What is EPA certification?
EPA certification for HVAC technicians is the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, required under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Anyone who maintains, services, repairs or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerant into the atmosphere must hold it, and you need it to buy most refrigerants. If you work in HVAC or refrigeration, HVAC EPA certification is the first credential you need.
EPA 608 certification types
- Type ISmall appliances with 5 lbs or less of refrigerant, such as window units, domestic refrigerators and vending machines.
- Type IIHigh-pressure and very high-pressure equipment, such as residential split systems and commercial refrigeration.
- Type IIILow-pressure equipment, such as centrifugal chillers.
- UniversalAll of the above. EPA Universal certification means you passed Core plus Types I, II and III.
The EPA 608 certification test
The EPA certification test has four sections of 25 multiple-choice questions: Core, Type I, Type II and Type III. Each section needs 18 correct answers (70%) to pass. You must pass Core plus at least one type to be certified. Pass all four sections for EPA 608 Universal certification.
The Core section covers ozone depletion, the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol, refrigerant recovery, recycling and reclaiming, recovery cylinders, dehydration, and safety. The type sections cover leak repair rules, recovery requirements and equipment for each class of system.
EPA 608 certification online
You can take the EPA 608 certification online. Many EPA-approved certifying organizations offer the exam with a remote proctor. The exam is closed book and must be given by an EPA-approved certifying organization. Take a few EPA 608 certification practice tests first so you know the material before you pay for the exam.
EPA 608 vs EPA 609 certification
EPA 608 certification covers stationary equipment: home and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration and chillers. EPA 609 certification covers motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) in cars and trucks. They are separate certifications under different sections of the Clean Air Act. This practice test and app prepare you for EPA Section 608 certification.
EPA 608 certification FAQ
What is EPA certification for HVAC?
EPA certification for HVAC is the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification required by the Clean Air Act. Anyone who maintains, services, repairs or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerant into the atmosphere must be certified, and certification is required to buy most refrigerants.
What is EPA 608 Universal certification?
EPA 608 Universal certification means you passed all four sections of the EPA 608 exam: Core, Type I, Type II and Type III. It lets you work on every kind of stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.
What is on the EPA 608 certification test?
The EPA 608 certification test has four sections of 25 multiple-choice questions each: Core, Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure systems) and Type III (low-pressure systems). You need 18 of 25 (70%) to pass a section, and you must pass Core plus at least one type to be certified.
Can I get EPA 608 certification online?
Yes. Many EPA-approved certifying organizations offer the EPA 608 exam online with a remote proctor. The exam is closed book and must be given by an EPA-approved certifying organization.
Does EPA 608 certification expire?
No. EPA 608 certification does not expire. Once you are certified for a type, the certification is good for life.
What is the difference between EPA 608 and EPA 609 certification?
EPA 608 certification covers stationary equipment such as home and commercial air conditioners, refrigerators and chillers. EPA 609 certification covers motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) in cars and trucks. They are separate certifications under different sections of the Clean Air Act.
Practice for the full EPA 608 exam
The EPA 608 Practice app for iPhone has 520 questions across Core, Type I, Type II and Type III, graded 25-question section exams at the real 70% pass bar, and full English and Spanish. Every answer cites the regulation it comes from, and it works offline.