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EPA 608 UNIVERSAL CERTIFICATION EXAM
2026 COMPLETE (125) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES.
EPA
Prepare for the EPA 608 Universal Certification Exam with focused review
materials covering refrigerant handling, recovery, recycling, and
reclamation procedures, environmental regulations under the Clean Air
Act, ozone depletion and global warming potential, HVAC/R system
components, leak detection, evacuation procedures, pressure-
temperature relationships, safety practices, and Section 608 certification
rules for Types I, II, III, and Universal certification. Designed to build
confidence in identifying refrigerant types, performing proper recovery
procedures, preventing emissions, and complying with EPA regulations.
Suitable for HVAC technicians, maintenance professionals, and
candidates preparing for the EPA 608 Universal Certification Exam.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
CORE SECTION (Questions 1–35)
1. What is the primary purpose of the EPA 608 certification?
A. To allow technicians to vent refrigerants
B. To certify technicians to handle, recover, recycle, and dispose of
refrigerants properly
C. To sell refrigerants to uncertified persons
D. To install HVAC systems without training
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Correct answer: B. To certify technicians to handle, recover, recycle,
and dispose of refrigerants properly
Rationale: EPA 608 certification ensures technicians have the
knowledge to prevent refrigerant releases, as required by the Clean
Air Act. Technicians must be certified to work on any appliance
containing refrigerants.
2. Which refrigerant has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) greater
than zero?
A. R-134a
B. R-410A
C. R-22
D. R-744
Correct answer: C. R-22
Rationale: R-22 (HCFC) has an ODP of 0.055. R-134a, R-410A, and R-
744 have zero ODP. HCFCs like R-22 deplete the ozone layer, though
less than CFCs.
3. What is the Montreal Protocol?
A. A US law banning HFCs
B. An international treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances
C. A refrigerant safety standard
D. A recovery equipment testing protocol
Correct answer: B. An international treaty to phase out ozone-
depleting substances
Rationale: The Montreal Protocol (1987) is a global agreement to
protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production
of ozone-depleting substances.
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4. What is the maximum fine per day for venting refrigerants?
A. $10,000
B. $25,000
C. $37,500
D. $50,000
Correct answer: C. $37,500**
**Rationale: Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA can fine up to $37,500
per day per violation for venting refrigerants.
5. What does GWP measure?
A. Ozone destruction ability
B. Global warming potential over 100 years relative to CO₂
C. Refrigerant toxicity
D. System efficiency
Correct answer: B. Global warming potential over 100 years relative
to CO₂
Rationale: GWP compares the heat-trapping ability of a refrigerant to
carbon dioxide. Higher GWP refrigerants contribute more to global
warming.
6. Which refrigerant is exempt from the venting prohibition?
A. R-12
B. R-22
C. R-134a
D. None of the above
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Correct answer: D. None of the above
Rationale: All CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and HFOs are covered by the
venting prohibition. Only natural refrigerants like CO₂, ammonia,
water, and air are exempt.
7. What does the term "recover" mean under EPA regulations?
A. To clean refrigerant for reuse
B. To remove refrigerant and store it in an external cylinder
C. To destroy refrigerant
D. To vent refrigerant slowly
Correct answer: B. To remove refrigerant and store it in an external
cylinder
Rationale: Recovery is the process of removing refrigerant from a
system and storing it in an external cylinder, typically for reuse or
reclamation.
8. What does the term "recycle" mean under EPA regulations?
A. To remove refrigerant and store it in an external cylinder
B. To clean refrigerant for reuse
C. To process refrigerant to meet ARI Standard 700 purity specifications
D. To dispose of refrigerant in an approved facility
Correct answer: B. To clean refrigerant for reuse
Rationale: Recycling involves cleaning refrigerant for reuse by
removing impurities such as oil, moisture, and acids. Reclaiming (C)
is the highest level of processing and must meet ARI Standard 700
purity specifications.
