EPA Section 608 Core Certification Practice Exam Study Guide Updated 2026 |
Verified Questions and Answers with Detailed Rationales | Ozone Depletion and
Environmental Impact, Refrigerant Types and Properties, Recovery Recycling and
Reclamation Procedures, EPA Regulations and Compliance, Leak Detection and
Repair, Safety Practices and Personal Protective Equipment, Refrigerant Handling
and Storage, Clean Air Act Requirements, HVAC System Basics | Complete Exam
Prep Resource for EPA 608 Certification Success
Question 1: Which of the following substances is primarily responsible for
stratospheric ozone depletion according to EPA regulations?
A. Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
B. Methane (CH₄)
C. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
D. Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
RATIONALE: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) contain chlorine atoms that, when released
into the stratosphere, catalytically destroy ozone molecules. The EPA identifies CFCs as
major ozone-depleting substances regulated under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
Carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases but do not directly deplete the
ozone layer.
Question 2: Under EPA Section 608 regulations, which technician certification level
is required to service a residential split-system air conditioner using R-410A?
A. Type I only
B. Type II only
C. Type III only
D. Universal or Type II
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Universal or Type II
RATIONALE: Residential split-system air conditioners are high-pressure appliances.
Type II certification covers high- and very high-pressure appliances except small
appliances and MVACs. Universal certification covers all equipment types. Type I is
limited to small appliances, and Type III covers only low-pressure appliances.
Question 3: What is the maximum allowable leak rate for a commercial
refrigeration system containing 75 pounds of R-134a before repair is required under
current EPA regulations?
A. 10% per year
B. 20% per year
C. 30% per year
D. 35% per year
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 20% per year
,RATIONALE: For commercial refrigeration equipment containing 50 or more pounds of
ozone-depleting refrigerants, the EPA requires repair when the annual leak rate exceeds
20%. Note that leak repair requirements for substitute refrigerants like R-134a were
rescinded in the 2020 rule, but this question tests knowledge of the regulatory
framework for ozone-depleting substances.
Question 4: Which action is explicitly prohibited under Section 608 of the Clean Air
Act regarding refrigerant handling?
A. Recovering refrigerant before disposing of an appliance
B. Venting HFC refrigerants during system maintenance
C. Using certified recovery equipment
D. Documenting refrigerant recovery amounts
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Venting HFC refrigerants during system maintenance
RATIONALE: Section 608 prohibits the knowing venting or release of both ozone-
depleting refrigerants and non-ozone depleting substitutes like HFCs during
maintenance, service, repair, or disposal. Recovery, using certified equipment, and
documentation are all required practices, not prohibited actions.
Question 5: What does the term "reclaim" mean in the context of EPA Section 608
refrigerant management?
A. To remove refrigerant from a system and store it in an external container
B. To process recovered refrigerant to meet ARI-700 purity standards for reuse
C. To clean refrigerant for immediate reuse in the same system
D. To dispose of refrigerant in an environmentally safe manner
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To process recovered refrigerant to meet ARI-700 purity
standards for reuse
RATIONALE: Reclaiming means reprocessing refrigerant to specified purity standards
(AHRI-700) so it can be sold and used in any system. Recovery is removing refrigerant
and storing it; recycling is cleaning refrigerant for reuse in the same owner's equipment;
disposal is permanent removal from service.
Question 6: Which of the following refrigerants is classified as an HCFC?
A. R-12
B. R-22
C. R-134a
D. R-1234yf
CORRECT ANSWER: B. R-22
RATIONALE: R-22 (chlorodifluoromethane) is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC),
containing hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. R-12 is a CFC; R-134a is an HFC; R-
1234yf is an HFO. HCFCs have lower ozone depletion potential than CFCs but are still
regulated and being phased out.
,Question 7: What is the minimum evacuation level required when disposing of a
small appliance containing less than 5 pounds of refrigerant?
A. 0 psig
B. 4 inches of Hg vacuum
C. 0 inches of Hg vacuum
D. Evacuation is not required for small appliances
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 4 inches of Hg vacuum
RATIONALE: EPA regulations require that small appliances (containing 5 pounds or less
of refrigerant) be evacuated to at least 4 inches of mercury vacuum when disposed of,
regardless of whether the compressor is operating. This ensures maximum refrigerant
recovery before disposal.
Question 8: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is specifically
recommended when handling refrigerant cylinders?
A. Steel-toed boots only
B. Safety glasses and gloves
C. Respirator and face shield
D. Hearing protection and coveralls
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Safety glasses and gloves
RATIONALE: Safety glasses protect eyes from refrigerant spray or frostbite, and gloves
protect skin from cryogenic burns during refrigerant handling. While additional PPE may
be warranted in specific scenarios, EPA guidelines emphasize eye and hand protection
as fundamental for refrigerant handling tasks.
