2025 Edition

EPA 608 Practice Test

Take this free EPA 608 practice exam to see the types of questions that will be on an actual EPA 608 certification exam.

The Federal Clean Air Act, under Section 8, requires persons working with regulated refrigerants to be certified.

There are four types of certification:

Type I - limited to small appliances (5 lbs. or less refrigerant)

Type II - limited to medium, high and very high pressure appliances

Type III - limited to low pressure appliances

Universal - for persons who hold all Type I, II and III certificaitons

Our EPA 608 practice exam was developed by HVAC Excellence, the largest provider of HVAC certifications in the industry. A full 100 question EPA 608 test, with explained answers, is provided with our HVACR Practice Test Kit.

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Core Questions

1.	The use and release of CFCs and HCFCs has a far reaching effect on ________.
		A. the stratosphere
		B. our transportation
		C. heating equipment
		D. our water supply
The introduction of CFCs and HCFCs has dramatically changed our lifestyles. Little did we know that the use and release of these compounds into the atmosphere would have far reaching effects on our environment. The greatest effect is in the stratosphere, far removed from the Earth's surface. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

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2.	Crop loss, eye disease and skin cancer have been attributed to:
		A. Depletion of Stratospheric nitrogen
		B. Depletion of Stratospheric chlorine monoxide
		C. Depletion of Stratospheric ozone
		D. Depletion of Stratospheric oxygen
One of the most serious results from the thinning and damaging of the stratospheric ozone layer is an increase in the rates of skin cancer in humans. (Page 6 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

3.	The chlorine in CFCs and HCFCs:
		A. will dissolve in water.
		B. will not dissolve in water.
		C. will rain out of the atmosphere.
		D. is heavier than air and cannot rise to the stratosphere.
The chlorine in CFCs and HCFCs will neither dissolve in water nor break down into compounds that dissolve in water, so they do not rain out of the atmosphere. (Page 6 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

4.	Which of the following refrigerant has a GWP of "1"?
		A. R-22
		B. R-134a
		C. R-410A
		D. R-1233zd
R-1233zd is an HFO with a Global Warming Potential of 1. (Page 6 and 15 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

5.	A refrigerant cylinder designed to hold recovered refrigerant has a:
		A. yellow body and grey top.
		B. grey body and yellow top.
		C. green body and yellow top.
		D. orange body and grey top.
Approved refrigerant recovery cylinders can easily be identified by their colors: yellow tops and grey bodies. (Page 14 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

6.	Before shipping any used refrigerant cylinders, what standards should be checked?
		A. Department of Transportation
		B. The Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP)
		C. Underwriters Laboratories
		D. All of the above
When transporting cylinders containing used refrigerant, a Department of Transportation (DOT) classification tag and label must be attached to the cylinders. (Page 14 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Type I Questions

7.	Technicians who perform sealed-system service on small appliances must have:
		A. Type I, II, or III certification.
		B. Type I or Universal certification
		C. Type II certification
		D. A Universal 609 certification
Persons handling refrigerant during maintenance, service or repair of small appliances must be certified as either a Type I Technician or as a Universal Technician. (Page16 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

8.	A small appliance is defined by the EPA as:
		A. Appliances charged, and hermetically sealed in a factory that contain 8 lbs or less of refrigerant.
		B. Appliances charged, and hermetically sealed in a factory that contain 10 lbs or less of refrigerant.
		C. Appliances with internal volumes no greater than 3 cubic feet.
		D. Appliances manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed in a factory that contain 5 lbs. or less of refrigerant.
The EPA definition of a small appliance includes products manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed in a factory with five pounds of refrigerant or less. (Page16 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

9.	Recovery equipment must be:
		A. CSA approved.
		B. Certified by an EPA-approved testing laboratory.
		C. Used on all equipment manufactured after July 1, 1995.
		D. Used on all equipment manufactured after November 15, 1995.
Recovery equipment used during the maintenance, service, or repair of small appliances that use CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs must be certified by an EPA-approved laboratory. (Page16 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

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10.	When using a system-dependent recovery system on an appliance that has an operating compressor, the technician should;
		A. Run the compressor and recover from the low side of the system only.
		B. Install access fittings on both the high and low-pressure sides of the system.
		C. Run the compressor and recover from the high side of the system only.
		D. Never allow the refrigerant to go to the high side of the system.
An appliance with an operating compressor and completely restricted capillary tube or metering device requires only one access valve on the high side of the system. (Page 17 & 18 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

