HVAC Technician Certification: EPA 608 Certification Explained

Looking into a career in HVAC and Refrigeration repair? You may be wondering how exactly you go about getting certified and licensed to work.

It’s not a simple question, because each state has its own requirements for HVAC technician certification and licensing. In some states, such as here in New York, there is no state licensing at all. However, every technician in the U.S. who handles refrigerants must have certification from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). It’s called EPA 608 certification.

Here are answers to common questions about the EPA 608 certification.

What is EPA 608 certification and who needs it?

Refrigerants can be dangerous to work with and potentially harmful to the environment. That’s why the EPA’s Clean Air Act requires technicians who deal with refrigerants to be certified. The certification test ensures you know how to work with these sensitive materials safely and responsibly.

There are three types of EPA 608 certification tests, and each is specific to the type of equipment that you will be working on.

Universal certification is granted to those who pass all three tests. Universal certification is recommended to give HVAC and Refrigeration technicians the broadest possible opportunities. These tests are administered by EPA approved agencies.

Does EPA 608 certification expire?

While you should always keep your knowledge current as a technician, EPA 608 certification does not expire.

What is the EPA 608 exam focused on?

Each EPA 608 certification exam consists of the core exam, followed by a section specific to a certain type of HVAC and Refrigeration work.

The core exam is 25 questions about general topics anyone who works with refrigerants should know. This includes questions about the regulations and precautions taken to safely work with refrigerants, as well as the effect of refrigerants on the environment. You must get 18 out of 25 questions correct to pass.

• Type I certification is required for working with small appliances. This test is an additional 25 questions about recovery requirements, and techniques to properly work with, identify, and dispose of various refrigerants. Type I is the only test that can be taken as an open book test.
• Type II is required for servicing high-pressure appliances (including split system air conditioners, heat pumps, supermarket refrigeration, and industrial process refrigeration). You will need to know the operating requirements and procedures that are specific to dealing with these types of equipment. This test also focuses on how to detect leaks.
• Type III is required for working with low-pressure appliances (such as chillers). You will need to know how the requirements and safety techniques are different when working with these systems that operate in a vacuum.

Universal is the EPA 608 HVAC technician certification awarded when you have completed the core exam and all three test types. You can take them individually and work your way up, or train for and test for all types at once (a total of 100 questions).

You can study and even take free practice tests online to prepare for all of the sections of the test.

Can I get EPA 608 HVAC technician certification online?

Only the Type I exam can be taken online. Whether taken at home or in a training center, it is an open-book exam.

Test sections for Type II and Type III certification must be proctored. That means you will need to take the test while supervised by an EPA-approved proctor. If you take the Type I exam online, you will need to retake the core exam while proctored if you later pursue the other EPA 608 certification levels.

How do I take the test to get EPA 608 certified?

There are a number of paths to get your EPA 608 HVAC technician certification. Here are the two most common ways:

Through an apprenticeship with an HVAC or Refrigeration service provider.  Apprentices don’t need to be certified while they train with a certified supervisor. When you are adequately trained, you can take the test and receive certification when you pass.

Your employer can help you find the right place to get tested. Larger companies may have their own approved tester, so new technicians can take classes and take the exam through their employer. Other companies may bring in approved trainers and proctors to administer the test.

Enroll in an HVAC training program. This can be done in a community college, technical school, or a specialty HVAC training center. They will train you and prepare you for the exam, and sometimes also administer the test if they are EPA certified.

You can find certified training programs and testing centers here:  https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs

Learn more about starting a career in HVAC and Refrigeration service