EPA 608 Exam — Frequently Asked Questions

EPA Section 608 certification is a federal requirement under the Clean Air Act for any technician who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment containing regulated refrigerants. It has four sections: Core (mandatory), Type I (small appliances), Type II (high pressure), and Type III (low pressure chillers).

Each section has 25 multiple-choice questions. For Universal certification, you take all four sections (100 questions total). The passing score is 70% (18 out of 25) for Core, Type II, and Type III. Type I requires 84% (21 out of 25).

The exam fee ranges from $10 (online via certain providers) to $85 (in-person Universal exam through ESCO). Study materials and prep courses cost extra. 608Pass charges $49 one-time for lifetime access to AI-powered prep.

Type I can be taken as an open-book mail-in exam. Core, Type II, and Type III are proctored exams (in-person or online via approved providers like ESCO Institute and Mainstream Engineering).

No. EPA 608 certification never expires. Once you pass, it is valid for life. However, staying current with regulatory changes (like the AIM Act A2L transition) is important for field competence.

You can retake any failed section without retaking sections you've already passed. Scores accumulate across test sessions. 608Pass offers unlimited free retakes — if you don't pass, your study progress resets at no extra cost.

Yes. Exams are available in both English and Spanish through ESCO Institute. 608Pass is the only AI-powered prep platform with native Spanish UI and Spanish-speaking AI tutor, not just translated content.

The AIM Act (2020) phases down HFCs. As of January 2025, R-410A is banned for new residential equipment. The exam now tests A2L refrigerants (R-454B, R-32), HFC tracking thresholds (15 lbs), and updated leak inspection requirements.