EPA 608 Certification in 2026: Types, the New Exam and What Changed

If you open a refrigerant circuit, even just to add refrigerant, you need EPA Section 608 certification. Here's how it's structured and what changed in 2026.

The four sections

Section	Covers	You need it for
Core	Regulations, ozone, recovery, safety, shipping	Required with any type
Type I	Small appliances (factory-sealed, 5 lb or less), such as window units and refrigerators	Small appliance service
Type II	High-pressure appliances, such as residential and commercial AC, heat pumps, most refrigeration	Most HVAC techs
Type III	Low-pressure appliances, such as low-pressure chillers	Chiller work
Universal	Core + Types I, II and III	Full coverage

Each section has 25 questions, and you need 70% to pass a section. The test must be given by an EPA-approved certifying organization. A Core section taken open-book can't count toward Universal.

What changed in 2026

• New question bank. EPA and the approved certifying organizations revised the exam for only the second time since it began. The new bank has roughly 400 questions across the four sections, and the format stays the same.
• A2L and A3 refrigerants. New general-knowledge questions cover A2L and A3 refrigerants such as R-32, R-454B and R-1234yf. Questions that used to reference R-22 systems may now use R-32 or R-454B.
• Timing. The new bank came out in August 2026, and exams from the old bank can only be given through January 1, 2027.
• Not covered: the revised exam doesn't test AIM Act regulations. You still need to know them on the job. See our guide to HFC rules for 2026.

If you're already certified

• Your card stays valid. EPA 608 certification doesn't expire, and there's no federal requirement to retake the exam.
• A2L work: there's no separate federal A2L certification. Your 608 covers A2L refrigerants, though many manufacturers, distributors and states expect A2L-specific training.
• Adding a type later: if you hold Type II and want Type I or III, sections taken after January 1, 2027 come from the new bank.

Study tips

• Focus on Core. It's required and it's where most people fail.
• Know the leak-rate thresholds, recovery requirements, recovery cylinder rules and refrigerant safety classes (A1, A2L, A3).
• Take timed practice tests from the new question bank.

FAQ

Does EPA 608 certification expire?

No. Section 608 certification doesn't expire.

Do I need a new certification for R-454B or R-32?

Not at the federal level. Your existing 608 covers them. Check state and local requirements and manufacturer training.

What score do I need to pass?

70% on each section (18 of 25 questions).

Sources

• ACHR News: what you need to know about the new Section 608 exam
• EPA: Section 608 technician certification requirements
• Trade Colleges: how to pass the EPA 608 exam