The EPA Section 608 exam is changing. A new question bank came out in August 2026, and exams built from the old bank can only be given through January 1, 2027. If you’re studying now, the first thing to check is which version you’ll take, because the study manuals are different.
This guide covers how the exam works and how to pass it: how many questions each section has, which parts can be open-book, how testing from home works, what happens if you fail a section, and how 608 differs from Section 609 for vehicle air conditioning. For what each certification type lets you work on, see our companion guide to EPA 608 Types I, II, III and Universal.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- A new question bank started in August 2026. Exams from the 2018 bank end January 1, 2027. If you’re already certified, you don’t need to retest.
- Each section has 25 questions, and Universal has 100. You need 18 of 25 right on each closed-book section.
- Only Type I can be taken open-book online, and it needs 84% to pass. An open-book result can’t count toward Universal.
- You can test from home with a webcam and a remote proctor. ESCO charges $85 for its remote exam covering all four sections.
- Fail one section and you retake only that section. But you must pass Core to get any certification.
- 608 covers stationary equipment; 609 covers vehicle air conditioning. Fleet and diesel techs often need both.
What Changed in 2026
The ESCO Institute, one of the largest certifying organizations, says it “released an updated Section 608 test bank in August 2026” and that “the 2018 exam remains available until January 1, 2027.” Until then, both versions are being given, and each has its own study manual and pressure-temperature chart.
ACHR News reported on September 19, 2026, what’s in the update, based on an ESCO webinar:
- New questions on A2L and A3 refrigerants, such as R-32, R-454B and R-1234yf, plus hydrocarbons. Questions that used R-22 as the example now use newer refrigerants.
- No new Type IV. The four sections stay the same.
- No AIM Act rules. HFC leak-repair rules under the AIM Act won’t be tested. The CFC and HCFC leak rates under Section 608 still will.
- No retest for current cardholders. Certifications already issued remain valid.
As of October 26, 2026, the EPA’s Section 608 pages hadn’t posted a notice about the new bank, so the details above come from ESCO and ACHR News. Check with your testing provider before you buy study materials.
What this means for you: if you’ll test before January 1, 2027, ask which version you’ll get. ESCO’s Preparatory Manual, 10th Edition ($22) matches the 2026 bank; the 9th Edition matches the 2018 bank. If you’ll test on or after January 1, study for the new bank.
How the Exam Is Built
Federal rules in Appendix D to 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F set the structure. Every certification includes Core plus at least one Type.
| Section | Questions | Format | To pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | 25 | Closed-book and proctored, unless taken with open-book Type I | 18 of 25 |
| Type I (small appliances) | 25 | Closed-book and proctored, or open-book online | 18 of 25 proctored; 84% open-book |
| Type II (high-pressure) | 25 | Closed-book and proctored | 18 of 25 |
| Type III (low-pressure) | 25 | Closed-book and proctored | 18 of 25 |
| Universal (all four) | 100 | Closed-book and proctored | 18 of 25 on each section |
The regulation sets a 70% passing score for closed-book tests. In practice, certifiers such as ESCO and Mainstream Engineering require 18 correct out of 25, which works out to 72%.
The open-book trap. The open-book Type I test (the rule calls it “mail-in”) includes Core, needs 84% to pass and can’t be used toward Universal, according to Mainstream and the federal appendix. If you think you’ll ever want Universal, take all four sections proctored from the start.
Time and tools. The regulation doesn’t set a time limit. Mainstream’s online Universal exam allows a maximum of three hours and no calculator. ESCO’s remote exam page says its 2026 pressure-temperature chart is allowed during the test. Ask your provider exactly what reference material you’ll have.
Results. Federal rules give certifiers up to 30 days to send results and a wallet card. Most are faster: ESCO’s remote exam gives results the same day and mails the card the next business day, and Mainstream issues a temporary card right away.
Testing From Home or at a Test Site
You don’t have to travel to a testing center anymore. The EPA’s list of approved certification programs names 87 programs and notes that “some programs offer remote or online testing.” Those flagged for remote testing include ESCO, Mainstream and about a dozen others.
ESCO’s 2026 remote exam is a typical example:
- Cost: $85 for Core, Type I, Type II and Type III. A Spanish version is available.
- Equipment: a computer with a webcam and microphone. Tablets, iPads and Chromebooks aren’t supported.
- Setting: a private room, a government photo ID and a locked-down testing browser.
- Timing: schedule at least 72 hours ahead to avoid rush fees. Access codes arrive by email within one business day.
In-person proctored exams are still offered at many trade schools and community colleges, often at the end of an HVAC certificate program. If you’re enrolled in one, ask whether the exam is included. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that it’s typically included in postsecondary HVACR programs.
One more point: the EPA “does not review or approve any training preparatory programs or materials.” It approves only the organizations that give the test. A prep course isn’t EPA-approved just because it says so.
