Section 608 regulations: EPA 608 Practice Questions

Which activity requires EPA Section 608 certification?

A technician is anyone who could reasonably be expected to breach the refrigerant circuit, which includes attaching hoses. Painting or tightening bolts does not count.

A technician will service a packaged rooftop unit charged with 18 lb of R-454B. Which certification type is required at minimum?

R-454B is a high-pressure refrigerant, and the unit is not a small appliance, so Type II (or Universal) certification is required.

A technician will service a centrifugal chiller that uses R-1233zd(E). Which certification type is required?

R-1233zd(E) is a low-pressure refrigerant, and low-pressure appliances require Type III (or Universal) certification.

A window air conditioner charged at the factory with 1.8 lb of R-32 needs a sealed-system repair. Which certification covers this work?

A factory-sealed appliance with 5 lb or less of refrigerant is a small appliance, so Type I (or Universal) certification applies. Appliances holding only an exempt substitute, such as R-600a in a household refrigerator, fall outside the subpart's requirements.

What does Universal certification mean?

A Universal technician has passed Core and all three type sections and may work on all appliance types covered by Section 608.

How long does Section 608 technician certification remain valid?

The rule sets no expiration date, so certification remains valid unless revoked or unless EPA later requires recertification. The 2027 question bank does not cancel existing cards.

Where must a certified technician keep a copy of his or her certificate, and for how long?

Technicians must keep a copy of their certificate at their place of business until three years after they stop working as a technician.

A homeowner without certification asks a supply house to sell a 25-lb cylinder of R-32. What does the sales restriction require?

Since January 1, 2018, non-exempt substitutes such as R-32 may be sold as refrigerant only to certified technicians or to buyers who employ one and give proof, with a few listed exceptions.

Which refrigerant container can be sold to a buyer who holds no Section 608 or 609 certification?

Small cans (2 lb or less) of a non-exempt substitute for motor vehicle AC, with a unique fitting and a self-sealing valve, are exempt from the sales restriction.

Under what condition may an uncertified apprentice open a refrigerant circuit?

An apprentice is exempt from certification only while closely and continually supervised by a certified technician; the supervisor and the apprentice share responsibility for compliance.

A technician disposes of an appliance holding 20 lb of R-410A. How long must the recovery records be kept?

For disposal of appliances holding more than 5 and less than 50 lb, technicians keep records of the location, date, refrigerant type and amounts recovered for three years.

How long must a refrigerant wholesaler keep invoices showing the buyer's name, date and quantity of each regulated refrigerant sale?

Sellers of regulated refrigerant keep invoices with the purchaser's name, the date and the quantity for three years, plus proof of certification when the buyer is an employer.

A contractor recovers R-410A from one customer's unit and wants to sell it to a different customer. What must happen first?

Used refrigerant may not be sold for use in another owner's equipment unless it has been reclaimed to AHRI 700 purity by a certified reclaimer.

When may recovered refrigerant be charged back into equipment without being recycled or reclaimed?

Refrigerant may be returned to the appliance it came from, or to another appliance owned by the same person, without recycling or reclamation.

Under the Section 608 definitions, which action is NOT considered opening an appliance?

Opening means any service that would release refrigerant. Connecting hoses or gauges to measure pressure, add refrigerant or recover it is specifically excluded.