# Free EPA 608 Core Practice Test

The EPA 608 Core section tests the rules every refrigerant technician needs: ozone depletion, the Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol, the venting ban, recover/recycle/reclaim, recovery equipment, safety, shipping and evacuation. Each certification test draws at least 25 Core questions, and the closed-book tests take 70% to pass, under EPA's rules.

## Key takeaways

- You need Core plus at least one equipment type (I, II or III) to be certified; all four is Universal.
- Each test has at least 25 Core questions and 25 per type. Universal is 100 questions.
- Closed-book tests pass at 70%. Section 608 credentials don't expire.
- These are original practice questions, not real exam questions.

> **Independent practice questions**
>
> BRIX wrote these questions from EPA's public Section 608 pages and the federal regulation. They are not real exam questions, and BRIX is not affiliated with EPA, ESCO, Mainstream or any certifying organization. Passing this practice test doesn't certify you. Only an EPA-approved certifying organization can.

## How does the real EPA 608 Core test work?

Core is the shared section of every Section 608 certification. EPA's regulation says each test must include at least 25 questions from the Core group and at least 25 from each technical group you're certifying for, drawn from an EPA question bank that only approved certifying programs receive ([40 CFR 82.161 and Appendix D](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F)). Pass Core plus Type I, II or III and you're certified for that equipment. Pass all of them and you're Universal, a 100-question test that can be taken at once or in parts.

**EPA 608 test facts (official sources)**

| Fact | What the rule says | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Certification types | Type I (small appliances), Type II (high- and very high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), Universal (all) | [EPA](https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-requirements) |
| Core questions per test | At least 25, plus at least 25 for each type | [40 CFR 82 Subpart F](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F) |
| Universal test length | 100 questions (25 Core + 25 per type) | [40 CFR 82 Subpart F, App. D](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F) |
| Passing score | 70% on closed-book Type I, II, III and Universal tests; 84% on mail-in Type I tests | [40 CFR 82 Subpart F, App. D](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F) |
| Format | Type II, Type III and Universal: closed-book, proctored, in a secure setting | [40 CFR 82 Subpart F, App. D](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F) |
| Open-book Core | An open-book Core test can't be used toward Universal; Core must be proctored for Universal | [EPA](https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-requirements) |
| Results and card | Results within 30 days of the program receiving the test; wallet card within 30 days of the test | [40 CFR 82 Subpart F, App. D](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F) |
| Expiration | Section 608 credentials do not expire | [EPA](https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-requirements) |

_Verified against EPA and the eCFR on 2026-10-24. Fees, scheduling and online-proctoring rules vary by certifying organization._

EPA doesn't run the test or issue cards itself. Certifying organizations approved by EPA do ([EPA](https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-0)). Apprentices can work without a card only while "closely and continually supervised by a certified technician" ([EPA](https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-requirements)). The regulation caps apprentice status at two years from first registering ([40 CFR 82.152](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F)).

## What topics does the Core section cover?

EPA publishes the Core subject list ([EPA test topics](https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-test-topics)). This bank follows it, and your results page scores you by the same topics.

**EPA 608 Core topics and what to know**

| Topic | What to be able to answer |
| --- | --- |
| Ozone depletion | Why chlorine destroys ozone, CFC vs. HCFC vs. HFC, which has the highest ozone-depletion potential, UVB health effects |
| Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol | CFC phaseout (1996), R-22 production ending (2020), the 1987 treaty, the venting ban at service and disposal, including substitutes |
| Section 608 regulations | High- vs. low-pressure definitions, system-dependent vs. self-contained recovery, certified recovery equipment, the sales restriction |
| Substitute refrigerants and oils | No true drop-ins, matching lubricants (esters with R-134a), fractionation in blends |
| Refrigeration basics | Refrigerant state and pressure around the cycle, gauges, leak detection |
| The three Rs | Recover vs. recycle vs. reclaim, and AHRI 700 for reclaimed refrigerant |
| Recovery techniques | Don't mix refrigerants; what speeds recovery (temperature, hose length and diameter) |
| Dehydration and evacuation | Why you pull a vacuum: remove air and moisture before charging |
| Safety and shipping | Oxygen deprivation, frostbite, PPE, 80% cylinder fill, nitrogen (never oxygen or air) for leak tests, cylinder labels and DOT tags |

## How should you study for EPA 608 Core?

1. **Take one round in exam mode cold.** Your topic scores tell you where to spend time. Don't study what you already know.
2. **Switch to study mode for weak topics.** Read every explanation, including on the questions you got right by guessing.
3. **Memorize the handful of numbers.** The Core section leans on a few: 1996, 2020, 1987, 80% cylinder fill, the 45 / 170 / 355 psia pressure lines, 70% to pass.
4. **Learn the three Rs as a pair of contrasts.** Recover = get it out. Recycle = clean it for the same owner. Reclaim = reprocess to AHRI 700 and verify, required before selling used refrigerant to someone else.
5. **Retake exam mode until you clear 70% three times in a row.** Questions are drawn at random, so repeat rounds aren't identical.

