Your Definitive Guide to EPA 608 Technician Certification

The HVAC industry is booming. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 – significantly faster than the average for all occupations. With this robust growth and increasing focus on electrification, now is a great time to launch your career in this essential field.

For aspiring HVAC professionals, one crucial stepping stone is obtaining the EPA 608 Technician Certification. This certification isn’t just a recommendation – it’s a legal requirement. Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency mandates that all technicians who might release refrigerants into the atmosphere during their work must be certified. This includes activities such as maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of refrigerant-containing equipment.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing your EPA 608 Technician Certification.

Let’s go! 

Who should take this exam?

HVACR technicians who are performing any of the following:

• Attaching and detaching hoses and gauges to and from an appliance to measure pressure within the appliance.
• Adding refrigerant to or removing refrigerant from an appliance.
• Any other activity that violates the integrity of a motor vehicle air conditioner (MVAC)-like appliance or small appliance (other than disposal).

Apprentices don’t need certifications if closely supervised by certified technicians. However, preparing for future certification is advisable because it will be required eventually.

How can you qualify to take the exam?

There are no set eligibility requirements to qualify to take the EPA 608 Technician Certification exam; although, taking a prep course is recommended. HeatSpring offers the EPA 608 Technician Certification prep course taught by Brynn Cooksey. Brynn was honored as one of the most influential HVACR Instructors of 2024.

What are the type of 608 Technician Certifications?

The EPA has developed 4 types of 608 Technician Certifications:

1. For servicing small appliances (Type I).
2. For servicing or disposing of high- or very high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and MVACs (Type II).
3. For servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances (Type III).
4. For servicing all types of equipment (Universal).

What’s covered on the 608 exams?

There are 4 test sections specific to the type of equipment the technicians plan to work on – Core, Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. To become certified, technicians must pass the Core section plus at least one other one. Passing all sections earns Universal Technician status.

Here’s what’s covered on each exam:

What can I expect with the exam?

Each of the four sections – Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III – contains 25 questions. 

Most techs challenge all sections and attempt to become universal as that offers the most flexibility regarding job opportunities. 

Certification requires a proctored exam, which is included when students pay their exam fee. While practice exams are available within the HeatSpring prep course, they don’t count towards certification.

How much is it to take the exam? 

It costs $125 to take one or more types of the 608 Technician Certification exams. If your company has multiple people working towards their certification, HeatSpring also offers group test taking pricing for folks taking the exam at a single location at the same time. Reach out to us at support@heatspring.com to learn more.

Failed sections can be retaken individually, but the full testing fee applies. As this is a federal license, existing certifications must be updated when retaking sections. 

How can I renew my certification?

Section 608 Technician Certification credentials do not expire, so there’s no need to renew. Once you lock in your Certification, be sure to keep record of it, so you won’t have to take the exam again.

Still have questions? We’re happy to help! Send us an email at support@HeatSpring.com.   

References

EPA Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements