Workers in the HVAC field often have to worry about several types of certifications to find success. HVAC technicians may need to get a state license or a product certification to show their knowledge and skills. A key component of a successful career in HVAC is having an EPA license. The federal government mandates EPA 608 certifications for those who work in certain aspects of HVAC. Here is everything you need to know about this type of certification and whether or not you need one.
If you want to service and maintain refrigeration and air conditioning systems, you likely have heard about EPA 608 certification. But what exactly is Type 1 and Type 2 certification? And how do you get certified? This guide will provide a breakdown of the EPA requirements, exam details, and certification process for HVAC technicians.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees technician certification under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. These mandatory certifications ensure that technicians handle refrigerants properly to prevent ozone layer damage. Let’s explore what Type 1 and Type 2 entail specifically.
Overview of EPA 608 Type 1 Certification
The EPA Section 608 Type 1 certification qualifies technicians to service small appliances containing refrigerants. To be certified Type 1, technicians must pass a proctored exam covering:
- Refrigerant regulations
- The ozone layer and ozone depletion
- Effects, properties, and handling of different refrigerants
- Refrigerant containment
- Recovery techniques
- Leak detection methods
- Safety precautions
Type 1 certified techs can perform limited services on equipment like refrigerators, residential air conditioners, PTAC units, vending machines, drinking fountains, and other systems with small refrigerant charges.
Specifically, they can add or remove refrigerant, check for leaks, evacuate systems, and perform other basic tasks during maintenance or repair. Type 1 does not cover appliance disposal.
Overview of EPA 608 Type 2 Certification
EPA Section 608 Type 2 certification authorizes technicians to service medium, high and very high-pressure appliances except for small appliances and MVACs.
To become Type 2 certified, techs must pass a proctored exam covering:
- Leak detection methods
- Recovery techniques
- Safety protocols
- Disposal requirements
- Recordkeeping
With Type 2 certification, technicians can work on commercial refrigeration systems like chillers, refrigerated transport, industrial process refrigeration, and commercial AC units.
They can perform all tasks related to installation, maintenance, and servicing of these appliances. Proper refrigerant handling is emphasized on the Type 2 exam.
Why EPA 608 Certification Matters
EPA 608 certification is mandatory for anyone handling refrigerants. Without certification technicians cannot
- Purchase refrigerants
- Work on equipment using refrigerants
- Offer air conditioning or refrigeration services
Violating Section 608 regulations can result in large fines of up to $37500 per offense for individuals and $375000 for organizations per violation.
Proper refrigerant management also helps protect the ozone layer. Older refrigerants like R-22 and R-12 contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that deplete ozone when released.
Responsible handling and containment by certified techs prevents ozone depletion. EPA 608 certification ensures public and environmental safety.
How to Get EPA Section 608 Type 1 Certification
Here is the typical process for HVAC technicians to gain their Type 1 certification:
1. Check state requirements
Some states have additional regulations beyond EPA 608 certification. Make sure you know your state’s specific technician requirements.
2. Review the EPA guidelines
Read Section 608 documents so you understand which appliances and tasks Type 1 certification permits. Know the exam topics.
3. Purchase a study guide (optional)
Study guides offer practice questions to help you prepare for the Type 1 exam. ESCI and Mainstream Engineering are popular choices.
4. Schedule your Type 1 exam
Find an EPA-approved testing organization and register to take the proctored Type 1 certification exam.
5. Take and pass the Type 1 exam
The Type 1 exam is open-book and includes 50 multiple choice questions. Earn a minimum score of 70% to pass and get certified.
6. Receive your Type 1 EPA card
You will be mailed a wallet-sized EPA Section 608 Type 1 Certification card to show proof of certification. Certification is good for life and does not require renewal.
How Much Does Type 1 EPA 608 Certification Cost?
The costs for Type 1 certification include:
- Type 1 Exam Fee: $25 to $50
- Study Materials (optional): $50 to $150
- Total: Approximately $100 to $200
Many HVAC employers will actually reimburse technicians for the exam and materials costs. Check with your employer about reimbursement options.
How Long Does It Take to Get Type 1 Certified?
You can usually gain Type 1 certification within just 1-2 weeks following these steps:
- Review EPA guidelines and study for exam (1 week)
- Register and schedule Type 1 exam (1 day)
- Take and pass open-book exam (less than 1 hour)
- Receive emailed exam results (1-3 days)
- Obtain certification card by mail (1 week)
So in about 2 weeks or less, you can become EPA 608 Type 1 certified once you pass the exam.
