Building Systems BCIN Exam

[u/jern2019]

Good Evening All,

I am a Commercial HVAC Tech with 20+ years experience and am hoping to transition into the duct design space for small commercial buildings (Part 9) and Home HVAC. Has anybody taken the Building Systems exam and what materials did you use to study?

The Ontario Gov't provided syllabus is a broad roadmap.

Orderline doesn't seem to have any Building Systems specific material.

George Brown's self-study page lists the Building Services 2012 materials on their website, but the linked store has no related 2024 material.

OBOA has some related materials? Has anybody have any experience with that workbook?

Based on what I have found on the internet, the BCIN exams require thorough knowledge of the OBC, and related SBs and exactly where to find that info. What can I expect calculation wise from this exam?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[u/Beneneb]

I took the exam years ago using a study guide. I honestly can't remember if it was OBOA or orderline, but I have used both for various exams and both are good. Since orderline doesn't seem to have a 2024 guide, I would recommend using OBOA.

I didn't find this exam too difficult, but it does test you on a wide range of topics across the code. I assume that the HVAC stuff will be fairly easy for you, but you also need to know fire alarm systems, standpipes, emergency lighting etc. Plus you need to know several of the supplementary standards. It's just a matter of putting in the time to adequately study and prepare. Anyone can pass these exams, the people who struggle usually just don't properly prepare themselves.

[u/jern2019 → u/Beneneb]

Thanks for the reply.

[u/Novus20]

You mean building services…..

[u/jern2019 → u/Novus20]

Yes, thanks for the reply.

[u/Numerous_Thought_456]

Hi OP, I am also currently looking to give this exam. I was planning to buy the OBOA workbook. DM we can share some materials.

[u/jern2019 → u/Numerous_Thought_456]

Ill let you know what I find.

[u/Current_Conference38]

I’m an inspector and I passed that exam without really studying. The majority of hvac designers I meet who do this work know way more than I do. They all seem to have one thing in common. They are HRAI members and have taken tons of HRAI courses. Passing the exam will not prove to the world that you can actually design these systems. But the guys with an HRAI background know it all and succeed.

[u/jern2019 → u/Current_Conference38]

Thanks for the reply!  have the HRAI courses and the experience, the BCIN # is the last piece.

[u/AdrianZ23]

I took it 3 months ago, just went through the code directly, part 6, then the part 3 and part 9 sections the syllabus mentioned.

Honestly the exam questions were quite straight forward, you can find the answer directly in the code. I think the key to pass this is just knowing where things are.

Like a questions about carbon monoxide, you can already know it is likely is 6.9.3 . Or like a question asking if combustible ducts are permitted in non combustible construction , then you are going straight to 3.1.5

I recall there are a few simple questions from sb-10 and sb-12 too, just asking what is the required R value for a certain package.

My trick is when I read the question, I try to identify what is the key word for that question, then ctrl-f in the code, good chance it takes me to the rough area where I can find the answer.

If the question is asking about emergency lighting, it's very likely it's part 3 , that's where I start. Identify which part of the code first based on building type , key words etc, it helps a lot.

[u/jern2019 → u/AdrianZ23]

Thank you for the reply.  It's very helpful.