Free EPA 608 Practice Test
Answer original Section 608 questions with a cited explanation for each one, then sit the full Universal exam: four 25-question sections, each timed and scored at 70%.
Core, Type I, Type II and Type III: 25 questions each, timed and scored separately at 70%, like the real test. Every answer has a cited explanation.
Or start with a free section drillPractice one section
A technician recovers R-22 into a cylinder and later opens the cylinder to release the refrigerant outdoors. This is:
Watch worked examples, step by step
Six questions per type, with the leak-rate and evacuation calculations worked step by step.
How the EPA 608 exam works
Anyone who opens a refrigerant circuit on stationary air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment needs Section 608 certification. You earn it by passing an EPA-approved test from a certifying organization such as ESCO Institute or Mainstream Engineering, in person or online with a remote proctor.
- Sections
- Core, Type I, Type II, Type III; Universal = all four
- Questions
- 25 multiple choice per section
- Pass mark
- 70% per section (18 of 25); open-book Type I: 84%
- Format
- Closed book and proctored for Type II, Type III and Universal
- Cost
- ESCO online proctored exam: $85 for all four sections
- Expiration
- Section 608 certification does not expire
Sit all four sections under the clock
Core, Type I, Type II and Type III: 25 questions each, timed and scored separately at 70%, like the real test. Every answer has a cited explanation.
Or start with a free section drillThe four sections
Core is required for every certification. Add the type that matches the equipment you work on, or pass all four for Universal.
| Section | Equipment | Questions | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Required for every certification type | 25 | 70% (18) |
| Type I (small appliances) | Small appliances (5 lb or less, factory sealed) | 25 | 70% (18) |
| Type II (high-pressure appliances) | Medium-, high- and very-high-pressure appliances | 25 | 70% (18) |
| Type III (low-pressure appliances) | Low-pressure appliances (centrifugal chillers) | 25 | 70% (18) |
Free section drills
Ten questions from one section, with the explanation after each answer. Create a free account to save your results; each drill’s first attempt is free.
The 2026 exam update
ESCO Institute now offers an updated 2026 exam (10th edition) alongside the 2018 version. Both versions keep four 25-question sections. Our Core bank also covers the flammable refrigerants now going into new equipment, such as R-32, R-454B and propane: A2L and A3 safety classes, flammable-refrigerant recovery equipment and the venting rules for each.
Common questions
What is on the EPA 608 exam?
Four 25-question sections: Core (environment, regulations, recovery, safety and shipping), Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure appliances) and Type III (low-pressure appliances). Universal certification means passing all four.
What score do I need to pass?
70% on each section, which is 18 of 25. You must pass Core to receive any certification type. An open-book Type I test needs 84%.
Is the EPA 608 exam open book?
Type II, Type III and Universal tests are closed book and proctored. Type I alone may be taken as an open-book mail-in or online test, but that result cannot count toward Universal.
How much does EPA 608 certification cost?
ESCO Institute’s online proctored exam costs $85 and includes Core and Types I, II and III. Mainstream Engineering’s open-book Type I test costs $26.95.
Does EPA 608 certification expire?
No. Section 608 technician certification does not expire. Keep a copy of your card at your place of business.
Is there a new EPA 608 exam in 2026?
Yes. ESCO Institute now offers an updated 2026 exam (10th edition) alongside the 2018 version, with the same four 25-question sections and 70% pass mark. Our bank also covers flammable refrigerants such as R-32, R-454B and propane.
Are these real exam questions?
No. Every question is original, written from 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F and EPA’s published test topics, and each explanation cites the regulation or EPA page it comes from.
Ready for the real thing?
Core, Type I, Type II and Type III: 25 questions each, timed and scored separately at 70%, like the real test. Every answer has a cited explanation.
Or start with a free section drillSources
- 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F (eCFR, current)
- 40 CFR 82.161 Technician certification and Appendix D
- EPA: Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements
- EPA: Section 608 test topics
- EPA: Approved Section 608 certification programs
- ESCO Institute: 2026 EPA Section 608 online exam
- Mainstream Engineering: Universal online testing (3-hour limit)
- Mainstream Engineering: open-book Type I (84% pass)
- Mainstream Engineering: open-book exam price
Checked October 30, 2026.
Original independent practice. Every question is written from 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F and EPA guidance, and each explanation cites its source. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ESCO Institute, Mainstream Engineering or any certifying organization.