The HVAC (Residential) assessment is designed to measure the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level to mid-level residential HVAC technicians to perform installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems found in homes. The test evaluates key areas including Heating and Cooling System Components and Operation, Electrical Systems, Wiring, and Controls, Refrigerant Handling and System Charging, Airflow, Ductwork, and Ventilation, Maintenance, Inspection, and Preventive Service, and Safety Practices and Tool Use. It measures understanding of refrigeration cycles, electrical components and circuits, airflow and ductwork, thermostats and controls, gas furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, refrigerant handling procedures, load calculations, and the tools and instruments used to diagnose and troubleshoot problems. The assessment evaluates candidate and employee skills through a variety of question formats, including Essay Composition, Multiple Choice, and Multiple Correct Answer questions, with questions drawn from a large pool to help prevent cheating. Certain questions are subject to individual time limits to further deter cheating and to improve the predictive performance of the assessment, and one or more questions utilize artificial intelligence in scoring to ensure accurate and consistent evaluation of responses.

The specific attributes measured include:

Following completion, the test produces a Candidate Selection Report that includes an overall score and detailed scores for each attribute.

The Candidate Selection Report also provides expert interview questions that help you probe critical or low-scoring areas, along with a guide for noting your evaluation of the candidate's responses. Consistent use of an interview guide is an important part of gaining better candidate insights and making better hiring decisions.

Note that while the HVAC (Residential) assessment is a useful and efficient instrument for confirming a base level of skill or knowledge about this important topic, it is not intended to pinpoint the exact level of candidate or skill. We recommend that skills tests, like this one, be used in parallel with other measurements, such as cognitive ability, job fit, and behavioral history. Each different type of test provides a valuable piece of information you can use when evaluating potential job performance.