EPA 608 UNIVERSAL EXAM
Actual Exam with All 160 Verified Questions and Detailed Answers with Rationales
2026/2027 Edition
Aligned with EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Management Program | Clean Air Act | HVAC Industry Standards
Technician Certification Examination Preparation - Universal Level (Type I, II, III, and Core)
Total Questions: 160 | Cognitive Distribution: 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis
Question Style: 70% Scenario-Based, 30% Direct Knowledge
Exam Structure Overview:
Section 1: Core Fundamentals - Ozone Depletion & Environmental Science (Q1-Q20)
Section 2: Core Fundamentals - Refrigeration Cycle & System Components (Q21-Q40)
Section 3: Core Fundamentals - Safety & Handling (Q41-Q55)
Section 4: Type I - Small Appliances (Q56-Q70)
Section 5: Type II - High-Pressure Appliances (Q71-Q95)
Section 6: Type III - Low-Pressure Appliances (Q96-Q120)
Section 7: Universal - All System Types (Q121-Q140)
Section 8: Regulations, Recordkeeping, & Compliance (Q141-Q160)
Section 1: Core Fundamentals - Ozone Depletion & Environmental Science
This section covers ozone depletion science, the Montreal Protocol, Clean Air Act Section 608, SNAP program,
refrigerant phaseout schedules, ODP/GWP fundamentals, and environmental impact of refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs,
HFCs, HFOs, and natural refrigerants).
Q1: A technician is reviewing atmospheric chemistry before performing a refrigerant recovery job
on an older R-12 system. In which atmospheric layer does the protective ozone layer reside, where
CFCs and HCFCs release chlorine atoms that catalyze ozone destruction?
A. Troposphere (10-15 km altitude)
B. Stratosphere (10-50 km altitude) *[CORRECT]*
C. Mesosphere (50-85 km altitude)
D. Thermosphere (above 85 km altitude)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The protective ozone layer resides in the stratosphere (approximately 10-50 km above Earth). CFCs
and HCFCs are stable in the troposphere but photodissociate in the stratosphere under UV radiation, releasing
chlorine atoms that catalytically destroy ozone molecules. The Clean Air Act Section 608 regulates refrigerants
specifically to prevent stratospheric ozone depletion.
Aligned with EPA Section 608 | Clean Air Act | HVAC Industry Standards (2026/2027) 160 Verified Questions
,EPA 608 Universal Exam | 2026/2027 Edition Page 2
Q2: A service technician encounters a refrigerant cylinder labeled R-11. Based on ozone depletion
potential (ODP) reference standards, what ODP value is assigned to R-11, which serves as the
baseline reference of 1.0?
A. R-11 has an ODP of 0.0 (no ozone impact)
B. R-11 has an ODP of 0.5
C. R-11 has an ODP of 1.0 (the reference baseline) *[CORRECT]*
D. R-11 has an ODP of 5.0
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: R-11 (CFC-11) is the reference baseline for ODP measurement, assigned a value of 1.0. All other
refrigerants are compared against R-11's ozone depletion impact. CFCs generally have ODP values near 1.0,
HCFCs have lower ODP (typically 0.02-0.11), and HFCs/HFOs have an ODP of 0. The Montreal Protocol uses
ODP as a key metric in phaseout scheduling.
Q3: An HVAC instructor is explaining global warming potential (GWP) to apprentices. Which
refrigerant serves as the baseline reference value of 1.0 for GWP measurements?
A. R-11 (CFC)
B. Carbon dioxide (CO2) *[CORRECT]*
C. R-22 (HCFC)
D. Methane (CH4)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the baseline reference for GWP with a value of 1.0 over a 100-year time
horizon. All refrigerant GWPs are measured relative to CO2. For example, R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, meaning
it is 2,088 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO2. The AIM Act phasedown of HFCs is driven primarily
by their high GWP values.
Q4: During a system retrofit consultation, a building owner asks why their R-12 chiller must be
replaced. Which international agreement, signed in 1987, established the global framework that
mandated phaseout of CFC production including R-11 and R-12?
A. Kyoto Protocol (1997)
B. Paris Agreement (2015)
C. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) *[CORRECT]*
D. Clean Air Act Amendments (1990)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, signed in September 1987, is the
international treaty that established the global framework for phasing out ozone-depleting substances including
CFCs. CFC production in developed nations ceased January 1, 1996. The U.S. Clean Air Act Section 608
implements Montreal Protocol obligations domestically.
