100+ Free EPA 608 Type III Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: EPA 608 Type III Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

Exam Questions (Core 25 + Type III 25)

EPA

70%

Passing Score (each section)

EPA

25 mm Hg abs

Low-Pressure Recovery Level

EPA

10 psig

Max Leak-Test Pressure

EPA 608 standards

Lifetime

Certification Validity

EPA

EPA Section 608 Type III certifies HVAC/R technicians to service low-pressure appliances, primarily centrifugal chillers charged with R-11 or R-123 that operate below atmospheric pressure. To earn it you must pass the Core section (25 questions) and the Type III low-pressure section (25 questions), each at 70%, and the Type III/Universal proctored exam must be closed-book. Type III tests low-pressure-specific facts: recovery to 25 mm Hg absolute, never pressurizing above 10 psig (the rupture disc bursts near 15 psig), purge units that remove non-condensables from the top of the condenser, the standing vacuum leak test, and freeze protection of chiller tubes. Section 608 certification does not expire. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample EPA 608 Type III Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your EPA 608 Type III exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the Clean Air Act, what is the primary environmental concern that led to the regulation of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants like R-11?

A.They increase ground-level smog

B.They deplete the stratospheric ozone layer

C.They are toxic to drinking water

D.They cause acid rain

Explanation: CFCs such as R-11 contain chlorine that, when released into the atmosphere, rises to the stratosphere and catalytically destroys ozone molecules. The ozone layer shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, which is why Section 608 of the Clean Air Act restricts venting of these refrigerants.

2What does the abbreviation ODP stand for when describing a refrigerant?

A.Operating Data Pressure

B.Ozone Depletion Potential

C.Optimal Discharge Point

D.Ozone Distribution Profile

Explanation: ODP stands for Ozone Depletion Potential, a relative measure of how much a substance can destroy stratospheric ozone compared to R-11, which is assigned an ODP of 1.0. R-123, the low-pressure HCFC, has a much lower ODP of about 0.02.

3The international agreement that established the phaseout schedule for ozone-depleting substances is the:

A.Kyoto Protocol

B.Montreal Protocol

C.Paris Agreement

D.Geneva Convention

Explanation: The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, is the international treaty that set the schedule to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs and HCFCs. The Clean Air Act implements these obligations in the United States.

4The 'three R's' that describe the proper handling of refrigerant under Section 608 are recover, recycle, and:

A.Reuse

B.Reclaim

C.Replace

D.Remove

Explanation: The three R's are recover, recycle, and reclaim. Reclaiming means processing refrigerant to meet the AHRI 700 purity standard, equivalent to new product, and it requires laboratory chemical analysis that on-site recycling cannot achieve.

5What is the difference between recycling and reclaiming refrigerant?

A.Recycling meets new-product purity; reclaiming only removes oil

B.Reclaiming processes refrigerant to AHRI 700 purity verified by chemical analysis; recycling only reduces contaminants on site

C.They are identical processes with different names

D.Recycling can only be done by the manufacturer

Explanation: Recycling reduces contaminants (oil, moisture, acidity) through filtration and separation, usually on the job site, but does not certify purity. Reclaiming processes the refrigerant to the AHRI 700 standard, verified by chemical analysis at a certified facility, so it can be resold as equivalent to new.

6Intentionally venting CFC or HCFC refrigerants such as R-11 and R-123 to the atmosphere during service or disposal is:

A.Permitted if the amount is small

B.Prohibited under Section 608

C.Allowed only for low-pressure systems

D.Permitted with written customer consent

Explanation: Section 608 of the Clean Air Act prohibits the knowing release (venting) of ozone-depleting refrigerants and their substitutes during the service, maintenance, repair, or disposal of appliances. Technicians must recover refrigerant rather than release it.

7Which de minimis releases are NOT considered a violation of the venting prohibition?

A.Deliberately opening a charged system to the air

B.Releases that are not part of normal recovery, recycling, or service practices but are unavoidable

C.Venting after a recovery machine fails

D.Dumping refrigerant before disposal

Explanation: The regulations recognize de minimis releases that are truly incidental and unavoidable when good practices are followed, such as the small amount lost when connecting or disconnecting service hoses fitted with low-loss fittings. Deliberate or avoidable releases remain prohibited.

8To purchase regulated refrigerant for use in stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning appliances, a person generally must be:

A.A licensed electrician

B.A Section 608 certified technician

C.A registered nurse

D.Over 21 years of age only

Explanation: EPA's refrigerant sales restriction requires that only Section 608 (or 609) certified technicians may purchase regulated refrigerants for stationary appliances. This rule helps ensure refrigerants are handled by people trained in proper recovery and venting prohibitions.

9How long must a Section 608 technician certification remain valid once earned?

