EPA 608 Certification: Types, Test, Expiration
Anyone who maintains, services, repairs or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerant needs EPA Section 608 certification, under 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F. There are 4 types, the test is given by EPA-approved certifying organizations, and the certification does not expire[epa.gov].
| Type | Equipment covered |
|---|---|
| Type I | Small appliances |
| Type II | High- and very-high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and motor vehicle air conditioning |
| Type III | Low-pressure appliances |
| Universal | All of the above |
Does EPA 608 certification expire?
No. EPA 608 credentials have no expiration date[epa.gov].
Can you take the EPA 608 test open book?
A core section taken open-book can't count toward Universal certification; Universal needs a proctored test[epa.gov].
Do HVAC apprentices need EPA 608?
Not while a certified technician closely and continually supervises them; EPA exempts apprentices under that supervision[epa.gov].
Does EPA 608 cover HFC refrigerants?
Yes. Since January 1, 2018 the certification rule covers most substitute refrigerants, including HFCs[epa.gov].
Sources
- EPA: Section 608 technician certification requirements (epa.gov, 2026-10-27)