Aligned with EPA Section 608 | Clean Air Act | HVAC Industry Standards (2026/2027) 160 Verified Questions
,EPA 608 Universal Exam | 2026/2027 Edition Page 3
Q5: A service manager is explaining the CFC phaseout timeline to new hires. Under Montreal
Protocol provisions implemented via the Clean Air Act, when did CFC production (including R-11,
R-12, R-114, R-115) cease in the United States?
A. January 1, 1990
B. January 1, 1996 *[CORRECT]*
C. January 1, 2000
D. January 1, 2010
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CFC production ceased in the United States on January 1, 1996, per Montreal Protocol obligations.
While new production stopped, recovered and stockpiled CFCs could still be used until supplies were exhausted.
R-11, R-12, R-114, and R-115 (all CFCs) were the most affected refrigerants, with ODP values at or near 1.0.
Q6: An HVAC company is deciding whether to continue servicing R-22 systems or transition to
alternative refrigerants. Under the EPA phaseout schedule, when did HCFC-22 (R-22) production
and import cease for use in new equipment in the United States?
A. January 1, 2000
B. January 1, 2010 *[CORRECT]*
C. January 1, 2015
D. January 1, 2020
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: HCFC-22 (R-22) production and import for use in new equipment ceased on January 1, 2010. After this
date, recovered and recycled R-22 could still service existing systems. On January 1, 2020, total R-22 production
and import ceased completely. The remaining R-22 supply now comes from recovered and reclaimed sources
only.
Q7: A building owner is evaluating equipment options and asks about HFC phasedown. Which
U.S. legislation mandates the phasedown of HFC production and consumption, modeled after the
Montreal Protocol's Kigali Amendment?
A. American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 *[CORRECT]*
B. Energy Policy Act of 2005
C. Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
D. Climate Action Plan of 2013
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 directs the EPA to phase down HFC
production and consumption by 85% over a 15-year period (2022-2036). The AIM Act implements U.S. obligations
under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, transitioning industry toward HFOs and natural refrigerants
with lower GWP.
Aligned with EPA Section 608 | Clean Air Act | HVAC Industry Standards (2026/2027) 160 Verified Questions
, EPA 608 Universal Exam | 2026/2027 Edition Page 4
Q8: A technician is selecting a replacement refrigerant for an automotive A/C system. Which HFO
refrigerant, with a GWP of less than 1, has been widely adopted as a replacement for R-134a in
mobile air conditioning?
A. R-410A
B. R-32
C. R-1234yf *[CORRECT]*
D. R-407C
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: R-1234yf (HFO-1234yf) has a GWP of less than 1 (compared to R-134a's GWP of 1,430) and has
been widely adopted as the replacement for R-134a in mobile air conditioning systems. R-1234yf is classified as
A2L (slightly flammable), and its chemical breakdown in the atmosphere is approximately 11 days, dramatically
reducing environmental persistence compared to HFCs.
Q9: An apprentice is studying EPA regulatory history. Which section of the Clean Air Act
specifically establishes the national refrigerant management program requiring technician
certification, refrigerant recovery, and recordkeeping?
A. Clean Air Act Section 602
B. Clean Air Act Section 608 *[CORRECT]*
C. Clean Air Act Section 609
D. Clean Air Act Section 612
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clean Air Act Section 608 establishes the National Recycling and Emission Reduction Program for
refrigerants. Section 608 requires technician certification, refrigerant recovery equipment, recordkeeping, and
refrigerant sales restrictions. Section 609 covers MVAC (motor vehicle air conditioning) service, Section 612
covers SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy), and Section 602 covers ozone-depleting substance phaseout.
Q10: A building manager asks what determines whether a refrigerant alternative is 'acceptable' for
use in their HVAC system. Which EPA program evaluates and approves refrigerant substitutes
based on ozone depletion, climate, and health risks?
A. SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) *[CORRECT]*
B. NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants)
C. TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) New Chemicals Program
D. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, established under Clean Air Act Section 612,
evaluates and approves substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. SNAP reviews alternatives based on
atmospheric effects, exposure risks, flammability, and toxicity. SNAP listings classify refrigerants as 'acceptable,'
'acceptable subject to use conditions,' or 'unacceptable' for specific end-uses.