Which States Require EPA 608 Certification?
While EPA 608 certification is federal law, some states add their own specific requirements:
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California, Oregon, and Vermont require all technicians be certified, even helpers and apprentices.
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Louisiana and Florida require extra exams beyond EPA 608 for state certification.
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Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia require HVAC contractor licenses with 608 certification verified.
Check with your state’s HVAC licensing board to ensure you meet all local refrigerant handling requirements.
Bottom Line on Type 1 Certification
Earning your EPA Section 608 Type 1 certification allows you to legally handle refrigerants and service small HVAC/R systems. By passing one reasonably priced open-book exam, you can unlock your ability to maintain and repair residential ACs, retail refrigeration, vending equipment, and other appliances as an HVAC technician.
Different Types of Certifications in HVAC
HVAC professionals who need this certification must also determine the specific type that matches their line of work. EPA 608 certification is classified into four different kinds. Each type of EPA 608 certification allows the HVAC professional to work with certain appliances.
Type I – Type I EPA 608 licenses allow HVAC workers to service only small appliances. Small appliances are designated as those that use factory-sealed refrigerants of five pounds or less. To be certified, candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the safety and recovery of refrigerants in smaller appliances, often residential appliances.
Type II – The Type II EPA 608 certification is for jobs that involve repairing, servicing, or disposing of high-pressure appliances. Those with this certification are not qualified to repair, service, or dispose of small appliances or air conditioning systems in a motor vehicle. Professionals with this certification are expected to know how to find a refrigerant leak and repair it safely. They are also experts in safely disposing of high-pressure appliances with refrigerants. In some cases, this may include commercial equipment. High-pressure appliances include commercial refrigerators, heat pumps, split-system residential air conditioners and refrigeration systems for grocery stores.
Type III – Type III EPA 608 licenses allow HVAC workers to focus on low-pressure appliances. It requires expertise with leak detection and fixes, disposal of refrigerants, safety, and recovery techniques. Some low-pressure appliances use nitrogen, so technicians need to have extensive knowledge about this chemical.
Universal – For HVAC technicians who work with all types of appliances and air conditioning systems, it’s recommended to get universally certified. A universal certification demonstrates that the candidate has passed all three types of EPA 608 exams and has the skills needed to safely service and dispose of any kind of appliance with refrigerant.
Details About the EPA 608 Regulation
This type of certification refers to section 608 of the federal Clean Air Act, which was passed in 1970. The Environmental Protection Agency governs this aspect of the HVAC industry and mandates several things related to working on, repairing, maintaining, installing, and removing appliances that have refrigerants. The aim of section 608 in the Clean Air Act is to prevent harmful chemicals from refrigerants from damaging the Earth’s ozone layer.
Some chemicals used in refrigeration, such as halons, chlorofluorocarbons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, may contribute to the hole in the ozone layer. Additionally, research has linked chemical refrigerants to emitting greenhouse gasses and causing climate change.
Section 608 was added to the law in 1993 to help protect the planet and reduce the damage refrigerants were causing to the environment. Now, technicians who work with appliances that use refrigerants are required to have EPA 608 certification. This certification and the regulations associated with section 608 ensure that appliances are repaired and disposed of safely and appropriately.
EPA 608 Prep – Type 1
What is type 2 EPA certification?
Type 2 EPA certification qualifies you to handle medium-pressure and high-pressure appliances, which are appliances that contain up to 200 pounds of refrigerant. This certification focuses mainly on leak detection, since there is a larger amount of refrigerants in these appliances, which means a leak can cause irreparable damage to the environment.
What is a type 1 & Type 2 refrigerant certification?
Type I: Type I certification covers servicing small appliances such as household refrigerators, window air conditioners and water coolers. Type II: Type II certification covers servicing or disposing of equipment that uses high-pressure refrigerant. Such equipment includes residential air conditioners, heat pumps and supermarket refrigeration.
What are the different types of EPA certification?
EPA has developed four types of certification: For servicing small appliances (Type I). For servicing or disposing of high- or very high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and MVACs (Type II). For servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances (Type III). For servicing all types of equipment (Universal).
Are apprentices exempt from EPA certification requirements?
Apprentices are exempt from certification requirements provided they are closely and continually supervised by a certified technician. EPA has developed four types of certification: For servicing small appliances (Type I). For servicing or disposing of high- or very high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and MVACs (Type II).
