The ozone layer is located in which atmospheric layer?

Stratosphere. The ozone layer is in the stratosphere, approximately 10-30 miles above Earth's surface.

Under the AIM Act, HFC consumption will be reduced to what percentage of baseline by 2036?

15% of baseline. The AIM Act mandates HFC consumption be reduced to 15% of baseline by 2036 — an 85% reduction. This is a phasedown (not phaseout), meaning 15% of baseline production continues.

How long are refrigerant sales records required to be maintained?

3 years. Refrigerant sales records must be maintained for 3 years from the date of sale. This includes the purchaser name, date, and quantity sold.

What is the maximum amount of liquid refrigerant that can safely fill a cylinder?

80% of capacity. Cylinders should never be filled above 80% of their liquid capacity. The remaining 20% allows for liquid expansion as temperature changes, preventing dangerous hydrostatic pressure buildup.

Core Section Review — Free EPA 608 Technician Guide 2026

Key Takeaways

Core section covers: regulations, ozone science, refrigerant types, the Three Rs, safety, penalties, and the AIM Act
Key numbers: \$44,539/day, 80% cylinder fill, 100,000 ozone molecules, 85% HFC reduction by 2036
Key dates: 1992 (CFC/HCFC venting ban), 1995 (HFC venting ban), 1993 (equipment standard date), 1996 (CFC phaseout), 2020 (R-22 end), 2036 (85% HFC reduction)
Certification never expires; 3-year recordkeeping; only certified techs can buy refrigerant
HFCs have zero ODP but high GWP — phased down (not out) under the AIM Act

11.1 Core Section Review

The Core section is required for ALL certification types. This review covers the most commonly tested concepts. Master these topics and you will have a strong foundation for the entire exam.

Top 10 Core Concepts

1. Venting Prohibition

Illegal to knowingly vent CFCs (July 1, 1992), HCFCs (July 1, 1992), and HFCs (November 15, 1995)
De minimis releases from proper service procedures are the only exception

2. Ozone Depletion

Ozone layer is in the stratosphere
Chlorine is the element that destroys ozone
One chlorine atom destroys up to 100,000 ozone molecules
CFCs have highest ODP; HFCs have zero ODP

3. Refrigerant Classification

Class I ODS = CFCs (phased out 1996)
Class II ODS = HCFCs (phaseout by 2030)
HFCs = not ODS, but high GWP → AIM Act phasedown

4. Recovery, Recycling, Reclamation

Recovery = remove and store
Recycling = clean for same-owner reuse
Reclamation = AHRI 700 purity (by EPA-certified reclaimer) → can resell

5. Safety

Refrigerants are heavier than air (asphyxiation risk in low areas)
Liquid contact = instant frostbite
Decomposition near flame = phosgene gas
Never fill cylinders above 80% liquid capacity

6. Penalties

Civil: up to $44,539 per day per violation
Criminal: up to $1,000,000 and imprisonment
EPA bounty: up to $10,000

7. Sales Restrictions

Only certified technicians (or their employers) can buy refrigerant
Sellers must keep records for 3 years

8. Certification

Never expires (lifetime credential)
Keep copy at place of business until 3 years after leaving the trade

9. AIM Act

HFC phasedown: 85% reduction by 2036
Not a phaseout — 15% of baseline still allowed

10. Pressure-Temperature Relationship

Higher pressure = higher boiling point
Lower pressure = lower boiling point
This is the basis of all refrigeration

EPA 608 Technician Certification

1Introduction

21. Environmental Regulations and the Clean Air Act

32. Ozone Depletion and Refrigerant Properties

43. Refrigeration Cycle and System Components

54. Refrigerant Safety

65. Recovery, Recycling, and Reclamation

76. Leak Detection and Repair

87. Type I: Small Appliances

98. Type II: High-Pressure and Very High-Pressure Systems

109. Type III: Low-Pressure Systems

1110. Disposal, Shipping, and Compliance

1211. Comprehensive Review and Exam Preparation

11.1 Core Section Review

Key Takeaways

11.1 Core Section Review

Top 10 Core Concepts