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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.

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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?

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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.

EPA 608 questions per section (Core, Type I, II, III)

Every EPA 608 test has 25 Core questions plus 25 questions for each technician type you test for. Type I, Type II and Type III tests are each 25 Core + 25 type-specific questions; the Universal test is 100 questions (25 Core + 25 each from Type I, II and III). The closed-book passing score is 70%; a mail-in Type I test requires 84%.

Core (Group I)25 questions — required with every type
Type I (small appliances)25 questions + 25 Core
Type II (high-pressure)25 questions + 25 Core
Type III (low-pressure)25 questions + 25 Core
Universal100 questions (25 Core + 25 × Type I, II, III)
Passing score70% closed-book · 84% for mail-in Type I
Time limitNot published by EPA — set by each approved certifying program
Exam feeNot published by EPA — set by each approved certifying program
ExpirationDoes not expire

Question counts and passing scores are set by 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D (Test Content and Grading). Non-expiration is from EPA's Section 608 technician certification requirements page. EPA does not publish pass rates.

Source: eCFR — 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D · checked 2026-10-23

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.Choose an EPA-approved certification program — Use EPA's current list of approved Section 608 technician certification programs. It currently includes ESCO Group and North American Technician Excellence (NATE); confirm the available test format and requirements directly with the program you choose.

Which EPA 608 Section Should You Take?

Everyone takes Core. Then add the Type that matches the equipment you will work on. Confirm details with your certifying organization.

  • Type I — small appliances: factory-sealed units with 5 lbs or less of refrigerant, such as household refrigerators and window units.
  • Type II — high-pressure equipment such as residential and commercial AC (R-22, R-410A). The most common choice for HVAC technicians.
  • Type III — low-pressure equipment such as centrifugal chillers (R-123).
  • Universal — pass Core plus Types I, II and III to work on any stationary equipment.

Want the key numbers on one page? Get the free EPA 608 cheat sheet.

EPA 608 Exam-Day Checklist

Run through this the night before. Rules vary by certifying organization, so confirm details when you register.

  • Valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your registration.
  • Know which sections you are sitting — Core is required, plus Type I, II, III, or all four for Universal. Passing is 70% (18 of 25) on each section.
  • Closed book — plan on no notes or reference materials. Do your last review of the key numbers the day before, not in the parking lot.
  • Online proctored? Test your webcam, microphone, and internet connection ahead of time and clear your desk and room.
  • Pace yourself — answer the sure questions first, flag the rest, and read every answer choice before you commit.
  • After you pass — keep a copy of your certificate or card. EPA 608 certification does not expire.

Only need small appliances? Read the Type I exam guide → Want the key numbers on one page? Get the free EPA 608 cheat sheet →

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).

Which EPA 608 section should I take?Show

Everyone takes Core, then adds the Type that matches the equipment: Type I for small appliances with 5 lbs or less of refrigerant, Type II for high-pressure equipment such as residential and commercial air conditioning, and Type III for low-pressure chillers. Passing Core plus all three Types earns Universal certification.

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

Delivery options and proctoring requirements vary by certification program. Use EPA's current list of approved Section 608 technician certification programs, then confirm the available test format and requirements directly with the program you choose.

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