10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
These 10 free CRD questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Residential Geothermal Designer blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
Domain 1: Ground Source Heat Pump Benefits
Question 1
A homeowner asks why a ground source heat pump may reduce long-term energy use compared with a conventional air-source system. Which explanation best describes a primary benefit of a ground source heat pump?
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Correct answer: A - It uses stable ground temperatures as a heat exchange source, reducing dependence on outdoor air temperature swings
Domain 2: System Components
Question 2
During a residential geothermal design review, a designer explains that the heat pump is only one part of the complete system. Which component group is most directly associated with transferring heat between the ground loop and the building equipment?
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Correct answer: B - Ground heat exchanger, circulating pumps, and interior piping
Domain 3: Heat Pump Types
Question 3
A designer is selecting equipment for a residence where the available ground loop configuration differs from an open-water application. Which classification should the designer evaluate before selecting the heat pump system?
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Correct answer: A - Ground-source heat pump type and the characteristics of the heat exchange arrangement
Domain 4: Design Process
Question 4
A geothermal designer begins a new residential project. Which action should occur earliest in a sound design process?
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Correct answer: B - Determine building energy requirements and system loads before final equipment selection
Domain 5: Energy Requirements
Question 5
A residence has unusually high heating demand due to poor envelope performance. The geothermal designer should recognize that:
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Correct answer: B - Building energy requirements directly affect equipment sizing and system performance
Domain 6: Load Calculations
Question 6
A designer calculates a residential heating load before selecting a geothermal heat pump. Why is this calculation essential?
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Correct answer: A - It determines the required capacity so the system can match the building demand
Question 7
A designer is reviewing a load calculation and notices the calculated heating requirement is lower than the selected heat pump capacity by a large margin. What is the best interpretation?
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Correct answer: A - Oversizing may affect performance and should be evaluated against design requirements
Domain 7: Parameters that affect different types of heat pump performance, site, geology and soil conditions
Question 8
A proposed vertical loop installation is being evaluated. The site investigation finds different soil and geological conditions than expected. What is the most appropriate design consideration?
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Correct answer: B - Adjust design assumptions because geology and soil conditions influence heat transfer performance
Domain 8: Heat pump and pipe design
Question 9
A residential loop field has acceptable pipe length, but pumping requirements are higher than expected. Which design area should be reviewed most closely?
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Correct answer: A - Ground heat exchanger, pumping, and piping design parameters
Domain 9: Economics of design
Question 10
A homeowner compares two geothermal designs with different installation costs and expected operating savings. Which factor is the designer primarily evaluating?
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Correct answer: A - Economic performance of the design over its expected service period
That's 10 of 1,030
The full bank has 1,020 more CRD questions with explanations.