Guide · Updated 2026-10-30

Michigan Refrigeration exam guide

Practice for the Michigan Refrigeration mechanical contractor exam: the refrigeration cycle, refrigerant safety and classes, code requirements for machinery rooms, walk-ins, and refrigerant piping.

The format

Test-day rules

What’s on it

PSI lists the content areas but not how many questions come from each. Our practice uses these estimated weights:

TopicOur estimated weightIn our mockBank
Michigan law (PA 407 Article 8, PA 230)
  • Licensing (PA 407)
  • Complaints (PA 407)
9%57
Refrigeration cycle and principles
  • Cycle
  • Superheat
  • Subcooling
  • Compression
  • Heat
  • Efficiency
  • Pressure
18%1013
Refrigerants, ASHRAE 34, and EPA Section 608
  • ASHRAE 34
  • Blends
  • EPA 608
  • Oils
18%1013
Mechanical code Chapter 11 and ASHRAE 15
  • Machinery rooms
  • Relief
  • Piping location
  • Testing
  • Signs
  • Occupancy
  • Open flames
18%1013
Commercial walk-ins, components, and troubleshooting
  • Walk-ins
  • Pump-down
  • Components
  • Head pressure
  • Troubleshooting
18%1013
Piping, brazing, evacuation, and charging
  • Brazing
  • Piping
  • Evacuation
  • Charging
  • Recovery
  • Testing
19%1014

A study plan

  1. Master the refrigeration cycle, superheat, and subcooling.
  2. Learn refrigerant safety groups and machinery room rules in the mechanical code.
  3. Review walk-in cooler and freezer requirements.
  4. Study refrigerant piping, testing, and evacuation.
  5. Take timed mocks.

Try 10 free Refrigeration questions Refrigeration practice page

Sources: PSI Candidate Information Bulletin 5421 (mechanical, effective Aug 20, 2026) · LARA mechanical exam reference materials (PDF). Checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with LARA and PSI.

FAQ

How many questions are on the Refrigeration exam?

PSI’s bulletin lists 55 questions in 60 minutes, open book, with 75% to pass.

What does it cost?

PSI lists $50.

MI Trade Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with LARA or PSI.