313A Refrigeration & AC Exam: 2026 Weighting Guide
The Red Seal 313A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Interprovincial Examination (IPSE) covers commercial and industrial refrigeration cycles, heat pumps, psychrometrics, electronic expansion valves (EEVs), and the CSA B52 Mechanical Refrigeration Code.
❄️ 313A HVAC/R Exam Quick Blueprint Summary
- Total Exam Questions: 125 Multiple-Choice Questions
- Time Allowed: 4 Hours
- Passing Mark: 70% (88/125 correct)
- Official Standard: Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS), red-seal.ca
1. Official Major Work Activity (MWA) Weighting Breakdown
| Major Work Activity (MWA) | Weighting (%) | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| MWA A: Performs Common Occupational Skills Refrigerant handling (ODP/GWP, recovery), evacuation/dehydration (500 microns), brazing safety |
11% | 14 Qs |
| MWA B: Installs & Maintains Commercial & Industrial Refrigeration Systems (Highest Weighting!) Compressors (recip, screw, scroll, centrifugal), condensers, evaporators, TXVs/EEVs, defrost systems |
36% | 45 Qs |
| MWA C: Installs & Maintains Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Systems VRF systems, rooftop units (RTUs), chillers, economizers, psychrometric chart diagnostics |
25% | 31 Qs |
| MWA D: Installs & Maintains Control & Electrical Systems Direct digital controls (DDC), building automation systems (BAS), motor controls, defrost timers |
18% | 23 Qs |
| MWA E: Installs & Maintains Air Handling & Distribution Airflow CFM calculation, static pressure measurement, belt tensioning, duct design basics |
10% | 12 Qs |
2. Sample Practice Question
Practice Question: A walk-in freezer operating on R-404A has normal suction pressure, very high superheat (28°F), and very low subcooling (2°F). What is the most probable diagnosis?
A) The system is undercharged with refrigerant.
B) The thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) is stuck wide open.
C) The condenser coil is severely fouled.
D) The evaporator fan motor is running in reverse.
Correct Answer: A) High superheat combined with low subcooling is the classic indicator of an undercharged refrigerant system (low liquid seal in condenser leading to low subcooling, starvation in evaporator causing high superheat).
How to Study for 313A Refrigeration Red Seal
Master superheat/subcooling calculations and wiring schematics on Red Seal Pass Refrigeration Exam Prep.
Next step for your Refrigeration & AC Mechanic (313A) exam
Knowing the weighting is half of it. The other half is finding out which Major Work Activities you are actually weak in.
Refrigeration & AC Mechanic (313A) practice exam · Full timed mock exam
🎧 Watch & Listen: 30 Refrigeration & AC Mechanic (313A) Practice Questions & Worked Answers
Weighted to the official Red Seal Refrigeration & AC Mechanic (313A) exam breakdown, read aloud with a 5-second pause before each worked answer and code explanation.
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