SkillCat EPA 608 EXAM: Questions Actual
Exam Questions with Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationales 2026
1. What does the "608" in EPA 608 refer to?
A. The number of refrigerant types regulated by the EPA
B. The section of the Clean Air Act that regulates refrigerants
C. The number of hours required for certification
D. The model number of the EPA test device
Answer: B
Rationale: EPA 608 refers to Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, which sets
rules and certification requirements for handling refrigerants that can harm
the ozone layer. This section specifically addresses refrigerant management,
recycling, and technician certification requirements .
2. Which of the following refrigerants are NOT covered under EPA 608
regulations?
A. CFCs
B. HCFCs
C. HFCs
D. All of the above are covered
Answer: C
Rationale: EPA 608 covers CFCs and HCFCs because they are ozone-
depleting substances. HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, so they are not
,regulated under Section 608. However, some HFCs may be regulated under
other EPA programs due to their high global warming potential (GWP) .
3. What is the primary purpose of the Clean Air Act's Section 608?
A. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
B. To prevent the release of ozone-depleting refrigerants
C. To regulate refrigerant prices
D. To ensure HVAC technicians have proper insurance
Answer: B
Rationale: Section 608 was created primarily to reduce the depletion of the
ozone layer by regulating the handling and disposal of ozone-depleting
refrigerants. The Montreal Protocol and subsequent Clean Air Act
amendments established the phase-out schedule for CFCs, HCFCs, and other
ozone-depleting substances .
4. Which piece of equipment is required to recover refrigerants from
an appliance?
A. Refrigerant charging scale
B. Manifold gauge set
C. Refrigerant recovery machine
D. Refrigerant leak detector
Answer: C
Rationale: A refrigerant recovery machine is specifically designed to safely
remove refrigerant from a system without releasing it into the atmosphere.
While manifold gauges may be used in conjunction with recovery equipment,
,the recovery machine itself is the primary tool required for refrigerant
recovery .
5. What is a sign of a compressor burnout?
A. A loud noise
B. High pressure
C. A pungent smell
D. Low pressure
Answer: C
Rationale: A pungent smell is a sign of a compressor burnout, indicating the
motor windings have overheated and the refrigerant may be contaminated
with acids. This is a critical indicator that the system may require additional
cleanup procedures .
6. What piece of equipment should be checked for leaks on a daily
basis?
A. Vacuum pump
B. Manifold gauge set
C. Recovery device
D. Compressor
Answer: C
Rationale: Recovery equipment should be checked for leaks on a daily basis
to ensure proper operation and prevent refrigerant emissions. Regular leak
checks are essential for maintaining the integrity of recovery equipment .
, 7. True or false: A recovery device must achieve 4 inches of vacuum
under all circumstances.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B
Rationale: Recovery devices do not need to achieve 4 inches of vacuum
under all circumstances. The requirement depends on the type of appliance
and the recovery method used. For example, small appliances may have
different vacuum requirements .
8. What can remove non-condensables from a system?
A. Recovery equipment only
B. Vacuum pumps only
C. Filter dryers and flushing the system
D. Manifold gauges
Answer: C
Rationale: Filter dryers and flushing the system can remove non-
condensables from a system. Filter dryers also remove moisture and
contaminants. This is an important maintenance procedure for ensuring
system efficiency .
9. When retrofitting a system to R-134a, which oil do you use?
Exam Questions with Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationales 2026
1. What does the "608" in EPA 608 refer to?
A. The number of refrigerant types regulated by the EPA
B. The section of the Clean Air Act that regulates refrigerants
C. The number of hours required for certification
D. The model number of the EPA test device
Answer: B
Rationale: EPA 608 refers to Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, which sets
rules and certification requirements for handling refrigerants that can harm
the ozone layer. This section specifically addresses refrigerant management,
recycling, and technician certification requirements .
2. Which of the following refrigerants are NOT covered under EPA 608
regulations?
A. CFCs
B. HCFCs
C. HFCs
D. All of the above are covered
Answer: C
Rationale: EPA 608 covers CFCs and HCFCs because they are ozone-
depleting substances. HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, so they are not
,regulated under Section 608. However, some HFCs may be regulated under
other EPA programs due to their high global warming potential (GWP) .
3. What is the primary purpose of the Clean Air Act's Section 608?
A. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
B. To prevent the release of ozone-depleting refrigerants
C. To regulate refrigerant prices
D. To ensure HVAC technicians have proper insurance
Answer: B
Rationale: Section 608 was created primarily to reduce the depletion of the
ozone layer by regulating the handling and disposal of ozone-depleting
refrigerants. The Montreal Protocol and subsequent Clean Air Act
amendments established the phase-out schedule for CFCs, HCFCs, and other
ozone-depleting substances .
4. Which piece of equipment is required to recover refrigerants from
an appliance?
A. Refrigerant charging scale
B. Manifold gauge set
C. Refrigerant recovery machine
D. Refrigerant leak detector
Answer: C
Rationale: A refrigerant recovery machine is specifically designed to safely
remove refrigerant from a system without releasing it into the atmosphere.
While manifold gauges may be used in conjunction with recovery equipment,
,the recovery machine itself is the primary tool required for refrigerant
recovery .
5. What is a sign of a compressor burnout?
A. A loud noise
B. High pressure
C. A pungent smell
D. Low pressure
Answer: C
Rationale: A pungent smell is a sign of a compressor burnout, indicating the
motor windings have overheated and the refrigerant may be contaminated
with acids. This is a critical indicator that the system may require additional
cleanup procedures .
6. What piece of equipment should be checked for leaks on a daily
basis?
A. Vacuum pump
B. Manifold gauge set
C. Recovery device
D. Compressor
Answer: C
Rationale: Recovery equipment should be checked for leaks on a daily basis
to ensure proper operation and prevent refrigerant emissions. Regular leak
checks are essential for maintaining the integrity of recovery equipment .
, 7. True or false: A recovery device must achieve 4 inches of vacuum
under all circumstances.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B
Rationale: Recovery devices do not need to achieve 4 inches of vacuum
under all circumstances. The requirement depends on the type of appliance
and the recovery method used. For example, small appliances may have
different vacuum requirements .
8. What can remove non-condensables from a system?
A. Recovery equipment only
B. Vacuum pumps only
C. Filter dryers and flushing the system
D. Manifold gauges
Answer: C
Rationale: Filter dryers and flushing the system can remove non-
condensables from a system. Filter dryers also remove moisture and
contaminants. This is an important maintenance procedure for ensuring
system efficiency .
9. When retrofitting a system to R-134a, which oil do you use?
