How many questions are on the EPA 608 exam?
Each section (Core, Type I, Type II, Type III) has 25 questions. Universal is all four sections, so 100 questions.
What score do I need to pass EPA 608?
70% on the closed-book test, which is 18 of 25 in each section. The mail-in Type I format requires 84%.
Is the EPA 608 test open book?
Type II, Type III and Universal tests are closed-book and proctored. Type I may be offered in a mail-in format when it is not part of a Universal test.
Does EPA 608 certification expire?
No. Section 608 certification does not currently expire. EPA reserves the right to require recertification in the future by notice in the Federal Register.
Do I need to pass Core?
Yes. Every certification type includes the Core questions.
Can I take the EPA 608 test online?
Many EPA-approved certifying programs offer online tests with remote proctoring. EPA lists approved programs on its website.
What changes in 2027?
According to ESCO Institute, exams from the old question bank are not accepted from 1 January 2027. The new bank adds A2L and A3 refrigerant knowledge but keeps the same four-section format.
Do I need to retake the exam because of the new question bank?
No. Already-certified technicians do not need to retest, and existing cards remain valid.
Does EPA 608 cover R-32 and R-454B?
Yes. The revised bank adds general questions on A2L refrigerants such as R-32, R-454B and R-1234yf, and on A3 hydrocarbons. HFCs are also covered by the venting ban and the sales restriction.
Do I need certification to buy refrigerant?
Yes, for refrigerants not exempt from the rule. Sellers may sell only to certified technicians, employers of certified technicians, and other buyers listed in 40 CFR 82.154(c).
Are your questions the real exam questions?
No. The official bank is released only to approved certifying programs. We write original questions from the regulation and EPA test topics.
What is the difference between Type I, Type II and Type III?
Type I covers small appliances, which are factory-sealed products with 5 lb or less of refrigerant, such as household fridges and window air conditioners. Type II covers high- and medium-pressure appliances, including most residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration. Type III covers low-pressure appliances, mainly centrifugal chillers.
Which certification should a new HVAC technician get?
Most new technicians aim for Universal, because it covers every appliance type and avoids returning for more sections later. If you only work on residential split systems, Type II plus Core is the minimum, but many employers prefer Universal.
Who issues the EPA 608 card?
The EPA-approved certifying program that gave your test issues the card. EPA does not issue cards or keep a national database, so contact your program if you need a replacement.
How do I replace a lost EPA 608 card?
Contact the certifying program that gave your test. Have your full name, date of birth and approximate test date ready. Most programs can issue a replacement card or a digital copy for a fee.
Can I vent HFC refrigerants such as R-410A?
No. Since 1995 the venting prohibition has covered non-exempt substitutes, including HFCs such as R-410A and R-134a. Only specific substitutes in listed uses, such as CO2, nitrogen and water, are exempt.
What is the maximum fill level for a recovery cylinder?
80% by liquid volume. The remaining space allows for liquid expansion as the temperature rises. Many technicians weigh the cylinder during recovery to stay under the limit.
What colour is a recovery cylinder?
Recovery cylinders have a gray body and a yellow top. They must be DOT-approved and within their requalification date before they are filled or shipped.
Can I reuse recovered refrigerant in a customer's system?
Recovered refrigerant may be returned to the appliance it came from, or another appliance owned by the same owner, without reclamation. It can't be used in another owner's equipment unless it has been reclaimed to the required purity standard.
What gas should I use to pressure test a system?
Dry nitrogen, with a pressure regulator and a relief valve. Never use oxygen or compressed air, because oxygen can explode when it meets compressor oil.
Do apprentices need EPA 608 certification?
Apprentices are exempt while they are closely and continually supervised by a certified technician. They still can't buy non-exempt refrigerant, and most employers encourage apprentices to certify as early as possible.
Is EPA 608 the same as a state HVAC licence?
No. EPA 608 is a federal certification for handling refrigerant. Many states and cities also require an HVAC or mechanical licence to do or contract for the work. Most working technicians need both.
Does Section 608 cover car air conditioning?
No. Motor vehicle air conditioning falls under Section 609, which is a separate certification with its own approved programs.
How long should I study for the EPA 608 exam?
It depends on your experience. Many people study for one to two weeks for Core and one type. Use timed practice tests, and book the exam once you score well above 70% on several fresh attempts.
What happens if I fail one section?
You keep credit for the sections you passed and can retake only the section you failed. Ask your certifying program about its retake policy and fees.
Do I need to keep a copy of my certificate?
Yes. Technicians must keep a copy of their certificate at their place of business until three years after they stop working as a technician.
What is a small appliance under Section 608?
A product that is fully manufactured, charged and hermetically sealed in a factory with 5 lb or less of refrigerant, such as a household refrigerator, freezer, window air conditioner, dehumidifier or water cooler.
What does the venting prohibition cover?
It bans knowingly releasing refrigerant during maintenance, service, repair or disposal of an appliance. It covers CFCs, HCFCs and non-exempt substitutes such as HFCs and HFOs. Small de minimis releases during good-faith recovery are allowed.
What is the difference between recover, recycle and reclaim?
Recover means removing refrigerant into a container. Recycle means cleaning it for reuse, usually on site. Reclaim means reprocessing it to a purity standard and verifying that by lab analysis. Only reclaimed refrigerant can be sold to a new owner.
What vacuum levels does the exam expect me to know?
The evacuation levels in Table 1 of 40 CFR 82.156, which depend on the appliance's pressure group, its charge size and the date the recovery equipment was made. Small appliances use percentages or a 4 in. Hg vacuum.
When do leak repair rules apply?
Under 40 CFR 82.157, when an appliance holding 50 lb or more of a CFC or HCFC leaks above its trigger rate: 10% for comfort cooling, 20% for commercial refrigeration and 30% for industrial process refrigeration.
Can homeowners buy refrigerant?
Not non-exempt refrigerants such as R-410A or R-22, unless they are certified. Some products are exempt, such as certain small cans of motor vehicle refrigerant with self-sealing valves.
Is there a fee to get certified?
Yes. Each certifying program sets its own fee, which varies by format and whether study materials are included. EPA does not charge for or set the price of certification.
What should I bring to an in-person test?
Valid photo ID and anything the program specifically allows. Closed-book sections don't allow notes or study materials. Check the program's instructions before test day.
Where do I find EPA's official test topics?
EPA publishes the Section 608 test topics on its website. They list what certifying programs must cover in Core and each technical type, and they are the best checklist for your study.
Do you sell certification?
No. We provide free practice tests and study guides. Only EPA-approved certifying programs can give the official test and issue cards.
Ready to test yourself? Pick a section from the EPA 608 practice tests.