Field Reference Series · HVAC & Refrigeration
EPA 608
Certification Prep Guide
The federal certification every HVAC tech needs — Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III. The exact numbers you'll be tested on, the A2L refrigerant rules under the AIM Act, and timed practice with worked answer keys.
4sections, 25 Q each
72%to pass each section
Lifetimenever expires
Try Before You Buy
3 Sample Questions From the Guide
1. The leak repair threshold for comfort-cooling equipment is:
A. 10% per year B. 20% per year C. 35% per year D. 50% per year
▸ Answer: A. Comfort cooling = 10%/yr (commercial refrigeration 20%, industrial process 35%).
2. R-454B and R-32 are examples of:
A. CFCs being banned B. A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerants replacing R-410A C. Low-pressure refrigerants D. Recovery solvents
▸ Answer: B. A2Ls are replacing R-410A under the AIM Act — and need A2L-rated equipment.
3. A recovery cylinder is identified by:
A. All blue B. Gray body with a yellow top C. Red with a white band D. Plain steel
▸ Answer: B. Gray body, yellow top — the universal recovery cylinder marking.
What's Inside
What EPA 608 is & how the exam works (4 sections, 72% to pass)
The numbers you must memorize (leak rates, recovery levels, penalties, dates)
The refrigeration cycle — the foundation the equipment questions build on
Core section — what's tested + a timed practice set
Type I (small appliances) & Type II (high-pressure) — the heavy hitters
Type III (low-pressure) & the current A2L refrigerant rules
Worked answer keys, a study plan, and a test-day checklist
Why This Guide
🎯Built around the real examCore, Type I, II, and III — studied the way they're scored, with Core (the most-failed section) front and center.
🔢The numbers that fail peopleLeak-rate tiers, recovery levels, the $44,539/day penalty, the venting dates — the figures the exam hammers.
🧊Current on A2L & the AIM ActR-410A is on the way out and A2Ls (R-454B, R-32) are on the exam now — the material most 2026 test-takers miss.
♾️Pass it onceEPA 608 is a lifetime certification. Study smart, knock it out, and you're set for your career.
Heads up: This is independent study material to help you prep. The official exam is administered only by EPA-approved certifying organizations, and refrigerant rules change under the AIM Act — always verify against the current regulations (40 CFR Part 82) and your certifying organization.
Independent educational material created by UStradeRoute.com. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the EPA or any certifying organization. No passing score, certification, or outcome is guaranteed. Working with refrigerants — including high-pressure and A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerants — can cause serious injury; never service equipment or handle refrigerant unless you are trained, certified, and authorized to do so. © 2026 UStradeRoute.com.