The HVAC (Residential, Short) assessment is designed to measure the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level to mid-level residential HVAC technicians to perform construction, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems within residential properties. The test evaluates key skill 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. This includes assessing understanding of refrigeration cycles, electrical wiring and circuits, ductwork and airflow distribution, thermostat and control systems, gas furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, load calculations, and the tools and instruments used to diagnose and troubleshoot problems.

The assessment uses Multiple Choice, Multiple Correct Answer, and Essay Composition question formats, with one or more essay questions scored using artificial intelligence. Questions are drawn from a large pool to reduce the risk of cheating, and one or more questions are subject to individual time limits to further deter cheating and enhance the predictive accuracy of results.

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, Short) 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.