HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer - Third Class

If you’re looking for a career as an HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer, ASOPE® is here to facilitate. ASOPE® offers an opportunity to obtain an HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer - Third Class license. Outlined below is a list of qualifications that are required to receive your HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer - Third Class license. Requirements include being a minimum of 18 years or older (a legal adult), a high school diploma/GED or equivalent, and 6 months or 3 credit hours of HVAC Training or equivalent.

If all qualifications are met, you will be required to schedule a written examination (oral or practical if necessary). The exam consists of a wide range of curriculum including, but not limited to, general industry safety, basic electricity, refrigeration principles, heat pumps, air condition systems, and control systems. Upon completion of the HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer - Third Class license exam, an ASOPE® representative will notify you of a "pass" or "fail" status. If failed, you will be offered additional opportunities to retake the exam. Please review our Failed Test Procedures to learn more.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer - Third Class license, please contact the ASOPE® national office.

Test Fee $45.00

Requirements to take test

  • Minimum age – 18
  • Education - High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
  • Experience - 6 months or 3 credit hours of HVAC Training or equivalent.

Examination – Written Test 50 Questions Multiple Choice

Recommended Books and Reading

  • HVAC Water Chillers and Cooling Towers CRC Press
  • HVAC and Refrigeration Systems American Technical Publishers
  • Industrial Maintenance and Troubleshooting American Technical Publishers  

Test will include competency and proficiency questions in the below listed areas:

  • Mathematics
  • General Industrial Safety
  • Thermodynamics and Heat
  • Basic Electricity
  • Psychometrics
  • Forced Air Heating and Cooling Systems
  • Refrigeration Principles
  • Management of Refrigerants and Refrigeration Systems
  • Basic Pressure-Enthalpy Diagrams
  • Compression Systems –Low Side
  • Compression System- High Side
  • Air Condition Systems
  • Heat Pumps
  • Cooling Tower Operation, Maintenance & Water Treatment
  • Control Systems
  • Heating and Cooling Loads and Calculations
  • HVAC Unit Selection
  • Forced Air System Design
  • Hydronic System Design
  • Distribution System Balance
  • Introduction to Absorption Chillers
  • Basic Maintenance Principles
  • Basic Service and Repair Principles
  • Electronic and Programmable Controllers
  • Mechanical Systems
  • Fluid Power Systems
  • Troubleshooting