The EPA 608 Certification is a federally required certification for HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates this certification under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act to ensure that HVAC professionals handle refrigerants safely and minimize environmental impact.

✅ Legal Requirement – You cannot legally purchase, handle, or dispose of refrigerants without it.

✅ Avoid Heavy Fines – Violating EPA regulations can result in fines of up to $44,539 per day per violation!

✅ Job Requirement – Most HVAC companies will not hire you unless you are EPA certified.

✅ Protect the Environment – Improper refrigerant handling contributes to ozone depletion and climate change.

The exam is closed book and consists of four sections:

📌 Focus Areas:

✅ Ozone depletion & refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, A2Ls)

✅ Refrigerant safety & toxicity

✅ Recovery, recycling, & reclaiming regulations

✅ Leak detection & repair rules

✅ Disposal & refrigerant record-keeping

✅ Fines & legal consequences for violations

📌 Focus Areas:

✅ Self-contained refrigeration systems

✅ Recovery procedures for small appliances

✅ Handling requirements for low refrigerant charges

📌 Focus Areas:

✅ Leak detection & repair for residential & commercial HVAC

✅ Recovery & evacuation of high-pressure refrigerants

✅ Regulations on servicing air conditioners & heat pumps

📌 Focus Areas:

✅ Large chillers & low-pressure refrigerants

✅ Proper evacuation & recovery for centrifugal & absorption systems

✅ Special considerations for large-scale refrigerant management

Section	# of Questions	Passing Score
Core	25	18/25 (72%)
Type I	25	18/25 (72%)
Type II	25	18/25 (72%)
Type III	25	18/25 (72%)
Universal	100	Pass all sections

💡 Tip: If you fail one section, you only need to retake that section.

1️⃣ Choose an Approved Testing Provider

Some options include:

• ESCO Institute

• Mainstream Engineering

• Local Trade Schools

• HVAC Distributor Testing Centers

2️⃣ Study the EPA 608 Handbook

• Download study guides & practice tests.

• Use flashcards for refrigerant types & legal requirements.

3️⃣ Schedule Your Exam

• Online proctored or in-person testing.

• Costs typically range from $20 – $150.

4️⃣ Pass the Test & Receive Your Certification

• Your EPA 608 card never expires once you pass!

🖥️ Online Testing Providers:

• ESCO Institute

www.escotesting.com

• Mainstream Engineering

www.epatest.com

💡 Pro Tip: Online exams may require a webcam & government ID for verification.

❓ How long does it take to study for the EPA 608?

📌 Most people take 1-2 weeks to study if using practice tests and study guides.

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❓ Can I take the EPA 608 test online?

📌 Yes! ESCO and Mainstream Engineering offer online proctored exams.

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❓ Does EPA 608 Certification expire?

📌 No, once you pass, it’s valid for life!

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❓ Is there a hands-on test for the EPA 608?

📌 No, it’s a written multiple-choice test only.