Some school listings on this page are sponsored. They’re HVAC training programs, not EPA certifying organizations.
If You Fail a Section
You don’t start over. Under ESCO’s and Mainstream’s rules, passed sections stay passed and you retake only the section you failed. ESCO says additional testing fees apply, and Mainstream’s retakes of closed-book sections must be proctored.
Two rules shape how you plan:
- You must pass Core to get any certification. Pass Type II but fail Core, and you have nothing until you pass Core.
- You can build Universal in pieces. The federal appendix allows Universal to be earned at once or by passing the sections separately, as long as every piece is closed-book and proctored.
Core plus Type III only. Yes, you can take just those two sections, 50 questions in all. That certifies you for low-pressure appliances, such as chillers using R-11, R-123 or R-245fa, under the definitions in 40 CFR 82.152. It doesn’t cover residential split systems, which are Type II.
A Study Plan for the New Question Bank
The EPA doesn’t publish the question bank; under 40 CFR 82.161, it releases the bank only to approved certifying programs. It does publish a list of test topics. Build your study plan from that list and a manual that matches your exam version.
Week 1: Core. Core covers environmental impact, the Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol, Section 608 rules, the three R’s (recovery, recycling, reclamation), recovery techniques, evacuation, safety and shipping. Learn these Section 608 leak-repair thresholds, which apply to appliances with 50 pounds or more of CFC or HCFC refrigerant under 40 CFR 82.157:
| Appliance type | Leak rate that triggers repair |
|---|---|
| Commercial refrigeration | 20% |
| Industrial process refrigeration | 30% |
| Comfort cooling and other appliances | 10% |
Repairs are generally due within 30 days, or 120 days if an industrial process shutdown is needed.
Week 2: the Types you’re taking. Memorize which refrigerants fall into which pressure class, since that decides which Type applies. Under 40 CFR 82.152, high-pressure refrigerants include R-22, R-407C and R-410A; medium-pressure include R-12 and R-134a (both covered by Type II); and low-pressure include R-11, R-123 and R-245fa (Type III). Our Types guide lists the topics for each section.
Week 3: new refrigerants and practice tests. For the 2026 bank, learn the basics of A2L and A3 refrigerants: what the safety classes mean and which common refrigerants fall in them. Then take practice exams. ESCO offers practice exams for each section on its 608 page, and Mainstream offers study manuals. Practice tests show you’re ready only if they match your exam version.
If you’re in an HVAC program, your instructors will likely cover most of this. Our guide on how to become an HVAC technician explains where 608 fits in training.
EPA 608 vs 609: Which One Do You Need?
Section 608 covers stationary equipment: home and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, heat pumps and chillers. Section 609 covers motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC). The EPA requires 609 certification for anyone who services MVAC systems for payment or bartering, whatever the refrigerant, including R-1234yf.
| EPA 608 | EPA 609 | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Stationary appliances, plus refrigerated trailers, trains, aircraft and ships | Car, truck and most bus air conditioning |
| Exam | 25 questions per section; proctored except open-book Type I | Usually a 25-question open-book online test |
| Example cost | $85 for ESCO’s remote exam (all four sections) | $21.95 at Mainstream; $29 at MACS |
| Expires | No | No |
| Lets you buy | Any regulated refrigerant, with a few exceptions | Refrigerant for vehicle systems only |
Where the line falls. The EPA’s Section 609 fact sheet sorts equipment like this:
- Cars and trucks: 609.
- Buses: 609, unless the system uses R-22, which makes it 608.
- Off-road vehicles such as farm and construction equipment: either 609 or 608 Type II. The rule in 82.161 allows either for these “MVAC-like” systems.
- Refrigerated trailers, trains, aircraft and ships: 608.
Who needs both. Fleet techs, diesel mechanics and mobile service techs who work on cab air conditioning and refrigerated trailers need both, because 608 alone doesn’t authorize paid MVAC work. Since 609 costs about $20 to $30 online, many techs simply get both.
Buying refrigerant. Under the EPA’s sales restriction, 608 technicians can buy any type of ozone-depleting or substitute refrigerant. 609 technicians “cannot purchase refrigerants that are intended for use with stationary equipment.” Small cans of vehicle refrigerant with self-sealing valves are exempt, which is why do-it-yourselfers can buy small cans of R-134a without certification.
If you’re headed for auto work, our guide on how to become an auto mechanic covers the ASE certifications you’ll add after 609.
What the Certification Is Worth
The BLS notes that the EPA “requires nearly all HVAC technicians to be certified” in refrigerant handling, so 608 is effectively the entry ticket to the trade. According to the BLS, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers earned a median of $61,010 in May 2025, with the top 10% earning more than $95,210. Automotive service technicians, who need 609 for air conditioning work, earned a median of $50,620.
