Instruction Manual for the Refrigeration System Operating Engineers Q-01 - Q-99 Practical Examination - Introduction of the New RSOE Practical Exam

Sep 30, 2026

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Instruction manual describing the FDNY RSOE practical examination for Refrigeration System Operating Engineers, covering the new certification exam format and how it differs from the prior version. Explains the 3D representation approach, the two required sessions (walk-through and practice, then the 240-minute actual exam), and rules for completing Centrifugal and Reciprocating system questions. Details question category definitions, navigation/toolbox practice, and lessons learned from pilot examinees.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction of the new RSOE practical exam

Exam Format

Walk-through and practice exam (45 minutes)

Actual exam with both Centrifugal and Reciprocating systems (240 minutes)

Question Categories

Definition of each category

Lessons Learned from the Pilot Examinees

Released on 09/15/2020 FIRE DEPARTMENT ● CITY OF NEW YORK INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM OPERATING ENGINEERS Q-01/Q-99 PRACTICAL EXAMINATION This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. The printout copy provided in the FDNY Headquarters is printed in black and white. However, page 10-14 may be viewed best in color. Please visit the following website to view the original document. [https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/business/cof-q01-rsoe-practical-exam-instruction.pdf](https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/business/cof-q01-rsoe-practical-exam-instruction.pdf) The tutorial video could be viewed at: [https://youtu.be/BQJw5ME56oI](https://youtu.be/BQJw5ME56oI) © 09/2020 New York City Fire Department-All rights reserved ® Released on 09/15/2020 Introduction of the new RSOE practical exam The new exam system is a major update to the certification process for operating engineers. This new certification exam is very different from the old one. The exam is a 3D representation of an actual refrigeration system. It does not include actual images of actual components. Exam Format There are two sessions in the RSOE practical exam: (1) walk-through and practice exam (45 minutes) and (2) Actual exam with both Centrifugal and Reciprocating systems (240 minutes) . (1) Walk-through and practice exam (45 minutes) In this session, you can explore both Centrifugal and Reciprocating systems including the layout and all components in the actual exam. You will take the practice questions in both systems to practice how to 􀁸 select a question, 􀁸 navigate the system to find the answers, 􀁸 submit answers, 􀁸 complete questions, and 􀁸 complete the exam. Practicing all practice questions will also prepare you to be familiar with the use of navigation bar, toolbox and reference materials. The practice exam provides feedback so that you will know if you submitted the correct answers. (2) Actual exam with both Centrifugal and Reciprocating systems (240 minutes) After you completed the walk-through and practice session, you will start your actual exam. Released on 09/15/2020 You can choose either one system to start your actual exam. Once you start your actual exam, you have 240 minutes to complete all questions in Centrifugal and Reciprocating systems. You must complete one system first and then the other one. You cannot go back to the system that you have completed. The label on top of the navigation bar tells you that which system you are currently working on. Released on 09/15/2020 Question Categories Questions on the exam in each system are divided into six categories. Those categories are Operations, Validation of Repairs or Maintenance, Refrigerant Handling, Troubleshooting, Multi-step Questions, and Scenario Questions. Definition of each category: 1. Operations, which includes, but is not limited to, questions around the following topics at a comprehension-level of learning: a. Component Identification; b. Component Function; c. Reading Gauges; d. Calculations of Temperature/Pressure Differences; e. Use of Pressure/Temperature Charts and Conversions You need to know the locations and functions of each component. 2. Validation of Repairs/Maintenance, which includes, but is not limited to, questions around the following topics at a comprehension-level of learning: a. Normal maintenance and repair problems; b. Validation of repairs; c. Start-up procedures 3. Refrigerant Handling, which includes, but is not limited to, questions around the following topics at a comprehension-level of learning: a. Recovery; b. Charging. 4. Troubleshooting/Diagnosis of Issues, which includes, but is not limited to, questions around the topics of troubleshooting and diagnosing problems with system operations. You need to interpret the readings and know which reference document is required for answering the questions. 5. Multi-step

FAQs

How is the RSOE practical exam structured and how long is each session?

The exam has two sessions: a 45-minute walk-through and practice exam, followed by a 240-minute actual exam covering both Centrifugal and Reciprocating systems.

What rule governs switching between the Centrifugal and Reciprocating systems during the actual exam?

You can choose either system first, but once you complete one system you cannot go back; you must complete all questions in one system before moving to the other.

What are the six question categories in each system, and what does each focus on?

The categories are Operations, Validation of Repairs/Maintenance, Refrigerant Handling, Troubleshooting, Multi-step Questions, and Scenario Questions; each category focuses on specific knowledge and application skills such as component use, procedures, recovery/charging, diagnosis, and scenario-based follow-ups.

Sep 30, 2026

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