What is an EPA certification?

An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification is a certification in the environmental field that proves an individual has skills in knowledge about laws and regulations that govern the environmental aspect of their industry, refrigerants, and ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

The certification is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is critically important for technicians and businesses who work with maintenance, repair, service, and disposal of equipment like refrigerators, and air conditioners (ACs), since these electronics typically contain ODS.

The EPA certification is also referred to as the 608 certification. The Clean Air Act made it mandatory for any technician working with machines that contain ODS and other similar substances to obtain the 608 certification. There are four different levels of EPA 608 certification, they include:

• Type I

Type I certification includes training pertaining to servicing small appliances. This consists of items like refrigerators, window ACs, and different types of water coolers.

• Type II

This certification includes training involving the disposal of or service to equipment that makes use of high-pressure refrigerants. This includes large-scale air conditioning and heating systems, and other mechanisms like heat pumps.

• Type III

Type III EPA certification includes training and learning regarding the disposal of or service to equipment that utilizes low-pressure refrigerants, such as chillers.

• Universal

Universal EPA certification includes training and knowledge concerning the disposal of or service to all equipment covered in Type I, Type II, and Type III.

There are many different professionals that benefit from obtaining EPA certifications. Some of these roles require the certification, while for others it is not mandatory, but strongly encouraged. Here are some roles that benefit from EPA certifications:

• HVAC tech

• Electrician

• Air conditioner tech

• Heating tech

• Other forms of technicians

The requirements for each EPA certification vary depending on its type, however, all certifications are gained by passing one core test and one specific certification type test. The core test includes essential knowledge pertaining to:

• The environmental impact of ODS and preventive measures

• The Clean Air Act

• Montreal Protocol

• The specific regulations of Section 608 of the Clean Air Act

• Substitute refrigerants and oils that can be used in the place of ODS

• Refrigeration process, management, functions

• The three Rs: recover, recycle and reclaim, with each applying to freezing and heating utility equipment

• Recovery techniques for applicable equipment

• Dehydration evacuation for applicable equipment

• Safety measures and protocols for applicable equipment and substances

• Safety guidelines concerning the shipping of applicable materials, equipment, and substances