C-20 Warm-Air heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning Contractor Exam Prep Course

Pass the C-20 (HVAC) Trade Exam: Easy as 1-2-3!

Step 1: Commit to passing your California C-20 Contractor exam. Prepare for your exam at home, on your own schedule. Utilize our multimedia resources to “Read, Watch, Listen, Learn, & PASS!”


Step 2: CSLB Application Assistance: We’re here to help you complete your C-20 contractor application correctly. Call us for personalized guidance & ensure a smooth application process.


Step 3: Study and Succeed – Proven Results: Our clients typically pass their trade exam on the first attempt. Your success is our goal. Follow the Plan and Pass Your Exam!”


All qualifying individuals must also pass the California Contractor Law & Business Exam (sold separately below)

$249.00

* Shipping fees apply for the options not fully online.

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Pass Your C-20 Contactor (Trade Exam)

  • Aim to Pass: Aim to pass the C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning trade exam on your very first try.
  • Unbeatable Course: Experience California’s most effective & affordable C-20 HVAC contractors’ license course.
  • Proven Track Record: Our clients consistently pass their C-20 contractor trade exams, making us a trusted choice for exam preparation.

Pass Your C-20 (HVAC) Warm Air Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning Contractor Exam:


Online Flexible Study Plan:

  • Comprehensive Manual: Dive into our industry-leading C-20 HVAC exam preparation manual.
  • Master Multiple-Choice: Learn strategies to dominate multiple-choice exams.
  • Multimedia Learning: Engage with audio and video content featuring industry experts discussing General Trade Knowledge, Math Review, and Title 8 Health and Safety Rules.
  • Question Bank: Access hundreds of researched exam questions and answers.
  • Interactive Tools: Use virtual flashcards and non-graded quizzes to reinforce key concepts.
  • Online Practice Exams: Test your knowledge with online timed practice exams.
  • First-Time Success: Aim to pass your C-20 Contractor exam on your first attempt.

The Most Effective Course in California at any price!

  • Online Advantage: Our multimedia course allows you to study at your pace and is the most affordable method for passing the C-20 Contractor License Exam.

Hassle-Free Application Process:

  • Paperwork Assistance: We’ll guide you through the CSLB application process.
  • Expert Help: Email us for personalized assistance and a free line-by-line review of your application before submission to the state. TLC is here to help to make your CSLB Application easier than ever!

Exam Success:

  • Pass Rate: Our students have a high success rate if they take our course to its entirety. If you have failed in the past, we are here to help increase that score with the latest updated information specific to your trade.
  • Exam Scheduling: Once your application is approved and you are ready, schedule your exam through PSI. (Refer to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for more details. PSI – C-20 Warm Air Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning Candidate Information Bulletin

IT’S A FACT! When you read somethingwatch somethinghear somethingand then put that information to use – ONLINE PRACTICE QUESTIONS  & ONLINE EXAMS, your ability to retain our study materials increases exponentially!

Course Details: C-20 Contractor (Trade Exam)

  • Online Study: Skip the commute and study comfortably from your home or office.
  • Convenience: Our courses are designed to fit into your busy schedule, allowing you to prepare at your own pace.
  • Proven and Affordable: Rely on our proven methods to pass the C-20 HVAC Contractor exam without breaking the bank.

California C-20 Contractor (Trade Exam)


Select Your Course Format:

Please choose the format that best suits your learning style & needs, & take advantage of our comprehensive study materials to prepare effectively for your C-20 HVAC Contractor trade exam.

  • eCourse: Online Manual: (Read Only) + A/V & Testing:

    • The Course is 100% Online
    • Online Manual (not printable)
    • Online A/V (Audio/Video)
    • Online Practice Testing
  •  or Printed Manual + Online A/V & Testing:

    • Printed Manual
    • Online A/V (Audio/Video)
    • Online Practice Testing
  •  or Printed Manual + CDs, DVDs, & Online Testing:

    • Printed Manual
    • CDs & DVDs
    • Online Practice Testing

Included In Each Course Format:

Each of our C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning Contractor License Trade Exam Courses includes the following study materials as outlined below.

  • Trade-Specific Manuals or eManuals: Comprehensive guides covering all relevant topics.
  • Audio Lectures: Listen to expert insights and explanations.
  • Video Lectures: Visualize key concepts through video content.
  • Flash Card Mode: Test your knowledge with virtual flashcards.
  • Online Practice Exams: Take multiple-timed practice exams.

California C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning Contractor Exam Trade Manual

The California C-20 HVAC exam manual briefly covers essential topics of the California C-20 exam’s trade section.

