EPA 608 Certification: Complete
Study Guide & Practice Questions
(2023)
PART A: CORE KNOWLEDGE (40 Questions)
Q1 (Core): What is the primary environmental concern regarding chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)?
A. They contribute to acid rain formation
B. They deplete the stratospheric ozone layer [CORRECT]
C. They cause ground-level smog
D. They increase atmospheric oxygen levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CFCs and HCFCs contain chlorine atoms that, when released into the atmosphere,
migrate to the stratosphere where UV radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine. This
chlorine catalytically destroys ozone molecules (O₃), depleting the protective ozone layer that
shields Earth from harmful UV-B radiation. While refrigerants do have global warming
potential, their ozone depletion potential (ODP) was the original driver for the Montreal
Protocol and EPA Section 608 regulations.
Key Takeaway: The ozone layer absorbs 97-99% of the Sun's harmful UV-B radiation. A
depleted ozone layer increases risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and ecosystem damage.
Q2 (Core): Which international treaty, signed in 1987, established the framework for phasing
out ozone-depleting substances?
A. The Kyoto Protocol
B. The Paris Agreement
C. The Montreal Protocol [CORRECT]
D. The Geneva Convention
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed on
September 16, 1987, and has been ratified by 198 countries. It established a schedule for
phasing out the production and consumption of CFCs, HCFCs, halons, and other ODS. The
U.S. implemented these requirements through Title VI of the Clean Air Act Amendments of
1990, which includes Sections 608 and 609.
Key Takeaway: The Montreal Protocol is considered the most successful international
environmental agreement, with global compliance leading to ozone layer recovery projections
by mid-century.
Q3 (Core): Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, what is the maximum civil penalty per day
per violation for knowingly releasing refrigerant during maintenance, service, repair, or
disposal of appliances?
A. $500
B. $5,000
C. $37,500 [CORRECT]
D. $100,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: As of 2023, the EPA can assess civil penalties of up to $37,500 per day per
violation for knowingly venting ozone-depleting refrigerants or their substitutes (including
HFCs). Criminal penalties can reach $250,000 per day per violation ($500,000 for
organizations) and/or up to 5 years imprisonment for knowing endangerment. These
penalties apply to all certification types and underscore the "no venting" rule.
Key Takeaway: The "knowing" standard requires only that the technician knew the release
was occurring, not that they knew it was illegal. Accidental releases during good-faith
recovery attempts are not violations.
Q4 (Core): Which refrigerant has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of 1.0, serving as the
baseline reference for all other ODS?
A. R-134a
B. R-22
C. R-11 (CFC-11) [CORRECT]
D. R-410A
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: R-11 (trichlorofluoromethane, CFC-11) is assigned an ODP of 1.0 by definition. All
other ozone-depleting substances are rated relative to R-11. For example, R-12 has an ODP of
1.0, R-22 has an ODP of 0.055, and R-502 has an ODP of 0.33. HFCs like R-134a and R-410A
have ODPs of 0.0 (they do not deplete ozone) but have varying Global Warming Potentials
(GWPs).
Key Takeaway: ODP measures a substance's ability to destroy stratospheric ozone relative to
R-11. Lower ODP values indicate less ozone depletion potential.
Q5 (Core): What is the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of R-134a over a 100-year time
horizon?
A. 1 (baseline)
B. 1430 [CORRECT]
C. 2088
D. 3922
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: R-134a (tetrafluoroethane) has a GWP of 1,430, meaning it traps 1,430 times more
heat than an equal mass of carbon dioxide over 100 years. This is why R-134a is being
phased down under the AIM Act, despite having zero ODP. For comparison: CO₂ = 1 (baseline),
R-410A = 2,088, R-404A = 3,922, R-1234yf = <1.
Key Takeaway: While HFCs don't deplete ozone, many are potent greenhouse gases. The EPA
now regulates HFCs under the AIM Act of 2020, which authorized the phasedown of HFC
production and consumption.
Q6 (Core): Which of the following is a "prohibited act" under Section 608 for technicians who
are NOT certified?
