Illinois HVACR Contractor Licensing
Examination Practice Test Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
Pdf
(Comprehensive coverage: refrigeration, heating, ventilation, air
conditioning systems, codes, safety, controls, installation, maintenance, and
Illinois licensing regulations.)
1. What is the primary function of a refrigeration compressor?
A. To absorb heat from the evaporator
B. To condense refrigerant vapor
C. To increase refrigerant pressure and temperature
D. To remove moisture from the system
Rationale: The compressor raises the pressure and temperature of
refrigerant vapor, enabling condensation and heat rejection in the
condenser.
,2. Which of the following refrigerants has the lowest ozone depletion
potential (ODP)?
A. R-22
B. R-12
C. R-134a
D. R-502
Rationale: R-134a has zero ODP and replaced older refrigerants like R-12
due to environmental concerns.
3. The metering device in a refrigeration system controls:
A. Compressor pressure
B. Condenser temperature
C. Refrigerant flow into the evaporator
D. Fan speed
Rationale: The metering device regulates refrigerant entering the
evaporator, maintaining proper superheat and system balance.
4. What is the typical superheat range for a properly charged TXV system?
A. 0–2°F
B. 8–12°F
C. 20–25°F
,D. 30–35°F
Rationale: A superheat range of 8–12°F ensures efficient operation and
prevents liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressor.
5. What component removes heat from the refrigerant to the outside air in
an air-cooled system?
A. Evaporator
B. Condenser
C. Expansion valve
D. Compressor
Rationale: The condenser transfers heat from the refrigerant vapor to the
outdoor air, converting it to liquid.
6. The primary purpose of an accumulator is to:
A. Increase pressure
B. Store excess oil
C. Prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor
D. Dehumidify the air
Rationale: Accumulators protect the compressor by trapping liquid
refrigerant returning from the evaporator.
, 7. The Illinois Department of Public Health issues HVACR licenses under
which Act?
A. Environmental Protection Act
B. Illinois Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Act
C. Mechanical Safety Act
D. Contractor Licensing Act
Rationale: The Illinois HVACR Act governs contractor licensing,
qualifications, and enforcement.
8. Which safety device prevents excessive system pressure buildup?
A. Filter-drier
B. Pressure relief valve
C. Sight glass
D. Solenoid valve
Rationale: A pressure relief valve releases excess pressure to prevent
equipment damage or explosions.
9. What is the main function of a filter-drier?
A. To lower refrigerant pressure
B. To control refrigerant flow
C. To remove moisture and contaminants
D. To cool refrigerant gas
Examination Practice Test Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
(Comprehensive coverage: refrigeration, heating, ventilation, air
conditioning systems, codes, safety, controls, installation, maintenance, and
Illinois licensing regulations.)
1. What is the primary function of a refrigeration compressor?
A. To absorb heat from the evaporator
B. To condense refrigerant vapor
C. To increase refrigerant pressure and temperature
D. To remove moisture from the system
Rationale: The compressor raises the pressure and temperature of
refrigerant vapor, enabling condensation and heat rejection in the
condenser.
,2. Which of the following refrigerants has the lowest ozone depletion
potential (ODP)?
A. R-22
B. R-12
C. R-134a
D. R-502
Rationale: R-134a has zero ODP and replaced older refrigerants like R-12
due to environmental concerns.
3. The metering device in a refrigeration system controls:
A. Compressor pressure
B. Condenser temperature
C. Refrigerant flow into the evaporator
D. Fan speed
Rationale: The metering device regulates refrigerant entering the
evaporator, maintaining proper superheat and system balance.
4. What is the typical superheat range for a properly charged TXV system?
A. 0–2°F
B. 8–12°F
C. 20–25°F
,D. 30–35°F
Rationale: A superheat range of 8–12°F ensures efficient operation and
prevents liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressor.
5. What component removes heat from the refrigerant to the outside air in
an air-cooled system?
A. Evaporator
B. Condenser
C. Expansion valve
D. Compressor
Rationale: The condenser transfers heat from the refrigerant vapor to the
outdoor air, converting it to liquid.
6. The primary purpose of an accumulator is to:
A. Increase pressure
B. Store excess oil
C. Prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor
D. Dehumidify the air
Rationale: Accumulators protect the compressor by trapping liquid
refrigerant returning from the evaporator.
, 7. The Illinois Department of Public Health issues HVACR licenses under
which Act?
A. Environmental Protection Act
B. Illinois Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Act
C. Mechanical Safety Act
D. Contractor Licensing Act
Rationale: The Illinois HVACR Act governs contractor licensing,
qualifications, and enforcement.
8. Which safety device prevents excessive system pressure buildup?
A. Filter-drier
B. Pressure relief valve
C. Sight glass
D. Solenoid valve
Rationale: A pressure relief valve releases excess pressure to prevent
equipment damage or explosions.
9. What is the main function of a filter-drier?
A. To lower refrigerant pressure
B. To control refrigerant flow
C. To remove moisture and contaminants
D. To cool refrigerant gas
