Kentucky Journeyman HVAC Mechanic - 598_KY Exam

Exam Content Outline: 598_KY

1. General Knowledge and Safety (10–12%)

Terminology: Standard industry terms, units of measurement (BTU, SEER, AFUE, EER), and thermodynamic principles.

Safety Protocols: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, handling of hazardous materials (SDS), and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Tools: Proper use of manometers, multimeters, vacuum pumps, and recovery machines.

Combustion Safety: Understanding flame rectification and the function of thermocouples/cad cells.

2. Systems and Sizing (15–18%)

Load Calculations: Determining heating and cooling demands based on building envelope, insulation, and regional climate.

Equipment Selection: Matching system capacity to calculated loads for residential and light commercial applications.

Psychrometrics: Understanding the relationship between dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature, and relative humidity.

3. Equipment and Components (12–15%)

Heating Systems: Operation of gas furnaces (standard, high-efficiency, and modulating), electric heat, and heat pumps.

Cooling Systems: Air conditioning units, evaporative coolers, and split systems.

Heat Exchangers: Design, maintenance, and identification of cracks or failures.

Motors: Principles of PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) and ECM (Electronically Commutated) variable-speed motors.

4. Refrigeration Systems (18–20%)

Refrigeration Cycle: In-depth knowledge of the four main stages: Compression, Condensation, Expansion, and Evaporation.

Metering Devices: Function and adjustment of Thermal Expansion Valves (TXV), capillary tubes, and pistons.

Refrigerant Handling: EPA Section 608 regulations, leak testing, evacuation (microns), and recovery procedures.

Subcooling and Superheat: Calculating and interpreting these values to diagnose system charge and performance.

5. Piping, Venting, and Combustion Air (15–18%)

Gas Piping: Sizing, materials (black iron, CSST), and pressure testing requirements.

Venting Systems: Category I, II, III, and IV venting; direct-vent vs. atmospheric venting; and proper termination clearances.

Combustion Air: Calculating requirements for confined vs. unconfined spaces to ensure safe appliance operation.

Condensate Piping: Proper sizing, trap requirements, and slope to prevent water damage or mold.

6. Ducts and Air Distribution (10–12%)

Duct Design: Sizing ducts for proper CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) and velocity.

Static Pressure: Measuring and troubleshooting total external static pressure (TESP).

Sealing and Insulation: Use of mastic or foil tape and meeting R-value requirements for different zones.

7. Electrical Systems and Controls (10–12%)

Electrical Theory: Ohm’s Law (V=I×R) and power calculations (P=V×I).

Circuits: Interpreting ladder diagrams, wiring schematics, and troubleshooting series/parallel circuits.

Control Components: Operation of contactors, relays, transformers, and low-voltage thermostats.

8. Plan Reading, Estimating, and Math (5–8%)

Blueprint Interpretation: Identifying HVAC symbols, equipment locations, and duct routing from construction drawings.

Basic Trade Math: Area, volume, and unit conversions.

Reference Materials Allowed

Since the exam is open-book, candidates typically utilize the following (verify current editions with Prov):

International Mechanical Code (IMC)

International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC)

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (or equivalent textbook)

Kentucky HVAC License Testing Requirements

This video provides a firsthand look at the testing requirements and field experience needed for HVAC licensing in Kentucky from the perspective of a Master Contractor.

Kentucky HVAC License Testing Requirements - YouTube

Fritz Rochester · 10K views