EPA 608 Certification Guide (2026)
How to earn EPA Section 608 refrigerant technician certification: sections, cost, format, and passing score — with free practice in English and Español.
EPA Section 608 certification has four parts — Core plus Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), and Type III (low-pressure). Each section is 25 questions, closed-book and proctored, and you need 70% (about 18 of 25) to pass. Passing all four earns Universal certification. It costs roughly $20-$100 through an EPA-approved organization, and the certification never expires.
Exam facts at a glance
How to get certified, step by step
Understand the four sections
Core is required for everyone; then choose Type I, II, III, or all (Universal). Each is 25 questions, 70% to pass.
Study the Clean Air Act §608 rules
Learn ozone/regulations, recovery levels, cylinder rules, and refrigerant handling by type. Practice free on PrepPass in English or Español.
Pick an EPA-approved organization
Register with a certifying body (ESCO Institute, Mainstream Engineering, HVAC Excellence). Cost is about $20-$100 depending on sections and format.
Take the proctored exam
Core and Type II/III are closed-book and proctored (online or in person). Type I can be open-book at some proctors.
Pass each section (70%)
You need about 18 of 25 correct per section. You can earn types one at a time or all at once for Universal.
Keep your card (valid for life)
EPA 608 certification never expires. Keep your wallet card and give a copy to your employer.
Official contacts & resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs EPA 608 certification?+
Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, any technician who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of appliances that could release refrigerant into the atmosphere must be EPA-certified. This covers most HVAC and refrigeration work.
What are the four types of EPA 608 certification?+
Core (required for all), Type I (small appliances like household fridges and window AC), Type II (high-pressure systems like R-410A and R-22), and Type III (low-pressure chillers). Passing all four earns Universal certification.
How many questions and what is the passing score?+
Each section is 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need 70% (about 18 of 25) to pass each section.
How much does EPA 608 certification cost?+
Roughly $20 to $100 through an EPA-approved organization, depending on the number of sections and whether the exam is online or in person.
Does EPA 608 certification expire?+
No. EPA Section 608 technician certification is valid for life and never expires.
Is the EPA 608 exam offered in Spanish?+
Yes, many EPA-approved organizations offer the exam in English and Spanish. PrepPass practice is available in English and Espanol.
Last updated: July 2026