To find training, compare HVAC programs near you, see our rankings of the best HVAC trade colleges, or read the HVAC career profile for outlook and duties.
FAQ
How many questions are on the EPA 608 exam?
Each section has 25 multiple-choice questions. Universal certification, which covers Core plus Types I, II and III, has 100 questions. You need 18 correct out of 25 on each closed-book section.
Does a Universal EPA certification let me work on gas boilers?
No. Section 608 covers “appliances” that contain and use refrigerant, as defined in 40 CFR 82.152. A gas boiler doesn’t use refrigerant, so 608 says nothing about working on one. Gas and boiler work is licensed by states and localities. A hydronic heat pump does contain refrigerant, so 608 applies to its refrigerant circuit.
Can I take just the Core and Type III?
Yes. That’s 50 questions and certifies you for low-pressure appliances, mainly chillers. You must pass Core to receive the Type III certification.
Do I need to retake the 608 exam because of the new question bank?
No. ACHR News reports that technicians who already hold Section 608 certification won’t have to retest. The new bank applies to new exams.
Does EPA 608 certification expire?
No. The EPA says 608 credentials don’t expire. The rules let the EPA require recertification in the future, but no such requirement exists today.
What if I lose my 608 card?
The EPA doesn’t issue cards and can’t replace them. Its replacement steps say to contact the organization that certified you. If that organization has closed, ESCO or Ferris State University may issue a replacement if you have proof that you passed. Certifications from programs that later closed remain valid.
Can I work on refrigerant systems as an apprentice before I’m certified?
Only under close supervision. Under 40 CFR 82.161, an apprentice may do refrigerant work while “closely and continually supervised by a certified technician.” The rules define an apprentice as someone registered with the Labor Department’s Office of Apprenticeship, for no more than two years.
Sources
- ESCO Institute — “EPA Section 608 Certification” — accessed October 26, 2026 — https://www.escogroup.org/training/epa608.aspx
- ESCO Testing — “Take the 2026 EPA Section 608 Exam From Home” — accessed October 26, 2026 — https://www.escotesting.com/remote/Exam2026.aspx
- ESCO Institute — “Section 608 Preparatory Manual, 10th Edition” — accessed October 26, 2026 — https://www.escogroup.org/Shop/ItemDetail.aspx?ID=6797
- Joanna R. Turpin, ACHR News — “What You Need to Know About the New Section 608 Exam” — September 19, 2026 — https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166686-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-section-608-exam
- Office of the Federal Register, eCFR — Appendix D to Subpart F of 40 CFR Part 82, Standards for Technician Certification Programs — current as of October 22, 2026 — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F/appendix-Appendix%20D%20to%20Subpart%20F%20of%20Part%2082
- Office of the Federal Register, eCFR — 40 CFR 82.161, Technician certification — current as of October 22, 2026 — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F/section-82.161
- Office of the Federal Register, eCFR — 40 CFR 82.152, Definitions — current as of October 22, 2026 — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F/section-82.152
- Office of the Federal Register, eCFR — 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair — current as of October 22, 2026 — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F/section-82.157
- Mainstream Engineering, EPATest.com — “EPA Section 608,” “Universal Testing” and “608 Open Book” — accessed October 26, 2026 — https://ww2.epatest.com/epa-section-608/
- Mainstream Engineering, EPATest.com — “EPA 609 MVAC” — accessed October 26, 2026 — https://ww2.epatest.com/epa-609-mvac/
- Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS) — “Section 609 Online Exam” — accessed October 26, 2026 — https://www.macsw.org/MACS/Shared_Content/Shop/Item_Detail.aspx?iProductCode=44101
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — “Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics” — December 5, 2025 — https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-test-topics
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — “Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements” — July 15, 2026 — https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-requirements
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — “Section 608 Technician Certification Programs” — October 20, 2026 — https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — “Steps for Replacing a Lost Section 608 Technician Certification Card” — March 19, 2026 — https://www.epa.gov/section608/steps-replacing-lost-section-608-technician-certification-card
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — “Refrigerant Sales Restriction” — March 23, 2026 — https://www.epa.gov/section608/refrigerant-sales-restriction
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — “Section 609 Technician Training and Certification Programs” — June 25, 2026 — https://www.epa.gov/mvac/section-609-technician-training-and-certification-programs
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — “Section 609 of the Clean Air Act: Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning” fact sheet (EPA 430-F-13-004) — 2013 — https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-10/section_609_of_the_clean_air_act_motor_vehicle_air_conditioning_0_0.pdf
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers” — August 27, 2026 — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — OEWS May 2025, 49-9021 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers — May 2026 — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499021.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — OEWS May 2025, 49-3023 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics — May 2026 — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493023.htm
