The cram courses are very fast paced and don’t allow a lot of time for any detail and very few questions. Also, the cram courses don’t really cover every possible item that can be on the test. In North Carolina (H3C1), there are two tests (as I’m sure you are aware) and the first one can be a bear because of the time restraints. You have one hour for 50 questions for the Business Law, Project Management, and Administrative Policies. If you don’t have the books memorized, you won’t make it in time looking up the answers.
The second test is 90 questions and you have four hours. Nice allotment of time for the number of questions. You need to know the material fairly well. Some of the questions are a bear because the answers are NOT in any of the books you are given. The questions can be from any of the reference materials listed in the back of all the code books.
Another kicker: The current H3C1 test uses Manual N fourth edition, starting in June they will use the fifth edition. I have not looked at the fifth edition so I don’t know the differences.
There is very little on repair and operation of anything. Most of the test is based on design and “How big, how long, how much, etc…” So, know how to perform a heat load calculation, air infiltration loads, glass loads, walls, roof, slab, and the like.
Know where to find all the tables for sizing everything. Gas lines, ducts, pipe support, compressed insulation….
Know the formulas for CFM to a room, BTUs to a room, BTUs for delta T, R to U, etc…..
Read the questions carefully. Some questions are asked in “inches” and the answers are in “feet”.
When you finish the test you will not be told “immediately” if you pass or not even though you are supposed to be. You have to sit and wonder for a few days waiting on the mail. I got a short simple little letter saying I passed and now to send in your money for your license! Seems everything is money driven for the State since they are close to broke.
Study hard and good luck.