Exam reference
The 608 exam, verified
Each Type test is 25 Core questions plus25 for the type. Universal is 100. Closed-book tests pass at 70 percent; the mail-in Type I format requires84.
| Cert | Covers | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | Small appliances: factory-sealed units holding 5 pounds of refrigerant or less (maintenance, service and repair; disposal-only work on small appliances needs no certification) | Available on-site or by mail-in; mail-in passes at 84 percent instead of 70 and cannot count toward Universal |
| Type II | Medium-, high- and very high-pressure appliances, the residential and commercial split-system world | Closed-book, proctored |
| Type III | Low-pressure appliances, the chiller plant world | Closed-book, proctored |
| Universal | All three types | 100 questions: 25 Core plus 25 for each type; may be earned all at once or by combining passing type exams |
Common questions, cited
How many questions are on the EPA 608 exam?
Each Type I, Type II and Type III test carries 50 questions: 25 from Group I (core) and 25 from the sector-specific Group II. The Universal test carries 100: 25 core plus 25 from each of the three sector areas.
What score do you need to pass the EPA 608 exam?
70 percent on the closed-book Type I, Type II, Type III and Universal tests. The mail-in Type I format requires 84 percent, a materially higher bar for the same certification.
Which EPA 608 certification type do you need?
Type I covers small appliances. Type II covers medium, high and very high pressure appliances. Type III covers low-pressure appliances. Universal covers all three. MVAC-like appliances require Type II or certification under the motor vehicle program. Persons who only dispose of small appliances, MVACs or MVAC-like appliances need no certification, and registered apprentices under close supervision are exempt.
Is the EPA 608 exam open book?
No. Type II, Type III and Universal are closed-book and proctored in a secure environment. Type I may be offered on-site or by mail-in, but a Type I taken toward Universal certification is closed-book.
What topics are on the EPA 608 exam?
Group I covers environmental impact of CFCs, HCFCs and substitutes, laws and regulations, and the changing industry outlook. Group II covers leak detection, recovery techniques, safety, shipping and disposal for the relevant appliance type.
How long does it take to get EPA 608 results?
The certifying program must inform you of results no later than 30 days from the test date, and issue the wallet card within 30 days. Many programs turn results around far faster than the regulation requires.
Is the EPA 608 exam proctored?
Yes for Type I taken toward Universal, Type II, Type III and Universal. Programs must supply at least one registered proctor per 50 people testing at the same site, and proctors cannot know the questions in advance.
How much does the EPA 608 exam cost?
EPA does not set the price. Certifying programs may charge reasonable fees for administering the test. In practice the exam runs roughly $85 for a remote-proctored session covering Core and all three types, with printed prep manuals sold separately at around $35.
Does EPA 608 certification expire?
The regulation sets no expiration or renewal requirement for technician certification. It does reserve EPA's right to require recertification at some future date by Federal Register notice, so treat any claim of a renewal deadline with suspicion and confirm with your certifying program.
The eight topic areas
Each area of the exam has its own reference page: environmental impact, laws and regulations, industry outlook, leak detection, recovery techniques, safety, shipping and disposal.
Wondering how much study that takes? Is the EPA 608 exam hard works through the 70 percent bar question by question, and the pressure class table shows which appliances fall under Type II and Type III.
Need the numbers on one page? The 608 fact sheet collects them, and 608 by state explains why the card is the same in every state.
The 608 fact sheet, free
Every verified 608 number on one printable page: the four types, the exam structure, the leak-rate and recovery figures. Enter your email and we will send you straight to it.
No spam. One useful sheet and occasional notes.