Question 9: Under EPA regulations, who is responsible for ensuring refrigerant is
recovered from a small appliance at the time of disposal?
A. The original equipment manufacturer
B. The final disposer (e.g., scrap facility or landfill)
C. The homeowner
D. The refrigerant reclaim company
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The final disposer (e.g., scrap facility or landfill)
RATIONALE: EPA regulations place responsibility on the final disposer of small
appliances to ensure and document that refrigerant has been properly recovered before
the appliance is crushed, shredded, or otherwise disposed. This requirement helps
prevent venting during disposal processes.
Question 10: What is the primary purpose of using certified recovery/recycling
equipment under Section 608?
A. To reduce the cost of refrigerant purchases
B. To ensure refrigerant is removed without releasing it to the atmosphere
, C. To speed up the service process
D. To allow technicians to reuse refrigerant without testing
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To ensure refrigerant is removed without releasing it to the
atmosphere
RATIONALE: Certified recovery/recycling equipment is designed and tested to meet
EPA standards for efficiently removing refrigerant from systems while minimizing
atmospheric release. This directly supports the Clean Air Act's goal of reducing
emissions of ozone-depleting substances and high-GWP refrigerants.
Question 11: Which of the following statements about apprentices under EPA
Section 608 is TRUE?
A. Apprentices must be certified before handling any refrigerant
B. Apprentices may handle refrigerant if supervised by a certified technician
C. Apprentices are exempt from all Section 608 requirements
D. Apprentices can certify equipment without supervision
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apprentices may handle refrigerant if supervised by a
certified technician
RATIONALE: EPA regulations exempt apprentices from certification requirements
provided they are closely and continually supervised by a certified technician. The
supervising technician remains responsible for ensuring compliance with all Section
608 requirements during the apprentice's activities.
Question 12: What does the acronym "GWP" stand for in refrigerant environmental
impact discussions?
A. Global Warming Protocol
B. Greenhouse Weather Potential
C. Global Warming Potential
D. General Weather Parameter
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Global Warming Potential
RATIONALE: Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a metric comparing the heat-trapping
ability of a greenhouse gas relative to carbon dioxide over a specific timeframe (usually
100 years). EPA considers GWP when evaluating refrigerant substitutes and developing
regulations under Section 608 and related programs.
Question 13: Which refrigerant type has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP)?
A. CFCs
B. HCFCs
C. HFCs
D. Halons
CORRECT ANSWER: C. HFCs
Verified Questions and Answers with Detailed Rationales | Ozone Depletion and
Environmental Impact, Refrigerant Types and Properties, Recovery Recycling and
Reclamation Procedures, EPA Regulations and Compliance, Leak Detection and
Repair, Safety Practices and Personal Protective Equipment, Refrigerant Handling
and Storage, Clean Air Act Requirements, HVAC System Basics | Complete Exam
Prep Resource for EPA 608 Certification Success
Question 1: Which of the following substances is primarily responsible for
stratospheric ozone depletion according to EPA regulations?
A. Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
B. Methane (CH₄)
C. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
D. Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
RATIONALE: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) contain chlorine atoms that, when released
into the stratosphere, catalytically destroy ozone molecules. The EPA identifies CFCs as
major ozone-depleting substances regulated under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
Carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases but do not directly deplete the
ozone layer.
Question 2: Under EPA Section 608 regulations, which technician certification level
is required to service a residential split-system air conditioner using R-410A?
A. Type I only
B. Type II only
C. Type III only
D. Universal or Type II
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Universal or Type II
RATIONALE: Residential split-system air conditioners are high-pressure appliances.
Type II certification covers high- and very high-pressure appliances except small
appliances and MVACs. Universal certification covers all equipment types. Type I is
limited to small appliances, and Type III covers only low-pressure appliances.
Question 3: What is the maximum allowable leak rate for a commercial
refrigeration system containing 75 pounds of R-134a before repair is required under
current EPA regulations?
A. 10% per year
B. 20% per year
C. 30% per year
D. 35% per year
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 20% per year
,RATIONALE: For commercial refrigeration equipment containing 50 or more pounds of
ozone-depleting refrigerants, the EPA requires repair when the annual leak rate exceeds
20%. Note that leak repair requirements for substitute refrigerants like R-134a were
rescinded in the 2020 rule, but this question tests knowledge of the regulatory
framework for ozone-depleting substances.
Question 4: Which action is explicitly prohibited under Section 608 of the Clean Air
Act regarding refrigerant handling?
A. Recovering refrigerant before disposing of an appliance
B. Venting HFC refrigerants during system maintenance
C. Using certified recovery equipment
D. Documenting refrigerant recovery amounts
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Venting HFC refrigerants during system maintenance
RATIONALE: Section 608 prohibits the knowing venting or release of both ozone-
depleting refrigerants and non-ozone depleting substitutes like HFCs during
maintenance, service, repair, or disposal. Recovery, using certified equipment, and
documentation are all required practices, not prohibited actions.