  • Broad Coverage: This manual provides a concise overview of essential topics for the California C-20 HVAC exam’s trade section, including Properties of Air & Water, Psychrometric Charts, Basic HVAC Formulas, Basic Electrical Formulas, Electrical & Insulating Materials, Soldering & Brazing, Electric Motors, Fuels & Refrigerants, Mechanical Refrigeration, Solar Energy, and Plan & Circuit Symbols.
  • Code Summaries: Gain insights from summarized sections of the California Mechanical Code and Title 8 Health & Safety Orders.

Inside The Study Guide:

  • Math Review: Get a solid foundation with an introduction to construction math, covering estimating formulas, measurement units, elementary geometry, and the architect’s scale.
  • General Trade Knowledge: This section provides the basic trade information needed to pass the C-20 HVAC trade exam.
  • Health and Safety: Become familiar with Title 8 and other essential safety regulations and practices.
  • C-20 Exam Review Questions: Read and understand each question and read every word of the explanation. The principle behind the question is your key to success.

Audio/Video Lectures

  • Flexible Formats: Choose between streaming online audio & video files or opt for CDs & DVDs.
  • Expert Instruction: Learn from instructors with decades of experience, covering key C-20 exam concepts in depth. Lectures include Math Formulas, Plans & Specifications, General Trade Knowledge & Review Questions, and Title 8 Health & Safety Orders.

Latest Online C-20 Study Questions and Online Practice Exams

Virtual Flashcards:

  • Randomized Questions:  keep your study sessions fresh and engaging via online flashcards.
  • Progress Tracking: Know where you stand and what you’ve mastered.
  • Exclude Mastered Questions: Focus only on what you need to learn.

Trade Practice Exams and Updated Questions:

  • Four Timed General Exams: Each practice exam consists of 120 questions, allowing you to practice under timed conditions. *Includes an updated exam with the most current questions.
  • Two Title 8 Health & Safety Tests: Specialized tests to ensure you’re prepared for all aspects of the C-20 exam.
  • Inclusive Trade Practice Questions: Each course includes practice questions complete with questions, answers, and in-depth explanations to deepen your understanding of trade concepts.
  • Updated Questions: Stay current with the latest General Knowledge, Health and Safety, and trade-specific updates.
  • Test & Expand Knowledge: Our questions are designed not just to test your existing knowledge but to expand upon it through detailed explanations.

Contractor Exam Application Assistance

  • Free Form Review: Request a free review of your completed contractor exam application to ensure it’s error-free before you submit it to the state.
  • Direct Assistance: All students enrolled in our C-20 HVAC course can call us at (866) 685-8564 or email support@thompsonlearningco.com for personalized assistance in completing the application.

One-Year Unlimited Access

  • All-Inclusive Resources: Gain unrestricted access to all online eManuals, audio/video materials, and practice exams.
  • 365 Days of Access: Unlike other schools that limit you to 30, 90, or 180 days, we offer a full year of access to all online course materials, ensuring you have ample time to prepare.

CSLB C-20 Trade Exam Content & Source Material

  • In-Depth Overview: Gain a comprehensive understanding of what the C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning Contractor exam entails.
  • Reference Compilation: Access a complete compilation of all reference materials used for the exam, ensuring you have all the resources you need.
  • Scope Outline: Understand the full scope of work covered under the C-20 HVAC contractor classification so you know exactly what to expect.

The C-20 HVAC exam: four major sections.


Section 1. Planning and Estimation (25%)

  • HVAC system design and evaluation
  • Load and psychrometric calculations
  • Duct system design and layout
  • Job cost estimation

Section 2. Fabrication, Installation, and Startup (29%)

  • Duct system fabrication
  • Equipment installation
  • Electrical and mechanical components
  • Plumbing and refrigeration components
  • Air distribution and duct systems
  • HVAC system startup

Section 3. Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance (24%)

  • HVAC system diagnostic tests and evaluation
  • HVAC system maintenance or repair

Section 4. Safety (22%)

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Job site safety requirements (Cal/OSHA)
  • Handling hazardous materials

*Percentages are approximate


C-20 HVAC Exam Source Material:

The CSLB utilizes the following publications to create the C-20 Warm Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) exam. California codebooks are available online: www.bsc.ca.gov

2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings. California Energy Commission.
PHONE: (800) 772-3300
INTERNET:www.energy.ca.gov

2022 California Building Code. Title 24. International Code Council.
PHONE: (800) 786-4452.
INTERNET: http://www.iccsafe.org

2022 California Electrical Code. California Code of Regulations, Title 24. BNI Publications, Inc.
PHONE: (888) 264-2665
INTERNET: www.bnibooks.com

2022 California Energy Code. California Code of Regulations, Title 24. International Code Council.
PHONE: (800) 786-4452
INTERNET: www.iccsafe.org

2022 California Mechanical Code. Title 24. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
PHONE: (800) 854-2766.
INTERNET: http://www.iapmo.org

