DC HVAC Exam: PSI Scheduling, Fees, and Retake Rules
The Board Must Approve You Before PSI Will Schedule Anything
The most common mistake candidates make with the DC refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic exam is trying to book it directly through PSI. That won't work. The Board of Industrial Trades must first review and approve your application — including your experience verification documents and EPA Section 608 certification — before PSI will let you schedule a test date.
This pre-approval step is where most delays happen. If your employment verification letters are incomplete, unsigned by a licensed DC master mechanic, or don't specify the compressor horsepower of systems you worked on, the board will return your application. Every round trip adds weeks. Get the documentation right before you submit.
How to Register and Schedule Through PSI
Once the board approves your application, you'll receive an authorization notice. With that in hand:
Online scheduling: Go to psiexams.com and find the District of Columbia Board of Industrial Trades program listing. Create an account (or log in), locate your approved exam, and select an available date and testing center. Centers are located within the District and surrounding metro area.
Phone scheduling: Call PSI at 1-855-557-0616. Have your authorization information ready.
ADA accommodations: If you need testing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, submit the documentation and accommodation request form directly to PSI before scheduling. Don't wait until test day — accommodations must be pre-arranged.
The $52 exam fee is paid directly to PSI at the time of scheduling. This is separate from the $65 application fee you already paid to DLCP.
Exam Format and What to Expect
The DC refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic exam is computerized and administered at PSI testing centers. Here's what the current format looks like:
Journeyman exam: 60 multiple-choice questions, two-hour time limit. You need a 70% score to pass. The exam covers refrigeration fundamentals, air conditioning system design, piping, electrical controls, and safety practices relevant to the trade.
Master exam (limited and unlimited): The master-level exams are open-book — you can bring reference materials into the testing room. The questions focus on system design, load calculations, code compliance, and supervisory responsibilities that distinguish a master from a journeyman.
Both exams are scored instantly at the testing center. You'll know whether you passed before you leave the building.
Free Download
Get the District of Columbia — HVAC License Requirements Checklist
Everything in this article as a printable checklist — plus action plans and reference guides you can start using today.
Six-Month Retake Waiting Periods
This is the detail that catches people off guard. A failed exam can trigger the Board of Industrial Trades' retake waiting period. For certain mechanical examinations, the minimum wait is six months before rescheduling.
Plan for the possibility of a six-month delay when the applicable waiting period applies; check the Board's current retake instructions before booking again.
After the applicable waiting period passes, confirm with the board that you're eligible to reschedule, then book through PSI again — with another $52 fee.
Which Exam Do You Need?
The board offers separate exams for each license tier:
Journeyman Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic — for candidates who have completed a four-year registered apprenticeship with 8,000 documented hours, or who hold equivalent verified work history. Passing this exam qualifies you to perform work under a master mechanic's supervision.
Master Limited Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic — for journeymen with five years of documented experience on systems up to 25 compressor horsepower. This license lets you oversee residential and light commercial work.
Master Unlimited Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic — for journeymen with five years of documented experience on systems exceeding 25 compressor horsepower. This license covers large commercial and industrial installations with no capacity restriction.
The experience documentation matters here. If your verification letters only describe work on residential split systems (typically 2-5 tons, well under 25 HP), you'll qualify for the limited exam. To sit for the unlimited exam, your letters must explicitly describe work on larger commercial systems and note the compressor horsepower.
Exam Fees at a Glance
| Fee | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $65 (non-refundable) | DLCP Board of Industrial Trades |
| Exam fee | $52 per attempt | PSI Exams |
| License fee (upon passing) | $110 | DLCP Board of Industrial Trades |
If the applicable retake policy imposes a six-month wait and you retake after becoming eligible, you'll pay another $52 to PSI. The original $65 application fee is non-refundable under DC Code § 47-2853.10 — you don't get it back regardless of the exam outcome.
After You Pass
A passing score doesn't automatically issue your license. You'll still need to pay the $110 license fee to DLCP and wait for the board to process the credential. Processing typically takes a few weeks, though it can stretch longer during high-volume periods near the September 30 renewal deadline.
Once your individual mechanic license is issued, you can work under a licensed contractor. If you're planning to operate independently, the mechanic license is just the first layer — you'll also need a trade contractor license, surety bonds, and a Basic Business License. The DC HVAC License Guide walks through the full sequence from individual licensing through your first DOB permit.
Get Your Free District of Columbia — HVAC License Requirements Checklist
Download the District of Columbia — HVAC License Requirements Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.