What Does “Reference Material for Technical Examinations” Mean?

If you encounter the phrase Reference Material for Technical Examinations in the P.Eng Technical Exam program, it does not refer to a general list of textbooks, notes, or study resources. In the official Technical Exam document, this phrase refers to a specific set of technical charts that candidates taking certain examinations must download from the official source and print before the examination begins. When answering certain questions, candidates must plot calculations or process paths on these charts. After the examination, the completed sheets must be scanned and submitted electronically with the written solutions.

The available document refers to only three examinations:

04-BS-7 – Mechanics of Fluids

16-Mec-B2 – Environmental Control of Buildings

16-Mec-B3 – Energy Conversion and Power Generation

Therefore, if your examination code is not one of these three codes, you should not assume that you need the same charts. Your Assignment Letter, the Exam Formats and List of Aids document, and the official instructions for your examination session are the final sources for determining what you need.

What Does Reference Material Mean in Technical Examinations?

In this document, Reference Material refers to standard technical reference sheets on which candidates must plot a point, line, curve, or process path when answering certain examination questions. These charts are part of the tools required to solve the question. However, permission to use them does not mean that candidates may also have access to any textbook, notes, Formula Sheet, or other reference material. The official document emphasizes that the examinations in question are closed book. Only charts downloaded and printed from the specified official links are acceptable. Similar charts obtained from textbooks, university notes, or other websites may not be accepted.

In simple terms, the document provides five main instructions:

Download the charts associated with your examination code from the official source.

Print all charts listed for that subject before the examination.

Follow the stated minimum number of required copies.

Print additional copies in case you need to correct a mistake or redraw your answer.

After the examination, scan all completed charts and submit them with your written solutions.

What Is the Difference Between Reference Material and Study Resources?

In this document, Reference Material is not a resource used to study before the examination. It is an official tool used to record part of an answer during the examination. For example, a question may require the candidate to determine a friction factor using a Moody Diagram or illustrate a cooling and dehumidification process on a Psychrometric Chart. In these situations, the chart is not merely a reference. The process path plotted on the chart may form part of the candidate’s assessable answer. Textbooks, preparation notes, sample questions, and instructional videos are used for learning before the examination. Official Reference Material must be ready on exam day, and the completed version may need to be submitted with the candidate’s other solutions.

What Is the Difference Between Reference Material and Exam Formats and List of Aids?

These two documents are related, but they do not serve the same purpose.

The Exam Formats and List of Aids document identifies:

Whether the examination is open book or closed book

What type of calculator is permitted

Whether textbooks or handwritten notes may be used

The examination format and any examination-specific instructions

By contrast, the Reference Material for Technical Examinations document identifies the official charts required for certain specific examinations.

Therefore, the appearance of a chart in the Reference Material document does not mean that the examination has become open book. Candidates must review the List of Aids and Reference Material separately.

To understand the overall structure of these examinations, you may also review the Guide to P.Eng Technical Exams in Canada.

Which Examinations Require Reference Material?

The official Reference Material for Technical Examinations document identifies three examinations and the charts required for each one.

The official document explains that candidates must print all charts listed for their subject, even if not all of them are used during a particular examination.

Reference Material for 04-BS-7 Mechanics of Fluids

Three official charts are identified for the Mechanics of Fluids examination:

Moody Diagram

Drag Diagram for Solid Bodies

Drag Diagram for Linear Bodies

The document specifically states that candidates must print at least two copies of the Moody Diagram. In addition, the Drag Diagram for Solid Bodies and the Drag Diagram for Linear Bodies must also be prepared.

What Is the Moody Diagram Used For?

The Moody Diagram is one of the best-known charts in fluid mechanics. It is used to determine the Darcy Friction Factor for flow through pipes. Candidates generally use the Reynolds Number and Relative Roughness to locate the applicable flow condition on the chart and read the approximate friction factor. This value is then used in pressure-loss or Head Loss calculations. Because the lines on the chart are densely arranged, high-quality printing is very important. If the numbers, curves, or chart axes are unclear, reading the correct value or performing interpolation becomes difficult.

