https://permitpulled.com/exams/certified-technician-exam-texas > Compiled from the public TDLR license file. Published under CC BY 4.0; attribution to PermitPulled required. > For an individual license record, use the official TDLR search: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/ [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 ยท 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. [Read PSI's candidate bulletin]() ## 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.