EPA 608 UNIVERSAL CERTIFICATION EXAM
2026 COMPLETE (125) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES.
EPA
Prepare for the EPA 608 Universal Certification Exam with focused review
materials covering refrigerant handling, recovery, recycling, and
reclamation procedures, environmental regulations under the Clean Air
Act, ozone depletion and global warming potential, HVAC/R system
components, leak detection, evacuation procedures, pressure-
temperature relationships, safety practices, and Section 608 certification
rules for Types I, II, III, and Universal certification. Designed to build
confidence in identifying refrigerant types, performing proper recovery
procedures, preventing emissions, and complying with EPA regulations.
Suitable for HVAC technicians, maintenance professionals, and
candidates preparing for the EPA 608 Universal Certification Exam.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
CORE SECTION (Questions 1–35)
1. What is the primary purpose of the EPA 608 certification?
A. To allow technicians to vent refrigerants
B. To certify technicians to handle, recover, recycle, and dispose of
refrigerants properly
C. To sell refrigerants to uncertified persons
D. To install HVAC systems without training
, Page 2 of 49
Correct answer: B. To certify technicians to handle, recover, recycle,
and dispose of refrigerants properly
Rationale: EPA 608 certification ensures technicians have the
knowledge to prevent refrigerant releases, as required by the Clean
Air Act. Technicians must be certified to work on any appliance
containing refrigerants.
2. Which refrigerant has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) greater
than zero?
A. R-134a
B. R-410A
C. R-22
D. R-744
Correct answer: C. R-22
Rationale: R-22 (HCFC) has an ODP of 0.055. R-134a, R-410A, and R-
744 have zero ODP. HCFCs like R-22 deplete the ozone layer, though
less than CFCs.
3. What is the Montreal Protocol?
A. A US law banning HFCs
B. An international treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances
C. A refrigerant safety standard
D. A recovery equipment testing protocol
Correct answer: B. An international treaty to phase out ozone-
depleting substances
Rationale: The Montreal Protocol (1987) is a global agreement to
protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production
of ozone-depleting substances.
, Page 3 of 49
4. What is the maximum fine per day for venting refrigerants?
A. $10,000
B. $25,000
C. $37,500
D. $50,000
Correct answer: C. $37,500**
**Rationale: Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA can fine up to $37,500
per day per violation for venting refrigerants.
5. What does GWP measure?
A. Ozone destruction ability
B. Global warming potential over 100 years relative to CO₂
C. Refrigerant toxicity
D. System efficiency
Correct answer: B. Global warming potential over 100 years relative
to CO₂
Rationale: GWP compares the heat-trapping ability of a refrigerant to
carbon dioxide. Higher GWP refrigerants contribute more to global
warming.
6. Which refrigerant is exempt from the venting prohibition?
A. R-12
B. R-22
C. R-134a
D. None of the above
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Correct answer: D. None of the above
Rationale: All CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and HFOs are covered by the
venting prohibition. Only natural refrigerants like CO₂, ammonia,
water, and air are exempt.
7. What does the term "recover" mean under EPA regulations?
A. To clean refrigerant for reuse
B. To remove refrigerant and store it in an external cylinder
C. To destroy refrigerant
D. To vent refrigerant slowly
Correct answer: B. To remove refrigerant and store it in an external
cylinder
Rationale: Recovery is the process of removing refrigerant from a
system and storing it in an external cylinder, typically for reuse or
reclamation.
8. What does the term "recycle" mean under EPA regulations?
A. To remove refrigerant and store it in an external cylinder
B. To clean refrigerant for reuse
C. To process refrigerant to meet ARI Standard 700 purity specifications
D. To dispose of refrigerant in an approved facility
Correct answer: B. To clean refrigerant for reuse
Rationale: Recycling involves cleaning refrigerant for reuse by
removing impurities such as oil, moisture, and acids. Reclaiming (C)
is the highest level of processing and must meet ARI Standard 700
purity specifications.