> **Pair Core with a type**
>
> Core alone doesn't certify you for anything. Systems running R-22 or R-410A are high-pressure appliances under the regulation, and Type II is the section that covers them. Practice the next section with the [Type I](https://www.brix.so/practice/epa-608/type-1), [Type II](https://www.brix.so/practice/epa-608/type-2), [Type III](https://www.brix.so/practice/epa-608/type-3) or [Universal](https://www.brix.so/practice/epa-608/universal) tests.

## After you pass

Keep your card. EPA doesn't issue replacements itself, so you'll need to contact the certifying organization that tested you. Read the [EPA 608 certification guide](https://www.brix.so/certifications/epa-608) for how the types fit together. If you also want an electrical license, see [Texas electrician license requirements](https://www.brix.so/licensing/electrician/texas) as an example of how a state licensing ladder works. And if running your own HVAC shop is the goal, [what it takes to start an HVAC business](https://www.brix.so/start/hvac) is where to look next.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many questions are on the EPA 608 Core exam?

EPA's regulation requires each certification test to include at least 25 questions from the Core group, plus at least 25 for each equipment type. A Universal test is 100 questions: 25 Core and 25 each for Types I, II and III.

### What score do you need to pass EPA 608?

The passing score for the closed-book Type I, Type II, Type III and Universal tests is 70 percent, under Appendix D of 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F. Mail-in Type I tests require 84 percent.

### Is the EPA 608 Core test open book?

Type II, Type III and Universal certification require a closed-book, proctored test. EPA says a Core test taken open book can't be used toward Universal certification. Organizations offering only Type I may use a mail-in format, so check with your certifying organization.

### Does EPA 608 certification expire?

No. EPA states that Section 608 technician certification credentials do not expire. Keep your card safe, because EPA doesn't issue cards. Replacements come from the certifying organization that tested you.

### Are these the real EPA 608 exam questions?

No. BRIX wrote every question from EPA's public pages and the federal regulation. The real question bank is released only to EPA-approved certifying programs, and we aren't affiliated with EPA, ESCO, Mainstream or any certifying organization.

### Can I work on refrigerant systems before I'm certified?

Only as an apprentice who is closely and continually supervised by a certified technician, according to EPA. The regulation limits apprentice status to two years from first registering.

## Related

- [EPA 608 Certification: Who Needs It and How to Get It](https://www.brix.so/certifications/epa-608)
- [Free EPA 608 Type 2 Practice Test](https://www.brix.so/practice/epa-608/type-2)
- [Superheat and Subcooling, Explained with Worked Examples](https://www.brix.so/academy/hvac/refrigeration/superheat-subcooling)
- [R-454B PT Chart (Pressure-Temperature)](https://www.brix.so/reference/refrigerant-pt-chart/r-454b)
- [How to Get an Electrician License in Texas: Every TDLR Tier, Hours and Fee](https://www.brix.so/licensing/electrician/texas)
- [How to Start an HVAC Business in 2026 (Costs, Licenses and First Customers)](https://www.brix.so/start/hvac)
- [HVAC Software That Answers the Phone, Books the Tech and Keeps the Books](https://www.brix.so/for/hvac)
- [BTU Calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/btu-calculator)
- [AC Tonnage Calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/hvac-tonnage-calculator)
- [Superheat Calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/superheat-calculator)

## Sources

- [EPA — Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements](https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-requirements) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [EPA — Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics](https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-test-topics) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [EPA — Section 608 Technician Certification](https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-0) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [eCFR — 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F (82.152, 82.154, 82.161, Appendix D)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [EPA — Basic Ozone Layer Science](https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/basic-ozone-layer-science) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [EPA — Phaseout of Class I Ozone-Depleting Substances](https://www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout/phaseout-class-i-ozone-depleting-substances) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [EPA — Phaseout of Class II Ozone-Depleting Substances](https://www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout/phaseout-class-ii-ozone-depleting-substances) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [EPA — International Actions: The Montreal Protocol](https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/international-actions-montreal-protocol-substances-deplete-ozone-layer) (checked 2026-10-24)

Talk to BRIX: call or text (518) 588-1122, email eeharris2004@gmail.com, or book a 15-minute call at https://cal.com/ethanharris/15min.

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Written by BRIX Editorial Team. Last updated 2026-10-24.
Canonical: https://www.brix.so/practice/epa-608/core