EPA 608 CORE EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS
RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Environmental Impact and Ozone Depletion
Refrigerant Classification and Chemistry
Regulatory Compliance and Clean Air Act Requirements
Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Reclamation
Leak Detection and Repair Requirements
Safety Standards and Cylinder Handling
Refrigeration Cycle Fundamentals
Technician Certification and Ethics
Recordkeeping and Documentation
,Post-2026 Regulatory Updates and A2L Refrigerants
Introduction
The EPA 608 Core examination assesses the foundational knowledge required of all technicians who service, maintain,
repair, or dispose of appliances containing regulated refrigerants. This certification is mandated under Section 608 of
the Clean Air Act and administered by EPA-approved testing organizations. The exam evaluates understanding of
ozone depletion science, refrigerant classifications, federal regulations, safe handling procedures, recovery techniques,
and leak repair requirements. Questions are presented in multiple-choice format with scenario-based applications that
reflect real-world field conditions. Emphasis is placed on critical decision-making, regulatory compliance, and ethical
professional conduct. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of these core principles before advancing to type-specific
certification examinations.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
Question 1
,Which refrigerant classification contains chlorine atoms that contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion when
released into the atmosphere?
A. HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon)
B. HFO (Hydrofluoroolefin)
C. CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon)
D. HC (Hydrocarbon)
🟢 Correct Answer: C. CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon)
🔴 Explanation: CFCs contain chlorine atoms that, when released into the stratosphere, are broken down by
ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine radicals that catalytically destroy ozone molecules. HFCs contain no chlorine
and have zero ozone depletion potential. HFOs and hydrocarbons are alternative refrigerants with minimal
environmental impact regarding ozone depletion.
Question 2
What is the primary mechanism by which a single chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can destroy thousands of
ozone molecules?
, A. Direct chemical reaction that consumes the chlorine atom
B. Catalytic cycle where chlorine is regenerated after each reaction
C. Physical absorption of ozone into the chlorine molecule
D. Thermal decomposition of ozone at high altitudes
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Catalytic cycle where chlorine is regenerated after each reaction
🔴 Explanation: The catalytic cycle involves chlorine reacting with ozone to form chlorine monoxide and oxygen,
then chlorine monoxide reacting with atomic oxygen to regenerate the chlorine atom. This regeneration allows one
chlorine atom to destroy many ozone molecules before finally being removed from the stratosphere.
Question 3
Which of the following refrigerants has the highest ozone depletion potential (ODP)?
A. R-22 (HCFC)
B. R-134a (HFC)
C. R-12 (CFC)
RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Environmental Impact and Ozone Depletion
Refrigerant Classification and Chemistry
Regulatory Compliance and Clean Air Act Requirements
Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Reclamation
Leak Detection and Repair Requirements
Safety Standards and Cylinder Handling
Refrigeration Cycle Fundamentals
Technician Certification and Ethics
Recordkeeping and Documentation
,Post-2026 Regulatory Updates and A2L Refrigerants
Introduction
The EPA 608 Core examination assesses the foundational knowledge required of all technicians who service, maintain,
repair, or dispose of appliances containing regulated refrigerants. This certification is mandated under Section 608 of
the Clean Air Act and administered by EPA-approved testing organizations. The exam evaluates understanding of
ozone depletion science, refrigerant classifications, federal regulations, safe handling procedures, recovery techniques,
and leak repair requirements. Questions are presented in multiple-choice format with scenario-based applications that
reflect real-world field conditions. Emphasis is placed on critical decision-making, regulatory compliance, and ethical
professional conduct. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of these core principles before advancing to type-specific
certification examinations.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
Question 1
,Which refrigerant classification contains chlorine atoms that contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion when
released into the atmosphere?
A. HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon)
B. HFO (Hydrofluoroolefin)
C. CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon)
D. HC (Hydrocarbon)
🟢 Correct Answer: C. CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon)
🔴 Explanation: CFCs contain chlorine atoms that, when released into the stratosphere, are broken down by
ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine radicals that catalytically destroy ozone molecules. HFCs contain no chlorine
and have zero ozone depletion potential. HFOs and hydrocarbons are alternative refrigerants with minimal
environmental impact regarding ozone depletion.
Question 2
What is the primary mechanism by which a single chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can destroy thousands of
ozone molecules?
, A. Direct chemical reaction that consumes the chlorine atom
B. Catalytic cycle where chlorine is regenerated after each reaction
C. Physical absorption of ozone into the chlorine molecule
D. Thermal decomposition of ozone at high altitudes
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Catalytic cycle where chlorine is regenerated after each reaction
🔴 Explanation: The catalytic cycle involves chlorine reacting with ozone to form chlorine monoxide and oxygen,
then chlorine monoxide reacting with atomic oxygen to regenerate the chlorine atom. This regeneration allows one
chlorine atom to destroy many ozone molecules before finally being removed from the stratosphere.
Question 3
Which of the following refrigerants has the highest ozone depletion potential (ODP)?
A. R-22 (HCFC)
B. R-134a (HFC)
C. R-12 (CFC)