Aligned with EPA Section 608 | Clean Air Act | HVAC Industry Standards (2026/2027) 160 Verified Questions
Actual Exam with All 160 Verified Questions and Detailed Answers with Rationales
2026/2027 Edition
Aligned with EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Management Program | Clean Air Act | HVAC Industry Standards
Technician Certification Examination Preparation - Universal Level (Type I, II, III, and Core)
Total Questions: 160 | Cognitive Distribution: 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis
Question Style: 70% Scenario-Based, 30% Direct Knowledge
Exam Structure Overview:
Section 1: Core Fundamentals - Ozone Depletion & Environmental Science (Q1-Q20)
Section 2: Core Fundamentals - Refrigeration Cycle & System Components (Q21-Q40)
Section 3: Core Fundamentals - Safety & Handling (Q41-Q55)
Section 4: Type I - Small Appliances (Q56-Q70)
Section 5: Type II - High-Pressure Appliances (Q71-Q95)
Section 6: Type III - Low-Pressure Appliances (Q96-Q120)
Section 7: Universal - All System Types (Q121-Q140)
Section 8: Regulations, Recordkeeping, & Compliance (Q141-Q160)
Section 1: Core Fundamentals - Ozone Depletion & Environmental Science
This section covers ozone depletion science, the Montreal Protocol, Clean Air Act Section 608, SNAP program,
refrigerant phaseout schedules, ODP/GWP fundamentals, and environmental impact of refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs,
HFCs, HFOs, and natural refrigerants).
Q1: A technician is reviewing atmospheric chemistry before performing a refrigerant recovery job
on an older R-12 system. In which atmospheric layer does the protective ozone layer reside, where
CFCs and HCFCs release chlorine atoms that catalyze ozone destruction?
A. Troposphere (10-15 km altitude)
B. Stratosphere (10-50 km altitude) *[CORRECT]*
C. Mesosphere (50-85 km altitude)
D. Thermosphere (above 85 km altitude)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The protective ozone layer resides in the stratosphere (approximately 10-50 km above Earth). CFCs
and HCFCs are stable in the troposphere but photodissociate in the stratosphere under UV radiation, releasing
chlorine atoms that catalytically destroy ozone molecules. The Clean Air Act Section 608 regulates refrigerants
specifically to prevent stratospheric ozone depletion.
Aligned with EPA Section 608 | Clean Air Act | HVAC Industry Standards (2026/2027) 160 Verified Questions
,EPA 608 Universal Exam | 2026/2027 Edition Page 2
Q2: A service technician encounters a refrigerant cylinder labeled R-11. Based on ozone depletion
potential (ODP) reference standards, what ODP value is assigned to R-11, which serves as the
baseline reference of 1.0?
A. R-11 has an ODP of 0.0 (no ozone impact)
B. R-11 has an ODP of 0.5
C. R-11 has an ODP of 1.0 (the reference baseline) *[CORRECT]*
D. R-11 has an ODP of 5.0
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: R-11 (CFC-11) is the reference baseline for ODP measurement, assigned a value of 1.0. All other
refrigerants are compared against R-11's ozone depletion impact. CFCs generally have ODP values near 1.0,
HCFCs have lower ODP (typically 0.02-0.11), and HFCs/HFOs have an ODP of 0. The Montreal Protocol uses
ODP as a key metric in phaseout scheduling.
Q3: An HVAC instructor is explaining global warming potential (GWP) to apprentices. Which
refrigerant serves as the baseline reference value of 1.0 for GWP measurements?
A. R-11 (CFC)
B. Carbon dioxide (CO2) *[CORRECT]*
C. R-22 (HCFC)
D. Methane (CH4)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the baseline reference for GWP with a value of 1.0 over a 100-year time
horizon. All refrigerant GWPs are measured relative to CO2. For example, R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, meaning
it is 2,088 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO2. The AIM Act phasedown of HFCs is driven primarily
by their high GWP values.
Q4: During a system retrofit consultation, a building owner asks why their R-12 chiller must be
replaced. Which international agreement, signed in 1987, established the global framework that
mandated phaseout of CFC production including R-11 and R-12?
A. Kyoto Protocol (1997)
B. Paris Agreement (2015)
C. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) *[CORRECT]*
D. Clean Air Act Amendments (1990)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, signed in September 1987, is the
international treaty that established the global framework for phasing out ozone-depleting substances including
CFCs. CFC production in developed nations ceased January 1, 1996. The U.S. Clean Air Act Section 608
implements Montreal Protocol obligations domestically.
