Free Practice Test

Free EPA 608 Practice Test (2026)

15 questions covering Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III refrigerant certification content. Instant score. No sign-up required.

Covers all 4 sections

Core · I · II · III

Real exam format

Multiple choice

Updated for 2026

AIM Act & current regs

15 Free EPA 608 Practice Questions

Select an answer for each question, then click "Submit Quiz" to see your score and explanations.

0 / 15 answered15 remaining

Q1.What refrigerant is considered an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) that requires EPA 608 certification to purchase?

Q2.The EPA 608 exam has how many certification types for stationary equipment?

Q3.Technicians are required to recover refrigerant to what level before opening a system for major repairs on equipment containing more than 200 lbs?

Q4.Which of the following refrigerants is NOT an HFC?

Q5.Under EPA Section 608, who is required to have technician certification?

Q6.What is the maximum allowable leak rate for comfort cooling equipment containing 50 or more pounds of refrigerant?

Q7.R-410A operates at approximately what pressure compared to R-22?

Q8.Which refrigerant has the highest ozone depletion potential (ODP) of those listed?

Q9.The Clean Air Act Section 608 prohibits the intentional venting of which refrigerants?

Q10.A Type II certification covers which type of equipment?

Q11.Recovery equipment manufactured after November 15, 1993 must be certified by which organization?

Q12.When must refrigerant be recovered from small appliances (Type I)?

Q13.What is the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of R-134a compared to CO₂?

Q14.Refrigerant cylinders must not be filled beyond what percentage of their rated capacity?

Q15.Which of the following is a TRUE statement about the Universal EPA 608 certification?

Answer all questions to submit

Want 1,000+ EPA 608 Questions?

Get the Full HVAC Prep App — Free to Start

1,000+ EPA 608 practice questions covering all four sections. Built-in refrigerant charge calculator. Full offline access. Per-topic progress tracking. One-time $99.99 for lifetime access.

Download on theApp Store

Free to download · No credit card · iPhone & iPad

Prefer the web? Get 1,000+ questions on VoltExam →

What Is the EPA 608 Certification?

The EPA Section 608 certification is a federally mandated credential for HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants used in stationary equipment. Established under the Clean Air Act, Section 608 requires any technician who purchases or services refrigerants in containers larger than 2 lbs to hold a valid certification — there are no exceptions for apprentices or helpers.

The exam has four sections. The Core section is required for all technicians and covers environmental regulations, ozone depletion, global warming, and safe refrigerant handling. Type I covers small appliances (factory-sealed systems with 5 lbs or less of refrigerant, such as refrigerators, window ACs, and dehumidifiers). Type II covers high-pressure systems — the most common certification for residential and commercial HVAC techs, covering R-22, R-410A, R-134a, and R-404A. Type III covers low-pressure systems using R-11, R-113, and R-123, typically found in large commercial chillers. Passing all four sections earns Universal certification.

EPA 608 certification does not expire and has no continuing education requirement. The exam is administered by EPA-approved certifying organizations and can be taken in person or online (proctored). Passing score is 70% on each section.

How to Study for the EPA 608 Exam

  1. 1.Start with Core — The Core section applies to every technician. Master ozone depletion potential (ODP), global warming potential (GWP), EPA regulations, and safe handling first. These concepts appear throughout all four sections.
  2. 2.Memorize the key numbers — Recovery efficiency percentages (80%, 90%), cylinder fill limits (80%), refrigerant ODP and GWP values, and the Type I/II/III refrigerant thresholds are tested directly. Flashcard these until they are automatic.
  3. 3.Know your refrigerant families — CFCs (R-11, R-12), HCFCs (R-22), HFCs (R-134a, R-410A, R-404A), and HFOs (R-454B, R-32). Know which have ODP, which are being phased out under the AIM Act, and why.
  4. 4.Practice with exam-style questions — EPA 608 questions are often scenario-based (“A technician finds a leak — what must they do?”). Use a question bank that mirrors the real exam format, not just definitions.
  5. 5.Take the exam at an approved test center — EPA 608 exams are administered by approved certifying organizations: ESCO Group, HVAC Excellence, North American Technician Excellence (NATE), and others. Online proctored options are also available.

EPA 608 Exam FAQ

What is the EPA 608 exam?Show

The EPA Section 608 exam is a federally required certification exam for HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants. Under the Clean Air Act, any technician who purchases or handles refrigerants in containers over 2 lbs must hold a valid EPA 608 certification. The exam covers four sections: Core (environmental impact and regulations), Type I (small appliances under 5 lbs), Type II (high-pressure systems), and Type III (low-pressure systems). Passing all four sections earns Universal certification.

What score do I need to pass the EPA 608 exam?Show

You need a score of 70% or higher to pass each section of the EPA 608 exam. The Core section is required for all technicians, and you must pass at least one of the Type I, Type II, or Type III sections. Passing all four sections (Core + Type I + Type II + Type III) earns Universal certification, which allows you to work on any type of stationary refrigeration or air conditioning equipment.

How many questions are on the EPA 608 exam?Show

The EPA 608 exam has a Core section (25 questions) plus Type I, Type II, and Type III sections (25 questions each). If you are testing for Universal certification, you take all four sections for a total of 100 questions. The Core section covers regulations and environmental impact; Type I covers small appliances; Type II covers high-pressure systems (R-22, R-410A, R-134a); and Type III covers low-pressure systems (R-11, R-113, R-123).

Does EPA 608 certification expire?Show

No, EPA 608 certification does not expire. Once you pass the exam and receive certification, it is valid for life with no renewal requirements and no continuing education mandates. Your certification card does not have an expiration date. However, you should stay current on EPA regulatory updates — particularly the AIM Act phasedown of HFCs — as refrigerant regulations continue to evolve.

Can I take the EPA 608 exam online?Show

Yes, the EPA 608 exam can be taken online through EPA-approved testing organizations including Prometric, PSI, ESCO Group, and others. Online proctored exams require a quiet, private space, a working webcam, and a government-issued ID. You can also take the exam in person at approved testing centers. Check the EPA's list of approved certifying organizations for current options.

Related Resources