11.	After the refrigerant has been recovered, which of the following should be used to flush the system?
		A. R-22
		B. Compressed air
		C. Nitrogen
		D. Water
When nitrogen is used to pressurize or blow debris out of the system, the nitrogen may be vented to the ambient air. (Page 18 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

12.	When a system is in deep vacuum, you should never:
		A. energize the compressor.
		B. use a micron gauge.
		C. add refrigerant to the system.
		D. energize system fans and blowers.
You should never energize the compressor. A hermetic compressor's motor winding could be damaged if energized when under a deep vacuum. (Page 22 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

13.	Which HC refrigerant is allowed for use in new domestic small appliances?
		A. R-404A
		B. R-600a
		C. R-410a
		D. R-717
Hydrocarbon (HC) R-600a is an approved refrigerant for new household refrigerators, freezers, and combination refrigeration/freezers. (Page 16 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

14.	The EPA requirement for repairing leaks on small appliances states that:
		A. Leaks should be repaired whenever possible.
		B. All leaks must be repaired immediately.
		C. All leaks must be repaired within 30 days.
		D. Leaks should not be repaired.
The EPA does not require leak repair for small appliances, but leaks should be repaired whenever possible. (Page 17 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Type II Questions

15.	Leaks must be repaired on industrial process and refrigeration units with a 50-pound charge or greater when the annualized leak rate reaches _____ or more.
		A. 10%
		B. 20%
		C. 30%
		D. 40%
EPA regulations require that all commercial and industrial process refrigeration containing more than 50 lbs. of refrigerant must be repaired when the annual leak rate exceeds 30%. (Page19 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

16.	EPA regulations state that removal of which component constitutes a "major repair"?
		A. Pressure switch
		B. Compressor
		C. Liquid line drier
		D. Evaporator fan motor
Under EPA regulations, a "major repair" means any maintenance, service or repair involving the removal of any or all of the following components: compressor, condenser, evaporator or an auxiliary heat exchanger coil. (Page 23 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

17.	A high-pressure appliance containing less than 200 lbs. of an HCFC or HFC refrigerant must be evacuated (recovered) to a level of:
		A. 15 inches of vacuum
		B. 10 inches of vacuum
		C. 4 inches of vacuum
		D. 0 inches of vacuum
A high-pressure appliance containing less than 200 lbs. of an HCFC or HFC refrigerant must be evacuated (recovered) to a level of 0 inches of vacuum. (Page 20 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

18.	A high-pressure appliance containing 210 lbs. of R-407C refrigerant must be evacuated (recovered) to a level of;
		A. 15 inches of vacuum
		B. 10 inches of vacuum
		C. 4 inches of vacuum
		D. 0 inches of vacuum
A high-pressure appliance containing 210 lbs. of R-407C refrigerant must be evacuated (recovered) to a level of 10 inches of vacuum. (Page 20 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

19.	If a leaking appliance with a regulated refrigerant is not going to be repaired, it must be:
		A. retrofitted or retired within 3 months.
		B. retrofitted or retired within 12 months.
		C. replaced within 3 months.
		D. replaced within 12 months.
Type II appliances that will not be repaired must be retrofitted or retired in 12 months. If the appliance is using an exempt refrigerant then the owner has 18 months to retire the leaking system. (Page 20 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

20.	Proper recovery techniques begin with the use of appropriate recovery equipment that has been certified by:
		A. EPA only
		B. Manufacturers approved by UL
		C. EPA approved laboratory
		D. EPA field supervisors
Refrigerant Recovery and/or Recycling equipment manufactured after November 15, 1993, must be certified and labeled by an EPA approved equipment testing organization to meet EPA standards. (Page 26 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

21.	After the installation of any type of system, the unit should first be:
		A. Pressurized with air and checked for leaks.
		B. Pressurized with an inert gas and leak checked.
		C. Charged according to manufacturer's guidelines.
		D. Left 24 hours to allow the system to stabilize.
After the installation of any type of system, the unit should first be pressurized with nitrogen (an inert gas) and leak checked. In order to determine the general area of a leak use an electronic or ultrasonic leak detector. (Page 21 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