2022 California Plumbing Code. Title 24. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
PHONE: (800) 854-2766.
INTERNET: http://www.iapmo.org

ASHRAE Handbooks (Fundamentals; HVAC Systems and Equipment; HVAC Applications; and Pocket Guide). ASHRAE.
PHONE: (800) 527-4723
INTERNET: www.ashrae.org

HVAC Duct Construction Standards – Metal and Flexible. Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association.
PHONE: (800) 886-2653
INTERNET: www.smacna.org

– Manual CS – Commercial Applications, Systems, and Equipment.
– Manual D – Residential Duct Systems.
– Manual H – Heat Pump Systems.
– Manual J – Residential Load Calculation.
– Manual N – Commercial Load Calculation.
– Manual P – Psychrometrics.
– Manual Q – Commercial Duct Design.
– Manual RS – Comfort, Air Quality, and Efficiency by Design.
– Manual S – Residential Equipment Selection.
Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
PHONE: (888) 290-2220
INTERNET: www.acca.org/home

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Althouse et al. Goodheart-Willcox.
PHONE: (800) 323-0440
INTERNET: www.g-w.com

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology. Johnson, B., Silberstein, E., Tomczyk, J., Whitman, B. Cengage Learning.
PHONE: (800) 354-9706
INTERNET: www.cengage.com

State of California General Industry & Electrical Safety Orders (Cal/OSHA) and State of California Construction & Electrical Safety Orders (Cal/OSHA). 2023. California Code of Regulations, Title 8. Mancomm.
PHONE: (877) 626-2666
INTERNET: www.mancomm.com

*Publisher information is current as of 1/23


CSLB Scope for the HVAC Contractor Classification:

California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. Classifications

A warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning contractor fabricates, installs, maintains, services, and repairs warm-air heating systems and water heating heat pumps, complete with warm-air appliances; ventilating systems complete with blowers and plenum chambers; air-conditioning systems complete with air-conditioning unit; and the ducts, registers, flues, humidity and thermostatic controls and air filters in connection with any of these systems. This classification shall include warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems which utilize solar energy.

Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Reference: Sections 7058 and 7059 (Business and Professions Code)

Add the California Law & Business Course

Required For Your Original Contractors License

We offer our California contractor exam study materials as two separate courses. (Each course is sold separately).

  1. C-20 TRADE EXAM.
  2. LAW & BUSINESS EXAM

Pass the Law & Business Exam

Pass the Law & Business Exam for Your Original Contractor’s License

  • Law & Business Exam Focus: This exam concentrates on California Contractor Law and best business practices.
  • Path to Success: To qualify for your first contractor’s license, you must pass both the TRADE and LAW exams. Utilize our resources to “Read, Watch, Listen, Learn, and PASS!”

Prepare for both exams to ensure you meet all the requirements for your original contractor’s license. With the right resources and study habits, you’re on your way to becoming a licensed contractor.

$199.50

* Shipping fees apply for the options not fully online.

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Free C-20 HVAC Practice Quiz!

  • Try a free practice quiz to see what types of questions you’ll get on the C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning exam.
  • Similar to Actual Test Questions: These free HVAC practice questions are designed to be similar to those on the real exam.

Use this free test to get a preview of the types of questions found on the exam.

Welcome to your free C-20 HVAC Quiz

Required - Enter your email address to receive your test results.
1. 
How are residential furnace blower motors classified?

2. 
What is the first thing you should do before removing a contactor?

3. 
A junction box used for joining wires may be made of__________.

4. 
What is the purpose of a heat anticipator in a furnace?

5. 
Which of the following fasteners is used to assemble square and rectangular ducts?

6. 
What does SEER stand for?

7. 
What makes the best insulator?

8. 
Which of the following types of pump is used in a cooling tower?

9. 
How are fuses rated?

10. 
Using an oversized fuse will affect the circuit by__________.

11. 
What sort of PPE (personal protective equipment) is recommended when using cleaning solvent?

12. 
What should be done with lifelines, safety harnesses, and shock-absorbing lanyards that have been subjected to impact loading?

13. 
What is the longest standard length of a scaffold plank?

14. 
On a 120V circuit, what color is the (protective) ground wire?

15. 
What is the minimum distance apart that acetylene and oxygen cylinders must be stored?

16. 
Which of the following is a correct method for storing acetylene cylinders?

17. 
Which of the following is the best choice for hoisting a full gas cylinder?

18. 
Cylinders containing ______ shall not be taken into confined spaces.

19. 
A dry chemical or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher rated at least ______ must be kept near operations where bottled fuel gases are being used.

20. 
No more than ______ of paints, solvents, and chemicals may be stored in a room unless an approved safety storage cabinet is present.