When performing a cycling check during a maintenance call, the technician should first check with the owner of the equipment for their opinion of performance. The next step is to turn the unit off at the thermostat SYSTEM switch. The technician should set the FAN switch to:

The NATE Air Conditioning (AC) Service Exam, part of the NATE traditional certification pathway, requires passing a 50-question Core exam and a 100-question AC Specialty exam covering installation, service, maintenance, and repair. Key areas include HVAC fundamentals, electrical circuits, refrigeration cycles, airflow, and diagnostics.  NATE AC Service Exam Syllabus & Key Topics: The exam focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical, field-specific skills:  Core Exam (General Knowledge): Safety, tools, fasteners, basic science (heat/pressure), and basic electrical. AC Specialty... Show more

The NATE Air Conditioning (AC) Service Exam, part of the NATE traditional certification pathway, requires passing a 50-question Core exam and a 100-question AC Specialty exam covering installation, service, maintenance, and repair. Key areas include HVAC fundamentals, electrical circuits, refrigeration cycles, airflow, and diagnostics. 

NATE AC Service Exam Syllabus & Key Topics:
The exam focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical, field-specific skills: 
Core Exam (General Knowledge): Safety, tools, fasteners, basic science (heat/pressure), and basic electrical.

AC Specialty Exam (Service Focus):
Components: Compressors, condensers, expansion devices, and evaporators.
Refrigeration Cycle: Proper charging (superheat/subcooling), leak detection, evacuation, and refrigerant management.
Electrical: Motors, troubleshooting circuits, and controls.
Airflow & Comfort: Psychrometrics, ductwork, static pressure, and air balancing.
Installation & Maintenance: Startup, commissioning, and planned maintenance. 

Exam Structure:
Format: 100 questions (Specialty) + 50 questions (Core).
Passing Score: 70% or higher required on both.
Type: Closed-book (except for specific scenarios). 

Technicians can also pursue the newer CHP-5 (Certified HVAC Professional) pathway, which breaks down testing into five specific domains: HVAC Fundamentals, Electrical and Controls, Comfort and Airflow, Installation, and Service.

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