Question 5: What does the term "reclaim" mean in the context of EPA Section 608
refrigerant management?
A. To remove refrigerant from a system and store it in an external container
B. To process recovered refrigerant to meet ARI-700 purity standards for reuse
C. To clean refrigerant for immediate reuse in the same system
D. To dispose of refrigerant in an environmentally safe manner
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To process recovered refrigerant to meet ARI-700 purity
standards for reuse
RATIONALE: Reclaiming means reprocessing refrigerant to specified purity standards
(AHRI-700) so it can be sold and used in any system. Recovery is removing refrigerant
and storing it; recycling is cleaning refrigerant for reuse in the same owner's equipment;
disposal is permanent removal from service.
Question 6: Which of the following refrigerants is classified as an HCFC?
A. R-12
B. R-22
C. R-134a
D. R-1234yf
CORRECT ANSWER: B. R-22
RATIONALE: R-22 (chlorodifluoromethane) is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC),
containing hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. R-12 is a CFC; R-134a is an HFC; R-
1234yf is an HFO. HCFCs have lower ozone depletion potential than CFCs but are still
regulated and being phased out.
,Question 7: What is the minimum evacuation level required when disposing of a
small appliance containing less than 5 pounds of refrigerant?
A. 0 psig
B. 4 inches of Hg vacuum
C. 0 inches of Hg vacuum
D. Evacuation is not required for small appliances
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 4 inches of Hg vacuum
RATIONALE: EPA regulations require that small appliances (containing 5 pounds or less
of refrigerant) be evacuated to at least 4 inches of mercury vacuum when disposed of,
regardless of whether the compressor is operating. This ensures maximum refrigerant
recovery before disposal.
Question 8: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is specifically
recommended when handling refrigerant cylinders?
A. Steel-toed boots only
B. Safety glasses and gloves
C. Respirator and face shield
D. Hearing protection and coveralls
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Safety glasses and gloves
RATIONALE: Safety glasses protect eyes from refrigerant spray or frostbite, and gloves
protect skin from cryogenic burns during refrigerant handling. While additional PPE may
be warranted in specific scenarios, EPA guidelines emphasize eye and hand protection
as fundamental for refrigerant handling tasks.
Question 9: Under EPA regulations, who is responsible for ensuring refrigerant is
recovered from a small appliance at the time of disposal?
A. The original equipment manufacturer
B. The final disposer (e.g., scrap facility or landfill)
C. The homeowner
D. The refrigerant reclaim company
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The final disposer (e.g., scrap facility or landfill)
RATIONALE: EPA regulations place responsibility on the final disposer of small
appliances to ensure and document that refrigerant has been properly recovered before
the appliance is crushed, shredded, or otherwise disposed. This requirement helps
prevent venting during disposal processes.
Question 10: What is the primary purpose of using certified recovery/recycling
equipment under Section 608?
A. To reduce the cost of refrigerant purchases
B. To ensure refrigerant is removed without releasing it to the atmosphere
, C. To speed up the service process
D. To allow technicians to reuse refrigerant without testing
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To ensure refrigerant is removed without releasing it to the
atmosphere
RATIONALE: Certified recovery/recycling equipment is designed and tested to meet
EPA standards for efficiently removing refrigerant from systems while minimizing
atmospheric release. This directly supports the Clean Air Act's goal of reducing
emissions of ozone-depleting substances and high-GWP refrigerants.
Question 11: Which of the following statements about apprentices under EPA
Section 608 is TRUE?
A. Apprentices must be certified before handling any refrigerant
B. Apprentices may handle refrigerant if supervised by a certified technician
C. Apprentices are exempt from all Section 608 requirements
D. Apprentices can certify equipment without supervision
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apprentices may handle refrigerant if supervised by a
certified technician
RATIONALE: EPA regulations exempt apprentices from certification requirements
provided they are closely and continually supervised by a certified technician. The
supervising technician remains responsible for ensuring compliance with all Section
608 requirements during the apprentice's activities.
Question 12: What does the acronym "GWP" stand for in refrigerant environmental
impact discussions?
A. Global Warming Protocol
B. Greenhouse Weather Potential
C. Global Warming Potential
D. General Weather Parameter
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Global Warming Potential
RATIONALE: Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a metric comparing the heat-trapping
ability of a greenhouse gas relative to carbon dioxide over a specific timeframe (usually
100 years). EPA considers GWP when evaluating refrigerant substitutes and developing
regulations under Section 608 and related programs.
Question 13: Which refrigerant type has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP)?
A. CFCs
B. HCFCs
C. HFCs
D. Halons
CORRECT ANSWER: C. HFCs
