Kansas Standard Master Mechanical - KGL Mock Tests

The Kansas Standard Master Mechanical (KGL) exam is a nationally recognized standard developed by the International Code Council (ICC). It is designed to certify individuals as Master Mechanical contractors who can oversee large-scale HVAC, refrigeration, and fuel gas piping projects.

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While Kansas licenses are administered at the county level (such as Johnson, Sedgwick, or Ellis County), the KGL exam serves as the universal testing standard for many of these jurisdictions.

Exam Overview

The exam is an open-book, multiple-choice assessment based on the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC).

Total Questions: 100

Time Limit: 4 Hours (240 Minutes)

Passing Score: 75% (75 correct answers)

Format: Open Book (Approved references only)

Primary References: * 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)

Exam Content Outline

The KGL exam is divided into seven primary competency domains. The percentages indicate the approximate weight of each section on the 100-question exam.

1. General Installation Requirements (27%)

This is the largest section of the exam, focusing on the fundamental rules for mechanical equipment and specialized systems.

Heating Equipment: Installation of furnaces, wall heaters, and floor furnaces; clearances to combustibles and access requirements.

Appliances & General Equipment: Mounting, support, and protection of mechanical units.

Water Heaters & Boilers: Code requirements for pressure relief valves, expansion tanks, and low-water cutoffs.

Cooling & Refrigeration: Refrigerant piping, safety relief systems, and equipment location.

Hydronic Systems: Piping materials, installation, and testing of radiant heating or chilled water systems.

Solar Systems & Specific Appliances: Requirements for solar thermal systems and miscellaneous mechanical appliances.

2. Duct Systems (12%)

Focuses on the distribution of conditioned air and safety components within the ductwork.

Duct Construction: Materials, thickness, and sealing requirements for supply and return ducts.

Installation & Plenums: Proper support, insulation (R-values), and use of under-floor or ceiling plenums.

Smoke and Fire Dampers: Installation locations, access requirements, and actuation by smoke detectors.

3. Exhaust and Ventilation Systems (11%)

Covers the removal of air and contaminants from a structure.

Exhaust Fan Systems: Bathrooms, domestic kitchens, and general mechanical exhaust.

Product Conveying Systems: Handling of dust, stock, or hazardous vapors.

Commercial Hoods: Installation of Type I and Type II hoods, grease filters, and fire suppression integration.

Kitchen Ventilation: Makeup air requirements for high-capacity exhaust systems.

4. Chimneys and Vents (8%)

Regulations regarding the safe removal of combustion byproducts.

Venting Methods: Direct-vent, mechanical draft, and natural draft systems.

Connectors: Proper sizing and pitch of vent connectors for gas or oil-fired appliances.

Masonry Chimneys: Lining requirements and clearance to structural members.

5. Combustion Air (6%)

Requirements to ensure fuel-burning appliances have enough oxygen to operate safely.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Air: Sizing openings based on the BTU input of the appliances.

Openings and Ducts: Location and protection of combustion air intake louvers.

6. Fuel Supply Systems (6%)

This domain draws heavily from the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC).

Fuel Supply Installation: Materials (black iron, CSST), jointing methods, and support spacing.

Sizing and Testing: Calculating pipe size based on total load and performing pressure/leak tests.

7. Administrative & Plan Reading (30% - Integrated)

While often categorized within "General Requirements," these skill sets are tested throughout the exam.

Definitions: Understanding specific code terminology (e.g., "Ready Access" vs. "Access").

Plan Reading: Interpreting mechanical blueprints, schedules, and legends.

Testing & Inspections: Knowledge of when inspections are required and the standard pressures for system testing.

Candidate Requirements in Kansas

To sit for the KGL exam and subsequently apply for a Master license in most Kansas jurisdictions, you typically need to meet the following:

Field Experience: 4 years of practical experience in the mechanical trade (or 2 years as a licensed Journeyman).

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Science can often substitute for a portion of the field experience.

Insurance: Most counties require a minimum of $500,000 to $1,000,000 in General Liability insurance and proof of Worker's Compensation.

Study Tip: Tab Your Books

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The KGL exam is a race against the clock. Using ICC-approved permanent tabs for your IMC and IFGC is essential. Focus your tabbing on:

IMC Chapter 3: General Regulations

IMC Chapter 4: Ventilation

IMC Chapter 5: Exhaust Systems

IFGC Chapter 4: Gas Piping Installations

IMC Chapter 11: Refrigeration