Aligned with EPA Section 608 | Clean Air Act | HVAC Industry Standards (2026/2027) 160 Verified Questions
,EPA 608 Universal Exam | 2026/2027 Edition Page 3
Q5: A service manager is explaining the CFC phaseout timeline to new hires. Under Montreal
Protocol provisions implemented via the Clean Air Act, when did CFC production (including R-11,
R-12, R-114, R-115) cease in the United States?
A. January 1, 1990
B. January 1, 1996 *[CORRECT]*
C. January 1, 2000
D. January 1, 2010
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CFC production ceased in the United States on January 1, 1996, per Montreal Protocol obligations.
While new production stopped, recovered and stockpiled CFCs could still be used until supplies were exhausted.
R-11, R-12, R-114, and R-115 (all CFCs) were the most affected refrigerants, with ODP values at or near 1.0.
Q6: An HVAC company is deciding whether to continue servicing R-22 systems or transition to
alternative refrigerants. Under the EPA phaseout schedule, when did HCFC-22 (R-22) production
and import cease for use in new equipment in the United States?
A. January 1, 2000
B. January 1, 2010 *[CORRECT]*
C. January 1, 2015
D. January 1, 2020
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: HCFC-22 (R-22) production and import for use in new equipment ceased on January 1, 2010. After this
date, recovered and recycled R-22 could still service existing systems. On January 1, 2020, total R-22 production
and import ceased completely. The remaining R-22 supply now comes from recovered and reclaimed sources
only.
Q7: A building owner is evaluating equipment options and asks about HFC phasedown. Which
U.S. legislation mandates the phasedown of HFC production and consumption, modeled after the
Montreal Protocol's Kigali Amendment?
A. American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 *[CORRECT]*
B. Energy Policy Act of 2005
C. Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
D. Climate Action Plan of 2013
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 directs the EPA to phase down HFC
production and consumption by 85% over a 15-year period (2022-2036). The AIM Act implements U.S. obligations
under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, transitioning industry toward HFOs and natural refrigerants
with lower GWP.
Aligned with EPA Section 608 | Clean Air Act | HVAC Industry Standards (2026/2027) 160 Verified Questions
, EPA 608 Universal Exam | 2026/2027 Edition Page 4
Q8: A technician is selecting a replacement refrigerant for an automotive A/C system. Which HFO
refrigerant, with a GWP of less than 1, has been widely adopted as a replacement for R-134a in
mobile air conditioning?
A. R-410A
B. R-32
C. R-1234yf *[CORRECT]*
D. R-407C
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: R-1234yf (HFO-1234yf) has a GWP of less than 1 (compared to R-134a's GWP of 1,430) and has
been widely adopted as the replacement for R-134a in mobile air conditioning systems. R-1234yf is classified as
A2L (slightly flammable), and its chemical breakdown in the atmosphere is approximately 11 days, dramatically
reducing environmental persistence compared to HFCs.
Q9: An apprentice is studying EPA regulatory history. Which section of the Clean Air Act
specifically establishes the national refrigerant management program requiring technician
certification, refrigerant recovery, and recordkeeping?
A. Clean Air Act Section 602
B. Clean Air Act Section 608 *[CORRECT]*
C. Clean Air Act Section 609
D. Clean Air Act Section 612
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clean Air Act Section 608 establishes the National Recycling and Emission Reduction Program for
refrigerants. Section 608 requires technician certification, refrigerant recovery equipment, recordkeeping, and
refrigerant sales restrictions. Section 609 covers MVAC (motor vehicle air conditioning) service, Section 612
covers SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy), and Section 602 covers ozone-depleting substance phaseout.
Q10: A building manager asks what determines whether a refrigerant alternative is 'acceptable' for
use in their HVAC system. Which EPA program evaluates and approves refrigerant substitutes
based on ozone depletion, climate, and health risks?
A. SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) *[CORRECT]*
B. NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants)
C. TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) New Chemicals Program
D. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, established under Clean Air Act Section 612,
evaluates and approves substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. SNAP reviews alternatives based on
atmospheric effects, exposure risks, flammability, and toxicity. SNAP listings classify refrigerants as 'acceptable,'
'acceptable subject to use conditions,' or 'unacceptable' for specific end-uses.
Aligned with EPA Section 608 | Clean Air Act | HVAC Industry Standards (2026/2027) 160 Verified Questions