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22.	Disposable cylinders must be:
		A. Discarded.
		B. Stored away.
		C. Used for air.
		D. Recovered and used again.
It is a violation of Section 608 to dispose of a disposable cylinder without first recovering any remaining refrigerant (to 0 psig.), rendering the cylinder useless, and then recycling the metal. (Page 10 EPA Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Type III Questions

23.	What type of equipment can be worked on with Type III certification?
		A. High-pressure
		B. Medium-pressure
		C. Low-pressure
		D. Vacuum pressure
Technicians maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of lowpressure appliances must be certified as a Type III Technician or a Universal Technician. (Page 24 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

24.	The EPA-required evacuation level for recovery or recycling equipment used on low-pressure systems is:
		A. 15 inches Hg.
		B. 20 inches Hg.
		C. 25 mm of Hg absolute.
		D. 30 inches Hg absolute.
Recovery or recycling equipment manufactured or imported before or after Nov. 15, 1993, must be able to achieve a recovery level of 25mm Hg Absolute. (Page 26 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

25.	Which of the following best describes the refrigerant recovery process from an R-123 system?
		A. Start with vapor removal and then switch over to liquid recovery.
		B. Start with liquid removal and then switch over to vapor recovery.
		C. Run the compressor and only recover refrigerant in the liquid state.
		D. Run the compressor and only recover refrigerant in the vapor state.
Refrigerant recovery from a system using R11 or R123 starts with liquid removal and is followed by vapor recovery. (Page 25 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

26.	When charging a low-pressure system, refrigerant should be introduced to the system as a vapor to raise the system's saturation temperature to a minimum of;
		A. 0 degrees.
		B. 36 degrees.
		C. 40 degrees.
		D. 70 degrees.
Before charging with liquid, a refrigeration system requires a vapor pressure above a saturation temperature of 36° F. (Page 26 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

27.	The standard for machine room safety is:
		A. ASHRAE-15
		B. ASHRAE-34
		C. AHRI-740
		D. EPA-740
ASHRAE standard 15 requires a refrigerant monitor that will sound an alarm and automatically start a ventilation system in equipment rooms before the refrigerant concentration reaches the TLVTWA, (threshold limit valuetime weighted average). (Page 27 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

28.	To repair a chiller operating with R-22, the technician:
		A. does not need a certification.
		B. must have a Type I certification.
		C. must have a Type II certification.
		D. must have a Type III certification.
R-22 is a high-pressure refrigerant therefore type II certification is needed. R-11 and R-123 are low-pressure refrigerants. (Page 20 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

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29.	When removing oil from a lowpressure system, a temperature of what must be attained?
		A. 50 degrees F.
		B. 75 degrees F.
		C. 100 degrees F.
		D. 130 degrees F.
A temperature of 130° F should be attained when removing oil from a lowpressure system. Less refrigerant is contained in the oil at this higher temperature. (Page 26 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

30.	Water must be circulated through the tubes when evacuating refrigerant in order to prevent:
		A. Oil problems.
		B. Refrigerant Leaks.
		C. Water from freezing.
		D. Water leaks.
Water must be circulated through the tubes when evacuating refrigerant in order to prevent freezing the water. (Page 26 ESCO EPA 9TH V2 Edition Prep Manual) Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

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HVAC Excellence
part of the Esco Group, is a standards organization and leading authority on certification in the HVACR industry.

The questions are based on industry standards and offer a comprehensive coverage of the fundamental subject matter found on most HVACR certification exams.

The HVACR Practice Test Kit provides:

assessment of broad based HVACR knowledge
practice in the various specialty areas
a good opportunity for practicing test taking skills and learning the subject matter

Summary of Typical HVACR Certification Exams:

What: HVACR exams are part of the certification process for HVACR technicians which identifies the scope and level of a technician's competency in core and specialty areas.

Who: HVACR professionals who wish to become certified in various HVACR specialties

Where: HVACR certification exams are typically administered at various testing centers, schools and other locations throughout the United States.

When: There are various times throughout the year so check with the exam provider for information.

Why: Certification programs improve technical competency and safety allowing technicians to demonstrate competency and earn more money.

Type: Multiple choice, in both computer-based and paper/pencil formats.

Time: Time varies. The average time is 2 hours.

Language: English

Cost: Depending on the subject and organization, it typically costs between $25 - $150 per actual certification exam.

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