A. Purchasing recovered refrigerant for reuse
B. Purchasing refrigerant in cylinders under 20 lbs
C. Purchasing refrigerant in any size container [CORRECT]
D. Purchasing used equipment containing refrigerant
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under EPA regulations, only Section 608 certified technicians may purchase
refrigerant (in any size container, including small cans). This prohibition is designed to
prevent venting by untrained individuals. Certified technicians must maintain their certification
to retain purchasing privileges. Sales restrictions apply to CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs.
, Key Takeaway: The sales restriction applies to the buyer, not the seller. However, sellers must
verify certification. DIY homeowners cannot legally purchase refrigerant for self-service.
Q7 (Core): What is the minimum evacuation level required for recovery equipment
certification under ARI/ AHRI Standard 740?
A. 80% recovery efficiency
B. 90% recovery efficiency
C. 95% recovery efficiency [CORRECT]
D. 99% recovery efficiency
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: AHRI Standard 740 (formerly ARI 740) requires certified recovery equipment to
achieve a minimum 95% recovery efficiency under specified test conditions. This standard
applies to all recovery equipment used by technicians. Equipment must be labeled with its
certification status, refrigerants it is approved for, and whether it is system-dependent or
self-contained.
Key Takeaway: Always verify that your recovery equipment is AHRI 740 certified for the
specific refrigerant you're working with. Using uncertified equipment violates EPA regulations.
Q8 (Core): Under the 2023 SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) program, which
refrigerant is listed as acceptable subject to use conditions for new residential AC and heat
pumps, replacing R-410A?
A. R-22
B. R-1234yf
C. R-454B (Opteon XL41) [CORRECT]
D. R-11
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In 2023, EPA SNAP listed R-454B (Opteon XL41) as acceptable subject to use
conditions for new residential AC and heat pumps. R-454B is a mildly flammable A2L
refrigerant with a GWP of 466 (compared to R-410A's 2,088). Use conditions include
technician training on A2L safety, specific charging procedures, and labeling requirements.
R-1234yf is primarily for automotive (Section 609), and R-22/R-11 are being phased out.
Key Takeaway: The HVAC industry is transitioning to lower-GWP alternatives. Technicians
must stay current with SNAP listings, as refrigerant acceptability changes regularly based on
environmental and safety reviews.
Study Guide & Practice Questions
(2023)
PART A: CORE KNOWLEDGE (40 Questions)
Q1 (Core): What is the primary environmental concern regarding chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)?
A. They contribute to acid rain formation
B. They deplete the stratospheric ozone layer [CORRECT]
C. They cause ground-level smog
D. They increase atmospheric oxygen levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CFCs and HCFCs contain chlorine atoms that, when released into the atmosphere,
migrate to the stratosphere where UV radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine. This
chlorine catalytically destroys ozone molecules (O₃), depleting the protective ozone layer that
shields Earth from harmful UV-B radiation. While refrigerants do have global warming
potential, their ozone depletion potential (ODP) was the original driver for the Montreal
Protocol and EPA Section 608 regulations.
Key Takeaway: The ozone layer absorbs 97-99% of the Sun's harmful UV-B radiation. A
depleted ozone layer increases risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and ecosystem damage.
Q2 (Core): Which international treaty, signed in 1987, established the framework for phasing
out ozone-depleting substances?
A. The Kyoto Protocol
B. The Paris Agreement
C. The Montreal Protocol [CORRECT]
D. The Geneva Convention
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed on
September 16, 1987, and has been ratified by 198 countries. It established a schedule for
phasing out the production and consumption of CFCs, HCFCs, halons, and other ODS. The
U.S. implemented these requirements through Title VI of the Clean Air Act Amendments of
1990, which includes Sections 608 and 609.
Key Takeaway: The Montreal Protocol is considered the most successful international
environmental agreement, with global compliance leading to ozone layer recovery projections
by mid-century.
Q3 (Core): Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, what is the maximum civil penalty per day
per violation for knowingly releasing refrigerant during maintenance, service, repair, or
disposal of appliances?
A. $500
B. $5,000
C. $37,500 [CORRECT]
D. $100,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: As of 2023, the EPA can assess civil penalties of up to $37,500 per day per
violation for knowingly venting ozone-depleting refrigerants or their substitutes (including
HFCs). Criminal penalties can reach $250,000 per day per violation ($500,000 for
organizations) and/or up to 5 years imprisonment for knowing endangerment. These
penalties apply to all certification types and underscore the "no venting" rule.
