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Free NATE Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style NATE (NATE) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free NATE practice test to study every exam domain.

Question 1

A technician has just opened the disconnect to begin servicing a packaged rooftop unit. Before touching any electrical components, what is the FIRST action the technician must take?

  1. Make sure they are properly grounded with an anti-static strap
  2. Install a lockout device and warning tag on the disconnect
  3. Verify the absence of voltage using a meter on a known live source first, then on the equipment
  4. Notify the building occupants that power has been turned off
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Verify the absence of voltage using a meter on a known live source first, then on the equipment

Question 2

A refrigerant cylinder must NOT be stored or exposed to temperatures above which of the following values?

  1. 100°F
  2. 125°F
  3. 150°F
  4. 200°F
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - 125°F

Question 3

A technician needs to cut a section of capillary tubing during a metering device replacement. What is the proper method?

  1. Use a standard tubing cutter with light pressure
  2. Score the tube with a triangular file and snap it cleanly
  3. Cut with diagonal cutters and deburr both ends
  4. Use a fine-tooth hacksaw and clean the bore with compressed air
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Score the tube with a triangular file and snap it cleanly

Question 4

A residential building measures 1,800 ft² with 8-foot ceilings throughout. The ventilation design requires 5 air changes per hour. What is the required CFM?

  1. 240 CFM
  2. 720 CFM
  3. 1,200 CFM
  4. 2,400 CFM
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - 1,200 CFM

Question 5

A technician uses a sling psychrometer to evaluate indoor air conditions. Which of the following does the sling psychrometer measure DIRECTLY?

  1. Relative humidity and dew point
  2. Dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature
  3. Specific humidity and enthalpy
  4. Dew point temperature only
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature

Question 6

Three resistors of 60 ohms each are connected in parallel across a 120-volt source. What is the total resistance of the circuit?

  1. 20 ohms
  2. 60 ohms
  3. 180 ohms
  4. 360 ohms
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - 20 ohms

Question 7

A technician discharges a run capacitor and tests it with an analog ohmmeter. The needle does not move and remains at infinity (∞) throughout the test. This indicates the capacitor is:

  1. Good and within specification
  2. Shorted internally
  3. Open
  4. Grounded to the case
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Open

Question 8

A three-phase commercial condenser fan motor is rotating in the wrong direction after installation. What is the correct procedure to reverse rotation?

  1. Reverse the line and neutral connections
  2. Swap any two of the three line leads at the motor terminals
  3. Reverse all three line leads at the contactor
  4. Reverse polarity at the control transformer
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Swap any two of the three line leads at the motor terminals

Question 9

1 kilowatt-hour of electrical energy is equivalent to approximately how many BTU?

  1. 746 BTU
  2. 1,055 BTU
  3. 3,412 BTU
  4. 12,000 BTU
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - 3,412 BTU

Question 10

A Type B double-wall gas vent passes through a wood-framed wall in a residential installation. What is the minimum required clearance from the vent to combustible materials?

  1. 0 inches (no clearance required)
  2. 1 inch
  3. 2 inches
  4. 6 inches
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - 1 inch

What's on the NATE exam

The NATE (NATE) exam is organized into 8 knowledge domains. These free practice questions are drawn from across them so you can see where you're strong and where to study:

  1. Core Basic Electricity 26% of exam
  2. Core Safety 18% of exam
  3. Core Achieving Desired Conditions 14% of exam
  4. Core Taking Temperature and Humidity Measurements 14% of exam
  5. Core Tools 10% of exam
  6. Core Using Basic Science 10% of exam
  7. Core Basic Construction 8% of exam
  8. Specialty Tracks AC Heat Pumps Gas Oil Distribution

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