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EPA SECTION 608 CERTIFICATION
ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS & COMPLETE
RATIONALES
**1. Which refrigerant classification has the highest ozone
depletion potential (ODP)?**
A. HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon)
B. HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbon)
C. CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon)
D. Natural refrigerants
**Correct answer:** C
**Rationale:** CFC refrigerants contain chlorine atoms that are
highly destructive to stratospheric ozone. CFCs have ODP
values ranging from 0.6 to 1.0, with R-11 and R-12 having an
ODP of 1.0, the highest reference value. HCFCs have lower
ODP (0.01-0.1), while HFCs have zero ODP because they
contain no chlorine.
---
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**2. Under EPA Section 608 regulations, what is the maximum
allowable annual leak rate for commercial refrigeration
equipment containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant?**
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 15%
D. 35%
**Correct answer:** D
**Rationale:** EPA Section 608 regulations specify different
leak repair thresholds based on equipment type. For
commercial and industrial process refrigeration systems
containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant, the allowable
annual leak rate is 35%. If the leak rate exceeds this threshold,
repairs must be completed within 30 days or a
retrofit/retirement plan must be developed. For comfort cooling
and other non-process equipment, the threshold is lower at
15%.
---
**3. What is the primary purpose of a purge unit on a low-
pressure centrifugal chiller?**
A. To remove oil from the refrigerant circuit
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B. To remove non-condensable gases and air from the system
C. To increase system pressure during operation
D. To filter moisture from the refrigerant
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** Low-pressure chillers operate below atmospheric
pressure, which can allow air and moisture to infiltrate through
small leaks. The purge unit automatically removes these non-
condensable gases from the condenser to maintain efficient
heat transfer and prevent corrosion. High-efficiency purge units
are designed to minimize refrigerant loss during this process,
returning recovered refrigerant to the system.
---
**4. Which of the following is TRUE regarding the recovery of
refrigerant from a small appliance with an inoperative
compressor using passive recovery equipment?**
A. Only the high-side access valve is required
B. The compressor must be operated during recovery
C. Both high and low-side access valves should be installed
D. Recovery is not required for inoperative compressors
**Correct answer:** C
EPA SECTION 608 CERTIFICATION
ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS & COMPLETE
RATIONALES
**1. Which refrigerant classification has the highest ozone
depletion potential (ODP)?**
A. HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon)
B. HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbon)
C. CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon)
D. Natural refrigerants
**Correct answer:** C
**Rationale:** CFC refrigerants contain chlorine atoms that are
highly destructive to stratospheric ozone. CFCs have ODP
values ranging from 0.6 to 1.0, with R-11 and R-12 having an
ODP of 1.0, the highest reference value. HCFCs have lower
ODP (0.01-0.1), while HFCs have zero ODP because they
contain no chlorine.
---
,2 | Page
**2. Under EPA Section 608 regulations, what is the maximum
allowable annual leak rate for commercial refrigeration
equipment containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant?**
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 15%
D. 35%
**Correct answer:** D
**Rationale:** EPA Section 608 regulations specify different
leak repair thresholds based on equipment type. For
commercial and industrial process refrigeration systems
containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant, the allowable
annual leak rate is 35%. If the leak rate exceeds this threshold,
repairs must be completed within 30 days or a
retrofit/retirement plan must be developed. For comfort cooling
and other non-process equipment, the threshold is lower at
15%.
---
**3. What is the primary purpose of a purge unit on a low-
pressure centrifugal chiller?**
A. To remove oil from the refrigerant circuit
, 3 | Page
B. To remove non-condensable gases and air from the system
C. To increase system pressure during operation
D. To filter moisture from the refrigerant
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** Low-pressure chillers operate below atmospheric
pressure, which can allow air and moisture to infiltrate through
small leaks. The purge unit automatically removes these non-
condensable gases from the condenser to maintain efficient
heat transfer and prevent corrosion. High-efficiency purge units
are designed to minimize refrigerant loss during this process,
returning recovered refrigerant to the system.
---
**4. Which of the following is TRUE regarding the recovery of
refrigerant from a small appliance with an inoperative
compressor using passive recovery equipment?**
A. Only the high-side access valve is required
B. The compressor must be operated during recovery
C. Both high and low-side access valves should be installed
D. Recovery is not required for inoperative compressors
**Correct answer:** C