Key Takeaway: The "knowing" standard requires only that the technician knew the release
was occurring, not that they knew it was illegal. Accidental releases during good-faith
recovery attempts are not violations.
Q4 (Core): Which refrigerant has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of 1.0, serving as the
baseline reference for all other ODS?
A. R-134a
B. R-22
C. R-11 (CFC-11) [CORRECT]
D. R-410A
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: R-11 (trichlorofluoromethane, CFC-11) is assigned an ODP of 1.0 by definition. All
other ozone-depleting substances are rated relative to R-11. For example, R-12 has an ODP of
1.0, R-22 has an ODP of 0.055, and R-502 has an ODP of 0.33. HFCs like R-134a and R-410A
have ODPs of 0.0 (they do not deplete ozone) but have varying Global Warming Potentials
(GWPs).
Key Takeaway: ODP measures a substance's ability to destroy stratospheric ozone relative to
R-11. Lower ODP values indicate less ozone depletion potential.
Q5 (Core): What is the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of R-134a over a 100-year time
horizon?
A. 1 (baseline)
B. 1430 [CORRECT]
C. 2088
D. 3922
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: R-134a (tetrafluoroethane) has a GWP of 1,430, meaning it traps 1,430 times more
heat than an equal mass of carbon dioxide over 100 years. This is why R-134a is being
phased down under the AIM Act, despite having zero ODP. For comparison: CO₂ = 1 (baseline),
R-410A = 2,088, R-404A = 3,922, R-1234yf = <1.
Key Takeaway: While HFCs don't deplete ozone, many are potent greenhouse gases. The EPA
now regulates HFCs under the AIM Act of 2020, which authorized the phasedown of HFC
production and consumption.
Q6 (Core): Which of the following is a "prohibited act" under Section 608 for technicians who
are NOT certified?
A. Purchasing recovered refrigerant for reuse
B. Purchasing refrigerant in cylinders under 20 lbs
C. Purchasing refrigerant in any size container [CORRECT]
D. Purchasing used equipment containing refrigerant
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under EPA regulations, only Section 608 certified technicians may purchase
refrigerant (in any size container, including small cans). This prohibition is designed to
prevent venting by untrained individuals. Certified technicians must maintain their certification
to retain purchasing privileges. Sales restrictions apply to CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs.
, Key Takeaway: The sales restriction applies to the buyer, not the seller. However, sellers must
verify certification. DIY homeowners cannot legally purchase refrigerant for self-service.
Q7 (Core): What is the minimum evacuation level required for recovery equipment
certification under ARI/ AHRI Standard 740?
A. 80% recovery efficiency
B. 90% recovery efficiency
C. 95% recovery efficiency [CORRECT]
D. 99% recovery efficiency
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: AHRI Standard 740 (formerly ARI 740) requires certified recovery equipment to
achieve a minimum 95% recovery efficiency under specified test conditions. This standard
applies to all recovery equipment used by technicians. Equipment must be labeled with its
certification status, refrigerants it is approved for, and whether it is system-dependent or
self-contained.
Key Takeaway: Always verify that your recovery equipment is AHRI 740 certified for the
specific refrigerant you're working with. Using uncertified equipment violates EPA regulations.
Q8 (Core): Under the 2023 SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) program, which
refrigerant is listed as acceptable subject to use conditions for new residential AC and heat
pumps, replacing R-410A?
A. R-22
B. R-1234yf
C. R-454B (Opteon XL41) [CORRECT]
D. R-11
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In 2023, EPA SNAP listed R-454B (Opteon XL41) as acceptable subject to use
conditions for new residential AC and heat pumps. R-454B is a mildly flammable A2L
refrigerant with a GWP of 466 (compared to R-410A's 2,088). Use conditions include
technician training on A2L safety, specific charging procedures, and labeling requirements.
R-1234yf is primarily for automotive (Section 609), and R-22/R-11 are being phased out.
Key Takeaway: The HVAC industry is transitioning to lower-GWP alternatives. Technicians
must stay current with SNAP listings, as refrigerant acceptability changes regularly based on
environmental and safety reviews.