What Is the Drag Diagram for Solid Bodies?

This chart is used to determine or estimate the Drag Coefficient of solid objects under different flow conditions. Based on the information provided in the question, such as the shape of the object and the Reynolds Number, the candidate obtains the drag coefficient from the chart. The resulting value may be used to calculate Drag Force or analyze the behaviour of an object in a fluid flow.

What Is the Drag Diagram for Linear Bodies?

The Drag Diagram for Linear Bodies is used for objects with a linear or elongated structure. The precise method of using it depends on the examination question, direction of flow, geometry of the object, and the parameters provided. Even if a candidate believes that one of these charts is unlikely to be used, all charts identified for 04-BS-7 must be printed.

Reference Material for 16-Mec-B2 Environmental Control of Buildings

Four official charts are identified for the Environmental Control of Buildings examination:

Psychrometric Chart

Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram

Moody Diagram

Pressure Loss Diagram

The official document emphasizes that candidates must have at least three copies of the Psychrometric Chart.

What Is the Psychrometric Chart Used For?

The Psychrometric Chart is used to analyze the properties of moist air and processes associated with Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, or HVAC.

The chart can be used to examine variables such as:

Dry-Bulb Temperature

Wet-Bulb Temperature

Relative Humidity

Humidity Ratio

Dew-Point Temperature

Enthalpy

Specific Volume

Certain questions may require candidates to plot a process such as Heating, Cooling, Humidification, or Dehumidification on the chart.

For this reason, it is essential to have several clean copies of the chart. For example, if a candidate incorrectly identifies the initial point or process line when plotting a Cooling and Dehumidification path, the answer can be redrawn on another copy.

What Is a Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram?

A Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram, sometimes referred to as a P-h diagram, is used to analyze refrigeration cycles and Refrigeration systems.

Pressure and Enthalpy are the principal variables shown on this chart. Candidates may need to identify different points in a refrigeration cycle and analyze processes such as Compression, Condensation, Expansion, and Evaporation.

What Is the Moody Diagram Used For in an HVAC Examination?

In this examination, the Moody Diagram may be used to analyze fluid flow through pipes and determine the friction factor. The resulting value may be used in pressure-loss calculations for piping systems, chilled-water systems, hot-water systems, or other circuits associated with building equipment.

What Is a Pressure Loss Diagram?

A Pressure Loss Diagram is used to estimate or calculate pressure loss in parts of a system. The way it is used depends on the design of the question and the data provided. Candidates must be able to identify the units, chart axes, and relationship between Flow Rate, path size, and Pressure Loss correctly.

Reference Material for 16-Mec-B3 Energy Conversion and Power Generation

For this examination, the official document identifies the Mollier Chart.

What Is a Mollier Chart?

A Mollier Chart is a thermodynamic chart used to show relationships between fluid properties, particularly the properties of steam. This chart is commonly used to analyze power-generation systems, steam turbines, and thermodynamic processes. One common form of the chart displays the relationship between Enthalpy and Entropy. By identifying the initial and final states, candidates can examine changes in the fluid’s properties.

What Does This Document Not Permit?

One important candidate mistake is interpreting the word “Reference” as permission to use any reference source. The official document does not grant such permission. Instead, it states that the examination is closed book and that no information, charts, or data other than the specified official charts are permitted during the examination.

Textbooks

The phrase Reference Material does not, by itself, give candidates permission to use a textbook. Whether a textbook is permitted must be determined from the Exam Formats and List of Aids document for that examination.

Personal Formula Sheets

A handwritten or typed Formula Sheet may be used only when the official examination instructions explicitly permit it. Candidates must not use the official chart as a place to write additional formulas or personal notes.

