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220+ Free EPA 608 Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: EPA 608 Exam

70%

Passing Score

18/25 per section

84%

Type I Score

21/25 (open-book)

70-80%

Pass Rate

Industry estimate

Never

Expiration

Lifetime certification

Provider-set

Exam Fee

Varies by provider

200+

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

EPA Section 608 uses Core plus Type I, Type II, and Type III sections. Closed-book, proctored sections use a 70% minimum; the separate mail-in/open-book Type I route requires 84%. Universal requires all four sections under closed-book, proctored conditions, so an open-book Core cannot carry into Universal. EPA does not publish a national pass rate, and the certification does not expire.

Sample EPA 608 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your EPA 608 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 220+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary environmental concern associated with CFC and HCFC refrigerants?
A.They are toxic to humans when inhaled
B.They deplete stratospheric ozone
C.They cause acid rain
D.They contribute to smog formation
Explanation: CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) contain chlorine atoms that break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere. When these refrigerants are released into the atmosphere, the chlorine atoms destroy ozone molecules, thinning the protective ozone layer that shields Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
2What three elements make up a CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerant molecule?
A.Chlorine, fluorine, and carbon
B.Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
C.Chlorine, fluorine, and oxygen
D.Carbon, fluorine, and hydrogen
Explanation: CFC stands for chlorofluorocarbon. These molecules contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms only (no hydrogen). The chlorine atoms are what make CFCs so damaging to the stratospheric ozone layer. HCFCs add hydrogen, and HFCs contain hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon but no chlorine.
3Which international agreement was established to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances?
A.The Kyoto Protocol
B.The Paris Agreement
C.Montreal Protocol
D.The Clean Air Act
Explanation: The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987 and is considered one of the most successful international environmental agreements. It established a timetable for phasing out the production and consumption of CFCs, HCFCs, halons, and other ozone-depleting substances.
4What is the main environmental concern with HFC refrigerants?
A.They deplete the ozone layer
B.They have high global warming potential
C.They are toxic to humans
D.They cause acid rain
Explanation: While HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) do not contain chlorine and therefore do not deplete the ozone layer, they are potent greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential (GWP). Some HFCs have GWPs thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to climate change when released into the atmosphere.
5What is the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of R-134a compared to carbon dioxide (CO2)?
A.Approximately 1/10th that of CO2
B.Approximately equal to CO2
C.Approximately 1,430 times that of CO2
D.Approximately 10,000 times that of CO2
Explanation: R-134a has a Global Warming Potential of approximately 1,430 over a 100-year period, meaning it has 1,430 times the warming impact of an equal mass of carbon dioxide. This high GWP is why EPA regulations are phasing down the use of high-GWP HFCs in favor of lower-GWP alternatives.
6Which of the following refrigerants has the highest ozone depletion potential (ODP)?
A.R-134a
B.R-410A
C.R-22
D.R-12
Explanation: R-12 (CFC-12) has an ozone-depletion potential of 1.0. R-22 (an HCFC) has an ODP of about 0.055, while R-134a and R-410A have ODPs of zero. U.S. production and import of newly manufactured CFCs, including R-12, were phased out in 1996; recovered and reclaimed R-12 may still be used.
7Under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, what action are developed countries required to take regarding HFCs?
A.Immediately ban all HFC production
B.Gradually reduce HFC production and consumption
C.Switch only to natural refrigerants
D.Pay carbon taxes on HFC emissions
Explanation: The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (2016) requires developed countries to gradually reduce the production and consumption of HFCs, even though they do not directly deplete ozone. The amendment establishes specific reduction schedules, with developed countries required to reduce HFC use by 85% by 2036 compared to baseline levels.
8What is the purpose of the stratospheric ozone layer?
A.To reflect infrared heat back toward Earth's surface
B.To absorb harmful solar ultraviolet radiation
C.To filter air pollutants
D.To produce oxygen
Explanation: The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs approximately 97-99% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Without this protective layer, increased UV radiation would reach Earth's surface, causing increased rates of skin cancer, cataracts, immune system suppression, and damage to crops and marine ecosystems.
9Which of the following is considered a "natural refrigerant" with zero ozone depletion potential and very low global warming potential?
A.R-22
B.R-410A
C.Ammonia (R-717)
D.R-134a
Explanation: Ammonia (R-717) is a natural refrigerant that occurs naturally in the environment. It has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 1. While ammonia has excellent thermodynamic properties for refrigeration, it is toxic and requires special safety precautions during handling.
10What is the relationship between chlorine content in a refrigerant and its ozone depletion potential?
A.There is no relationship between chlorine content and ODP
B.More chlorine always means higher ODP
C.ODP reflects chlorine content and atmospheric lifetime
D.ODP is determined only by molecular weight
Explanation: Ozone Depletion Potential depends on multiple factors: the number of chlorine atoms in the molecule, the molecule's atmospheric lifetime (how long it takes to break down), and how easily it releases chlorine in the stratosphere. For example, CFC-12 (R-12) has a higher ODP than HCFC-22 (R-22) not just because of chlorine content, but also because CFCs are more stable and can reach the stratosphere more easily.

