1 Section 608 Certification Overview

Who needs certification

Section 608 of the Clean Air Act requires certification for technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of covered refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment in ways that could release refrigerant.

Certification is issued through an EPA-approved certifying organization, not directly by EPA. Credentials do not expire. Confirm that the testing organization is currently EPA-approved.

Certification types and equipment

Choose a certification type based on the equipment you expect to service:

• Type I: Small appliances, such as household refrigerators and freezers.

• Type II: High- or very-high-pressure appliances, excluding small appliances and motor vehicle air conditioners (MVACs). Many common comfort-cooling systems fall in this category.

• Type III: Low-pressure appliances, such as many chillers.

• Universal: Small appliances, high-pressure appliances, and low-pressure appliances.

Universal certification requires passing the Core and all three equipment-specific portions. An MVAC is generally covered under Section 609 rather than Section 608.

Exam structure and topics

Each certification exam includes a Core section and the applicable equipment-specific section. A Type I, Type II, or Type III exam has 25 Core questions plus 25 questions for that type, for 50 questions total. A Universal exam has 25 Core questions plus 25 questions each for Types I, II, and III, for 100 questions total.

The Core covers refrigerant environmental impacts, laws and regulations, and general refrigerant-handling knowledge. Type sections focus on equipment-specific topics, including leak detection, recovery, safety, shipping, disposal, and relevant service practices.

Exam formats and passing scores

Type II, Type III, and Universal exams are closed-book and proctored. Type I may be offered in a mail-in format, but a mail-in Type I exam cannot count toward Universal certification.

The required passing score is 70% for closed-book exams and 84% for a mail-in Type I exam. Confirm the exam format and score-reporting details with the certifying organization before registering.

A focused preparation strategy

Begin by deciding which certification you need, then identify its Core and equipment-specific sections. Build understanding before memorizing: learn why refrigerant recovery, leak detection, safe handling, and environmental rules matter, and connect each rule to a practical service situation.

Study in short, focused blocks. Review one topic, close your notes, and explain the topic from memory. Revisit concepts you missed or were uncertain about the next day.

Use practice questions to diagnose gaps. For each missed answer, identify the underlying concept and explain why the correct choice is right, rather than relying only on repeated question memorization. Practice under exam conditions by completing timed practice without notes for a closed-book exam. For Universal certification, distribute preparation across the Core and all three types.

Verify certification and testing arrangements

EPA lists approved certifying organizations, but does not review or approve preparatory courses or study materials. Verify the provider, exam format, and current testing logistics directly with the certifying organization.

• Section 608 certification