Similar Charts from Other Sources

Even if a chart is technically similar to the official version, the document states that only charts printed from the official website are acceptable. Charts found in textbooks may differ from the version expected by the examiner in scale, units, axes, quality, or the information displayed.

Notes Written on the Charts Before the Examination

The charts should be printed cleanly and without prior notes. Lines, points, and calculations added to the chart during the examination form part of the response process. However, adding personal information before the examination may conflict with the closed-book requirements.

Using One Copy for All Answers

Using only one copy can create unnecessary risk. If a point or process path is plotted incorrectly, completely erasing it may not be easy, and the final response may become unclear or untidy. For this reason, the official document recommends printing more than the stated minimum number of copies so that candidates are prepared to correct or redo an answer.

How Should Reference Material Be Prepared for the Examination?

The charts should be prepared before exam day. Downloading and printing them hurriedly during the final hours before the examination may result in selecting the wrong file, producing a poor-quality printout, or failing to prepare the necessary scanning equipment.

1. Compare the Examination Code with Your Assignment Letter

First, review the examination code shown in your Assignment Letter or official correspondence.

For example, seeing the title Mechanics of Fluids is not enough. You must confirm that the assigned code is exactly 04-BS-7.

A difference in the code may indicate a different syllabus, format, or set of examination requirements.

2. Review the Latest Version of the Official Document

Close to your examination date, reopen the online version of the Reference Material document.

Examination instructions and links may change in the future.

This article does not replace the official instructions issued by the regulator or examination administrator.

3. Download the Charts Using the Links in the Document

The PDF contains an official link beside the name of each chart. Download the original chart file from that link.

Do not use a screenshot, a photograph taken with a mobile phone, or an image found through Google Images.

The official PDF normally provides better resolution and a more appropriate scale.

4. Print All Charts for the Relevant Subject

The official document states that all charts listed for a subject must be printed, even if they are not all used during a specific examination sitting.

For 04-BS-7, candidates must have at least two copies of the Moody Diagram.

For 16-Mec-B2, candidates must have at least three copies of the Psychrometric Chart.

It is also advisable to print additional copies of the other charts so that you can redo an answer if you make a mistake.

5. Check Print Quality and Scale

After printing, verify that:

Numbers and units are readable.

Chart lines have not faded.

All margins appear within the printed page.

No important section has been cut off because of printer settings.

Options such as “Fit to Page” have not altered the scale improperly or reduced readability.

The objective is to ensure that you can read the data accurately and that the examiner can clearly see the lines and points in your response.

6. Prepare Appropriate Drawing Tools

A sharp pencil, suitable eraser, and ruler can help produce a cleaner answer. However, each tool must be permitted under the applicable examination instructions.

On densely arranged charts, very thick lines or large marks can make values more difficult to read.

7. Complete a Test Scan Before the Examination

Scan a sample sheet using the same scanner or application you intend to use on exam day.

Then verify that:

Pencil lines are visible in the final file.

The image is not blurred.

None of the page margins have been removed.

The page orientation is correct.

The file is not too large to upload.

Small text and numbers remain readable.

8. Review the Submission Method for Your Examination Session

The Reference Material document explains that completed charts must be submitted electronically with the written solutions. However, details such as the file format, file-naming requirements, upload location, and submission deadline must be confirmed through the instructions for the applicable examination session.

How Should You Practise Using the Official Charts?

Printing the charts on the night before the examination is not enough. The Moody Diagram, Psychrometric Chart, and Mollier Chart display a large amount of information in a compact space. If a candidate searches for the axes, units, or line families for the first time during the examination, part of the limited examination time will be lost.Practise using the same official version of each chart. First, identify the input data provided in the problem. Next, carefully mark the required point or process path on the chart. Read the resulting value with the correct unit and explain in the written solution how the value was obtained.