About the EPA 608 Exam

EPA Section 608 certification is required for technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of stationary appliances containing regulated refrigerants. The assessment has Core plus Type I, Type II, and Type III sections; passing Core with one or more type sections determines the certification earned, while passing all four under closed-book, proctored conditions earns Universal.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Provider-specific; EPA does not publish one nationwide time limit for every approved certifying organization

Passing Score

70% per closed-book, proctored section; 84% for the separate mail-in/open-book Type I route, which cannot be combined into Universal

Exam Fee

Provider-set; verify current fee (EPA / Mainstream Engineering / ESCO Group)

EPA 608 Exam Content Outline

25%

Core

Environmental impacts of CFCs/HCFCs/HFCs, ozone depletion, global warming potential, Clean Air Act, Montreal Protocol, refrigerant types, safety procedures, disposal requirements, record keeping

25%

Type I - Small Appliances

Systems with <5 lbs refrigerant (refrigerators, freezers, window ACs), recovery techniques, system-dependent vs self-contained equipment, DOT-approved containers, mailing requirements

25%

Type II - High Pressure

R-22, R-410A, R-404A systems, recovery requirements, leak detection and repair, evacuation levels (10" Hg, 15" Hg), leak rate thresholds, chronically leaking appliances

25%

Type III - Low Pressure

R-11, R-123 chillers, recovery requirements, evacuation levels (25" Hg), water heating during recovery, centrifugal compressors, leak repair requirements

How to Pass the EPA 608 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% per closed-book, proctored section; 84% for the separate mail-in/open-book Type I route, which cannot be combined into Universal
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Provider-specific; EPA does not publish one nationwide time limit for every approved certifying organization
  • Exam fee: Provider-set; verify current fee

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 220 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

EPA 608 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the evacuation matrix: post-November 15, 1993 high-pressure equipment uses 0 in Hg below 200 lb and 10 in Hg at 200+ lb; pre-1993 uses 0 and 4 in Hg; very-high-pressure uses 0 in Hg; low-pressure uses 25 mm Hg absolute
2For small appliances, remember 90% recovery with an operating compressor, 80% without one, or alternatively 4 in Hg vacuum; this is not a system-dependent-versus-self-contained split
3Universal requires Core and Types I, II, and III closed-book and proctored; mail-in/open-book Type I requires 84% and cannot be combined into Universal
4Distinguish Part 82: 50+ lb ODS appliances and the 125% chronic-leaker rule, from Part 84: covered 15+ lb HFC/substitute appliances with GWP above 53 beginning in 2026, subject to sector exclusions
5Learn the applicable repair, verification, retrofit or retirement, and reporting timelines from the correct Part 82 or Part 84 framework rather than applying one rule to every refrigerant
6Study the 2026 Subpart C updates: 15 lbs threshold for HFCs, automatic leak detection for 1,500+ lbs systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for EPA 608 certification?

The standard minimum is 70% for each closed-book, proctored section. A separate mail-in/open-book Type I route requires 84%. Core is required with each type, and Universal requires Core plus Types I, II, and III all passed closed-book and proctored.

Does EPA 608 certification expire?

No, EPA Section 608 certification never expires. Once you pass the exam, you are certified for life. However, the industry and regulations do change, so many technicians choose to retake training periodically to stay current with new refrigerants and equipment.

What is the difference between Type I, II, III, and Universal certification?

Type I covers factory-sealed small appliances with 5 lb or less of refrigerant, Type II covers medium-, high-, and very-high-pressure appliances, and Type III covers low-pressure appliances. Universal requires Core plus all three types under closed-book, proctored conditions and covers all Section 608 stationary-appliance types.

What are the evacuation requirements for different system types?

For recovery equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993, high-pressure appliances below 200 lb must reach 0 in Hg and those at or above 200 lb must reach 10 in Hg; older equipment uses 0 and 4 in Hg respectively. Very-high-pressure appliances use 0 in Hg, while low-pressure appliances use 25 mm Hg absolute.

What is a chronically leaking appliance?

Under Part 82, an appliance with 50 lb or more of ozone-depleting refrigerant that loses at least 125% of its full charge in a calendar year is chronically leaking and must be reported. Part 84 separately governs covered HFC and substitute appliances beginning in 2026.

What recovery equipment can be used on small appliances?

Small-appliance recovery must reach 90% when the compressor operates, 80% when it does not, or a 4 in Hg vacuum. System-dependent equipment is prohibited above a 15 lb charge unless it is a permanently attached pump-out unit.

Can I take the Type I exam online?

EPA permits a mail-in/open-book Type I route with an 84% passing score. Its open-book Core cannot count toward Type II, Type III, or Universal. Universal requires all four sections closed-book and proctored; approved providers may offer remote proctoring.