EPA 608 Core Study Guide & Practice Test 2026

What the Core Section Covers

The Core section is mandatory for ALL EPA 608 certification types. It covers foundational knowledge: environmental regulations (Montreal Protocol, Clean Air Act), ozone depletion science, refrigerant chemistry, the three certification types, and general safety requirements. You cannot skip Core — it's 25 questions and you must score 70% (18/25) to pass.

Key Regulations You Must Know

The most-tested regulation: maximum civil penalty of $44,539 per day per violation for knowingly venting refrigerants (40 CFR Part 82). This number was updated in 2016 from $37,500. The venting prohibition took effect July 1, 1992. The Montreal Protocol (1987) is the international treaty; the Clean Air Act is the US domestic law implementing it.

Refrigerant Classification — The Trap They Use

Know the families: CFCs (R-12) — highest ODP, phased out entirely. HCFCs (R-22) — lower ODP, production banned for new equipment in 2010. HFCs (R-410A, R-134a) — zero ODP but high GWP, being phased down under the AIM Act. HFOs (R-454B, R-32) — zero ODP, low GWP, A2L mildly flammable. The exam will list refrigerants by R-number and ask you to classify them.

Free 3 Practice Questions