EPA 608 Certification: What It Is and How to Get It
If you open a refrigerant circuit on an air conditioner, refrigerator or chiller, federal rules require you to be certified under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
Specifically, anyone who could reasonably be expected to let refrigerant escape during service, repair or disposal must pass a test from an EPA-approved program (40 CFR 82.161(a)). There are four certification types, and the one you need depends on the equipment you work on. The certification doesn't expire (EPA). This page covers what each type allows, how the test works, and the fastest honest way to pass it.
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What is EPA 608 certification?
EPA 608 certification is a federal credential for handling refrigerant in stationary equipment. EPA approves the testing programs, and the programs issue the card (82.161(b)). People call it an "EPA card", a "freon license" or a "refrigerant license". They all mean the same thing.
Who needs EPA 608 certification?
Technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of covered appliances need it (82.161(a)(1)). Two exceptions: apprentices who are closely and continually supervised by a certified tech (82.161(a)(2)), and people who only dispose of small appliances, car A/C units or MVAC-like units (82.161(a)(1)(vii)). Car A/C service is covered by Section 609, a different credential.
The four types of EPA 608 certification
| Type | Covers | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Universal | All three types below | Universal practice test |
| Type II | Medium-, high- and very high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and motor vehicle A/C | Type 2 practice test |
| Type I | Small appliances | Type 1 practice test |
| Type III | Low-pressure appliances | Type 3 practice test |
Every test also includes Core. Practice it here: Core practice test.
Which type should I get?
Get Universal if you can, and Type II at minimum if you work on A/C. Systems that use R-22 or R-410A are high-pressure appliances (82.152), which is Type II work. Universal covers everything and only adds two more 25-question sections. More on that: universal EPA certification.
Type II, Type III and Universal must be closed-book and proctored (Appendix D (a)). Type I alone may be taken by mail with an 84% pass mark, but a mail-in Type I can't be used toward Universal (40 CFR 82 Subpart F, Appendix D (a), (e)).
How do I get EPA 608 certified?
- Pick the type.
- Study Core plus your type.
- Take practice tests until you score 70% or better in each section.
- Book a test with an EPA-approved program (EPA's list), in person or with an online proctor.
- Bring photo ID (Appendix D (b)).
- Get your results and wallet card within 30 days of the test (Appendix D (e), (f)).
Test-day details: the EPA 608 exam. Testing remotely: EPA 608 certification online.
Is there a "freon license"?
Yes. That's what many people call EPA 608 certification. You need it to buy most refrigerants: sellers may sell only to certified techs or to businesses that employ one, with limited exceptions (82.154(c); EPA sales restriction).
Does EPA 608 certification expire?
No. EPA says the credentials don't expire (EPA), but it reserves the right to require recertification later by a Federal Register notice (82.161(a)(5)).
How do I look up or replace my EPA 608 card?
Programs must publish an online list of the techs they certified on or after January 1, 2017, updated at least once a year (82.161(b)(6)). For a lost card, contact the program that tested you. You must keep a copy of your certificate at your place of business (82.161(a)(4)).
EPA 608 vs EPA 609
608 covers stationary equipment. 609 covers motor vehicle A/C, under a separate rule (40 CFR 82 Subpart B) with its own test.
How much does EPA 608 certification cost?
EPA doesn't set a price. Programs may charge "reasonable fees" (Appendix D (a)), so it varies by program. See testing options and cost. Before you pay for a sitting, take the free EPA 608 practice test and the study guide.