A.1 year

B.5 years

C.10 years

D.It does not expire

Explanation: Section 608 technician certification does not expire; once a technician passes, the certification is valid for life. This is different from some other credentials that require periodic renewal.

10Records that document the sale of recovery and recycling equipment and refrigerant must generally be retained for at least:

A.6 months

B.1 year

C.3 years

D.Indefinitely

Explanation: EPA requires that key Section 608 recordkeeping, including refrigerant purchase and recovery/recycling records, be retained for at least three years. Maintaining these records demonstrates regulatory compliance during inspections.

About the EPA 608 Type III Exam

EPA Section 608 Type III certifies technicians to service low-pressure appliances such as centrifugal chillers that use R-11 (CFC) or R-123 (HCFC). Candidates must pass the Core section plus the Type III section, each at 70%, and the Type III section must be proctored and closed-book.

Assessment

Core section (25 questions) plus the Type III low-pressure section (25 questions), 50 multiple-choice questions total, each section requiring 70% to pass; Type III must be taken as a proctored closed-book exam. This practice bank provides 100 selected-response items across Core and Type III.

Time Limit

Typically untimed to about 1-2 hours, depending on the testing organization

Passing Score

70% on Core and 70% on Type III

Exam Fee

~$20-$150 depending on the EPA-approved testing organization and proctoring format (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through approved testing organizations)

EPA 608 Type III Exam Content Outline

50%

Core (Clean Air Act, Ozone & Regulations)

Section 608 and the Clean Air Act, ozone depletion, Montreal Protocol, ODP/GWP, the three R's, the venting prohibition, sales restriction, leak-repair rules, recordkeeping, and refrigerant/cylinder safety

25%

Type III: Low-Pressure Systems & Refrigerants

Low-pressure appliance definition and vacuum operation, centrifugal chillers, R-11 and R-123, retrofits, purge units and non-condensable removal, and machine-room safety

25%

Type III: Recovery, Evacuation & Leak Testing

Recovery to 25 mm Hg absolute, the 10 psig pressurization limit and ~15 psig rupture disc, standing/nitrogen leak tests, liquid vs vapor recovery, freeze protection, and dehydration

How to Pass the EPA 608 Type III Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% on Core and 70% on Type III
Assessment: Core section (25 questions) plus the Type III low-pressure section (25 questions), 50 multiple-choice questions total, each section requiring 70% to pass; Type III must be taken as a proctored closed-book exam. This practice bank provides 100 selected-response items across Core and Type III.
Time limit: Typically untimed to about 1-2 hours, depending on the testing organization
Exam fee: ~$20-$150 depending on the EPA-approved testing organization and proctoring format

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

EPA 608 Type III Study Tips from Top Performers

1Remember the defining trait of low-pressure systems: they run in a vacuum, so leaks let air IN rather than refrigerant OUT

2Memorize the key low-pressure numbers: recover to 25 mm Hg absolute, never pressurize above 10 psig, and the rupture disc bursts near 15 psig

3Know R-11 (CFC, ODP 1.0, production banned end of 1995) versus R-123 (HCFC, ODP about 0.02) and that both need purge units

4Understand the purge unit: it removes non-condensable air and moisture from the TOP of the condenser

5Don't neglect Core - half the questions are Core, covering venting, the three R's, leak-repair triggers, and cylinder safety

6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before sitting the proctored Type III exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What does EPA 608 Type III certification cover?

Type III certifies technicians to service low-pressure appliances, which are mainly centrifugal chillers charged with R-11 or R-123. These systems operate below atmospheric pressure, so air leaks in rather than refrigerant leaking out, and they require special recovery, leak-testing, and purge procedures.

How many questions are on the EPA 608 Type III exam and what score do I need?

You must pass the Core section (25 questions) and the Type III low-pressure section (25 questions), 50 multiple-choice questions total. You need 70% on each section, and the Type III section must be taken as a proctored, closed-book exam.

What recovery vacuum level is required for low-pressure appliances?

Recovery equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993 must evacuate a low-pressure appliance to 25 mm Hg absolute pressure. Pre-1993 equipment only had to reach atmospheric pressure (0 psig). This deep vacuum is needed because the refrigerant's saturation pressure is near or below atmospheric.

Why can't I pressurize a low-pressure chiller above 10 psig?

Low-pressure chillers are protected by a rupture disc that bursts at about 15 psig. During leak testing you must never exceed 10 psig, or you risk bursting the disc and venting refrigerant. Technicians use dry nitrogen with a regulator or gentle heat to raise pressure safely.

Does EPA 608 certification expire?

No. Once you pass, your EPA Section 608 technician certification is valid for life and does not require renewal. You must, however, keep your certification card available to purchase refrigerant and to prove authorization.

Is this free EPA 608 Type III practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover the same Core and Type III low-pressure content as official prep, with a teaching explanation for every answer plus free daily AI tutor interactions. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.