Practise Interpolation

The required value will not always fall exactly on a major chart line.In many problems, candidates must interpolate between two curves or values.The examiner does not assess only the final number. The logical process used to reach the answer is also important. Clean plotting and clearly identifying the main points can make the solution method easier to follow.

Match the Chart Units with the Question

A common mistake is using the correct value with the wrong unit.The question may use SI Units while the chart uses a different scale or unit system. Before extracting a value, check the chart axes, units, and Legend. Where required, show the Conversion clearly in the written solution.

Do Not Leave the Entire Answer on the Chart

If a question requires plotting, the chart forms part of the answer. However, candidates will normally also need to provide the calculations, assumptions, and final result in the written solution. For example, if the friction factor was obtained from the Moody Diagram, it is advisable to state the Reynolds Number, Relative Roughness, and the value read from the chart in the written response. This makes the solution method traceable.

Common Mistakes Regarding Reference Material

The first mistake is confusing this document with a Reading List or list of recommended textbooks. Reference Material in this document refers to operational examination charts. The second mistake is printing a similar chart from an unofficial source. Even if the chart is technically valid, it may not match the version expected by the examination administrator.The third mistake is printing only one copy. One incorrectly drawn line can make the chart crowded and prevent the candidate from presenting a clear answer.The fourth mistake is failing to practise scanning and uploading. A correct answer that is unreadable, incomplete, or submitted after the deadline may create problems for the candidate.The fifth mistake is ignoring the difference between Reference Material and the List of Aids. Permission to use an official chart does not mean that the candidate may use any textbook, notes, or calculator.

Fanavaran’s Analysis

Reference Material should be treated as part of the problem-solving process, not merely as an additional file for exam day. A candidate who is already familiar with the chart axes, units, ranges, and interpolation methods can work more quickly and accurately during the examination. For Persian-speaking candidates, the difficulty is not limited to engineering calculations. Understanding English technical terminology, interpreting examination questions, and transferring an answer neatly onto a chart also require practice. Structured preparation can support understanding of the subject fundamentals, problem-solving practice, and familiarity with the correct use of charts. However, no training course replaces the regulator’s official instructions or the candidate’s personal responsibility. On Fanavaran’s Engineering Services and Courses page, you can review pathways related to Technical Exam preparation. Before selecting a course, compare the examination code assigned to you and the precise syllabus coverage with the course information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reference Material the Same as the List of Aids?

No. The List of Aids identifies the examination format and permitted equipment, such as calculators, textbooks, and examination-specific instructions.

The Reference Material document identifies the official charts required for examinations 04-BS-7, 16-Mec-B2, and 16-Mec-B3.

Can I Print a Similar Chart from a Textbook?

No. The official document states that only charts printed from the official website are acceptable.

Download each chart directly from the link provided in the official document.

Do I Need to Print All Charts for My Subject?

Yes. According to the official instructions, all charts listed for the applicable subject must be printed, even if not all of them are used during a particular examination.

How Many Copies of the Charts Are Required?

For 04-BS-7, at least two copies of the Moody Diagram are required.

For 16-Mec-B2, at least three copies of the Psychrometric Chart are required.

Additional copies are recommended in case an answer must be corrected or redrawn.

Are These Examinations Open Book Because the Charts Are Permitted?

No. The document identifies the examinations as closed book.

Permission to use the official charts does not mean that textbooks, notes, a Formula Sheet, or other data are permitted.

Conclusion

In this document, the phrase Reference Material for Technical Examinations refers to the official charts required for three specific examinations, not an unrestricted list of study resources. If your examination is 04-BS-7, 16-Mec-B2, or 16-Mec-B3, first compare the examination code with your Assignment Letter. Then download all identified charts from the official links and print enough copies.Before the examination, practise reading the data, plotting process paths, and scanning the completed sheets.

Finally, review your Assignment Letter, the Exam Formats and List of Aids document, the most recent version of the Reference Material, and all messages issued by the examination administrator. These sources determine exactly what is required and permitted for your examination.