To obtain Section 608 Technician Certification, technicians must pass an EPA-approved test. The examinations are particular to the kind of machinery the technician wants to work on. Tests must be administered by an EPA-approved certifying organization. Section 608 Technician Certification credentials do not expire. Open book exams for core tests cannot be used to obtain your Universal Certification. For Universal Certification, the core test must be taken as a proctored examination.
Types of CFC certification
You should be aware of the certifications required to work with specific systems and materials when training for a career in the HVAC industry. You must obtain a particular kind of certification depending on the kinds of equipment you maintain. The four types of CFC certification include:
If your job entails adding or removing refrigerant from an appliance and connecting or disconnecting hoses to measure pressure, you need CFC certification. CFC certification is also necessary for any operation involving a vehicle’s air conditioner or a similar appliance.
What is CFC certification?
With a CFC certification, you are authorized to work on, maintain, and repair machinery that uses its byproducts. This kind of certification is necessary for HVAC contractors and other industry workers to repair and install air conditioning units. You can apply for and receive several types of certifications.
How to get CFC certification
Online EPA 608 certification applications are available for HVAC contractors, enabling them to buy and handle refrigerants. You cannot legally install or repair AC systems without proof that you have this certification. The steps you can take to obtain your certification are as follows:
1. Complete CFC training and courses
The majority of aspiring HVAC specialists enroll in training programs to get ready for the CFC certification exam. To assist you in obtaining your license, a lot of businesses and community colleges offer educational materials and classes. Online training programs may also be available, enabling you to study for the exam at your own pace. Usually, you must pass a pretest or practice test before sitting for the actual EPA 608 exam.
2. Know the exam topics
Questions on the CFC certification exam cover environmental and safety issues, such as how to properly recycle equipment and refrigerant. Inquiries about the dangers of CFC exposure, the requirements for leak repairs, and the difference between major and minor repairs may also be present. Other exam topics might include:
Some of these topics may be covered more thoroughly in the exam than others, depending on the type of certification you seek. Depending on the certification you’re after, CFC exams also cover recovery techniques. As an illustration, Type I certification only calls for knowledge of small appliance recovery.
3. Take the CFC certification exam
Find a testing facility close to you once you’ve finished training and are confident you can pass the exam. You can usually schedule an exam date in advance. Make sure you have access to a computer with a webcam so you can take online courses and test for Type I certification. Any certification above Type I necessitates testing in person at an EPA-approved testing facility.
Tuition and testing fees vary by location. Test-taking costs start at $25 and go up to $210 or more for training sessions. You can pay to retake the exam if you don’t pass the first time. Before retaking the exam, institutions advise studying the materials for at least a week.
4. Receive your CFC certification card
After passing the test, you should receive your CFC certification card in the mail within seven to ten business days. Some institutions might also send you a wall certificate. The EPA technician certification is accepted in all 50 states, and you are not required to renew it. After passing the test and obtaining a work permit where you reside, you become CFC-certified for life.
Contact the testing company you received your CFC certification card from to request a replacement if you misplace it. The average institution charges $25 to replace a card that has been lost or damaged.
Jobs you can get with a CFC certification
You can apply for jobs working with HVAC and related systems after receiving your CFC certification. Your CFC license may make you eligible for additional lucrative positions involving the recycling of CFC byproducts, such as:
Some of these positions require certain levels of CFC certification. For instance, recycling businesses and warehouses frequently employ personnel with UC cards.
HVAC Licenses and Certifications: Which Ones Do You Need?
FAQ
What is a CFC certification?
With a CFC certification, you are authorized to work on, maintain, and repair machinery that uses its byproducts. This kind of certification is necessary for HVAC contractors and other industry workers to repair and install air conditioning units.
How do you get certified for freon?
You must pass the EPA 608 examination to receive your CFC certification. The name is derived from Clean Air Act Section 608, which forbids the release of Freon and other CFCs into the atmosphere. You can take the Type I licensing test online.
How do I take the EPA 608 test online?
- Download the free SkillCat App.
- Take online course or self proctored exam.
- Download your printable certificate.
How hard is the EPA 608 test?
How Difficult is the EPA 608 Test? Passing the EPA 608 test without preparation could be difficult. Technicians who study and prepare for the exam should have little trouble passing. Review your study guide and commit the relevant information to memory.
