How many questions are on the EPA 608 exam?

The EPA 608 exam has 25 questions per section. To pass, you must score at least 70% (18 out of 25 correct) on each section you take. The Core section is required for all certification types, and you also take the section(s) corresponding to the equipment type you work on (Type I, II, III, or all three for Universal certification).

What is a passing score for the EPA 608 exam?

A passing score on the EPA 608 exam is 70% or higher on each section. For a 25-question section, that means you need at least 18 correct answers. Both the Core section and your chosen type section(s) must be passed to receive certification.

What topics are covered in the EPA 608 Core section?

The Core section covers ozone depletion and its causes, the Montreal Protocol, the Clean Air Act Section 608, types of refrigerants and their environmental impact, proper recovery and recycling procedures, technician certification requirements, record-keeping requirements, refrigerant sales restrictions, and general refrigerant safety practices.

What is the difference between Type I, Type II, and Type III EPA 608 certification?

Type I covers small appliances (systems with 5 lbs or less of refrigerant, like household refrigerators). Type II covers high-pressure and very high-pressure appliances (like R-22 and R-410A air conditioning systems). Type III covers low-pressure appliances (like centrifugal chillers using R-11, R-113, or R-123). Universal certification covers all three types.

How do I prepare for the EPA 608 exam?

To prepare for the EPA 608 exam: study the EPA Section 608 regulations, understand ozone depletion and refrigerant environmental impact, learn refrigerant recovery levels and equipment requirements, review safety procedures, practice with sample questions (like this free quiz), and obtain an EPA 608 study guide from an approved testing organization. Hands-on experience with HVAC equipment is also very helpful.

Is EPA 608 certification required for HVAC technicians?

Yes, under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, anyone who purchases refrigerants in containers larger than 2 lbs and services, maintains, or repairs HVAC equipment must be certified under the EPA 608 program. Technicians who knowingly vent refrigerants can face fines of up to $44,539 per day per violation. The certification has no expiration date once obtained.

EPA 608 Practice Test

Free practice quiz with 50 original questions — Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III sections

50 Questions Instant Feedback Pass/Fail Scoring 100% Free

Choose Your Exam Section

Select a section to practice. Pass score is 70% (18/25 questions correct per section).

EPA 608 Exam Facts

✓ 25 questions per section on the real exam
✓ 70% passing score (18/25 correct)
✓ Core section required for all certifications
✓ No expiration once certified
✓ Open book in some testing formats

Study Resources

Venting Penalties

Knowingly venting refrigerants can result in fines up to $44,539 per day per violation under the Clean Air Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions on the real EPA 608 exam?

The EPA 608 exam has 25 questions per section. You must pass the Core section plus any type section(s) you're testing for. Universal certification requires passing Core + Type I + Type II + Type III.

What is the passing score?

You need a 70% or higher to pass each section — that means at least 18 out of 25 questions correct. Both the Core and your type section(s) must be passed separately.

What does the Core section cover?

The Core section tests knowledge of ozone depletion, the Montreal Protocol, Clean Air Act Section 608, refrigerant types, proper recovery procedures, certification requirements, and refrigerant safety.

What is the difference between Type I, II, and III?

Type I = small appliances (≤5 lbs refrigerant). Type II = high-pressure systems like R-22/R-410A air conditioners. Type III = low-pressure equipment like centrifugal chillers using R-11 or R-123.

Does EPA 608 certification expire?

No. Once you pass the EPA 608 exam, your certification does not expire. However, you must stay current with regulations as they change, since the law continues to evolve.

Is EPA 608 certification required by law?

Yes. Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, technicians who service, maintain, or repair equipment containing refrigerants must be certified. Purchasing refrigerant containers over 2 lbs also requires certification.