Free Practice Test
Free EPA 608 Practice Test
Take our free 10-question EPA 608 refrigerant certification practice test — covering Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III content. No signup required. See your score instantly.
10 Free EPA 608 Practice Questions
Q1. Which refrigerant is classified as an HFC and has zero ozone depletion potential?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: R-410A
R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blend with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0). R-22, R-11, and R-12 are CFCs or HCFCs with significant ODP. R-410A replaced R-22 in residential systems as of 2010.
Q2. Technicians who purchase refrigerants in containers larger than 2 lbs must have which certification?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Any EPA 608 certification
Per EPA regulations, any technician who purchases refrigerant in containers over 2 lbs must hold a valid EPA Section 608 certification (Type I, II, III, or Universal). This requirement applies to all CFC, HCFC, and HFC refrigerants.
Q3. The EPA 608 'Core' section primarily covers:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Environmental impact, regulations, and safety
The Core section covers environmental impact of refrigerants (ozone layer, global warming), EPA regulations, proper handling, safety, and record-keeping requirements. All technicians must pass Core regardless of which Type sections they take.
Q4. Which type of system does the EPA 608 Type II certification cover?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: High-pressure systems using R-22, R-410A, R-134a
Type II certification covers high-pressure appliances — equipment using refrigerants with normal boiling points below -50°F, including R-22, R-410A, R-134a, and R-404A. These are the most common commercial and residential refrigerants.
Q5. What is the required recovery efficiency for a system containing 200 lbs of refrigerant using a non-self-contained recovery device?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: 90%
EPA regulations require 90% recovery efficiency for non-self-contained (system-dependent) recovery devices on appliances with 200 lbs or more of refrigerant. Self-contained recovery equipment must achieve 80–90% depending on system size.
Q6. Refrigerant cylinders must NOT be filled above what percentage of their capacity by weight?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: 80%
Recovery cylinders must never be filled above 80% of their capacity by weight (the DOT-rated gross weight minus the tare weight). Overfilling creates a hydraulic lock risk as liquid refrigerant expands with temperature increases.
Q7. Which of the following is TRUE regarding used refrigerant?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Used refrigerant from one owner may be returned to equipment owned by the same owner
EPA regulations allow used refrigerant to be returned to equipment owned by the same owner without reclamation. However, used refrigerant cannot be sold or transferred to another owner's equipment without being reclaimed to ARI 700 purity standards.
Q8. What is the ozone depletion potential (ODP) of R-22 (HCFC-22)?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: 0.05
R-22 has an ODP of 0.05 — meaning it depletes ozone at 5% the rate of R-11 (the reference compound with ODP = 1.0). While less damaging than CFCs, R-22's ODP drove its phase-out. It was banned from new equipment manufacture after January 1, 2010.
Q9. Type I EPA 608 certification covers appliances containing how much refrigerant?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Less than 5 lbs
Type I certification covers small appliances — sealed systems containing 5 lbs or less of refrigerant that are fully factory-charged and hermetically sealed. Common examples include window ACs, refrigerators, freezers, and dehumidifiers.
Q10. Which refrigerant has the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP)?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: R-404A (GWP ~3,922)
R-404A has a GWP of approximately 3,922 — the highest of common refrigerants — which is why it is being phased down under recent EPA rules. R-410A (GWP ~2,088) replaced R-22 but is itself being phased out in favor of lower-GWP alternatives like R-32 and R-454B.
What Does the EPA 608 Exam Cover?
The EPA Section 608 exam tests HVAC technicians on proper refrigerant handling, environmental regulations, and certification requirements. The exam has four sections: Core (environmental impact, regulations, and safety), Type I (small appliances under 5 lbs), Type II (high-pressure systems — the most common, covering R-22, R-410A, R-134a), and Type III (low-pressure systems using R-11, R-113, R-123). Universal certification requires passing all four. Key topics include: refrigerant recovery and recycling, ozone depletion and global warming potentials, cylinder safety and filling limits, refrigerant identification and contamination, leak detection, and record-keeping requirements.
How Hard Is the EPA 608 Exam?
The EPA 608 exam is considered moderately difficult. Most HVAC students and apprentices pass on their first attempt with 1–2 weeks of focused study. The biggest challenge is memorizing refrigerant properties (GWP, ODP, boiling points), recovery efficiency percentages, and cylinder fill limits — all of which require exact number recall. Technicians who attempt the exam without studying refrigerant regulations often fail the Core section. The Type II section (high-pressure) is the most heavily tested for residential and commercial HVAC techs.
How to Study for the EPA 608 Exam
- 1.Start with Core — The Core section applies to every technician regardless of certification type. Master ozone depletion, global warming, EPA regulations, and safety rules first. These questions appear throughout all sections.
- 2.Memorize the key numbers — Recovery efficiency percentages (80%, 90%), cylinder fill limits (80%), refrigerant ODP and GWP values, and recovery vacuum levels are tested directly. Flashcard these until they're automatic.
- 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, and why.
- 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 flashcards.
- 5.Take the exam at an approved test center — EPA 608 exams are administered by EPA-approved certifying organizations. ESCO, HVAC Excellence, North American Technician Excellence (NATE), and others are approved. Some allow online proctored exams.