HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer - First Class

ASOPE® offers an opportunity to obtain a HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer - First Class license. A list of qualifications that are required to receive your HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer - First Class license are outlined below. Requirements include a minimum age of 18 years old (legal adult), a high school diploma (or GED equivalent), and one year time in grade as a HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer 2nd class.

If all qualifications are met, you will be required to schedule an examination. The exam consists of a wide range of curriculum including, but not limited to, mathematic, thermodynamics and heat, psychometrics, electricity and electrical safety, pressure-enthalpy diagrams, and heat pumps. This examination will be multiple choice with 100 questions. Upon completion of the HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer - First Class license exam, an ASOPE® representative will notify 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 - First 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 - One year time in grade as a HVAC / Chiller Operating Engineer 2nd class
  • Must have EPA 608 certification Core, Type I, Type II, & Type III

Examination – Written Test 100 Questions Multiple Choice

Licensed to Operate after successfully passing test:

  • Maximum Refrigeration or Air Conditioning (unsupervised) Unlimited

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:

  • General Industrial Safety
  • Mathematics
  • Thermodynamics and Heat
  • Electricity and Electrical Safety
  • Psychometrics
  • Commercial & Industrial Heating and Cooling Systems
  • Commercial & Industrial Refrigeration Systems
  • Management of Refrigerants and Refrigeration Systems
  • Pressure-Enthalpy Diagrams
  • Compression Systems –Low Side
  • Compression System- High Side
  • Heat Pumps
  • PLC Control Systems
  • Heating and Cooling Loads and Calculations
  • Distribution System Balance
  • Cooling Tower Design, Application, Operation & Maintenance
  • Absorption Chillers Ammonia & Lithium Bromide
  • Vapor Compression Chillers
  • Electronic and Programmable Controllers
  • Mechanical Systems
  • Fluid Power Systems
  • Air Compressor Operation and Maintenance
  • Facility Pneumatic and Electrical Controls Operation and Maintenance
  • Emergency Diesel Generator Operation and Maintenance
  • Pump and Valve Maintenance
  • Troubleshooting