Some of the test topics that you might expect to encounter for each level of Section 608 certification are also available for review on our website at https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-test-topics. I lost my card and don’t remember who certified me. Can students in refrigeration or air conditioning courses perform work on appliances in a classroom or school laboratory prior to obtaining certification? Several of the entries on our list also have a link to their program website. The EPA does not maintain a database of all certified technicians. Again, this test can be done in person with your employer, community college, or a trade school. Certification is required for anybody who in the course of maintenance, service, or repair of an appliance could be reasonably expected to violate the integrity of the refrigerant circuit and therefore release refrigerants into the environment. An alphabetical list of approved Section 608 organizations, with contact information for each organization, is available at. The UL certification is a North American Product certification that comes from Underwriter Laboratories. There are four different types or levels of the EPA 608, each of which pertain to different types of equipment and refrigerant exposure. The Clean Air Act of 1990 requires auto technicians to be certified in handling refrigerants. In order to receive Universal certification, an individual must pass the examinations at all levels for stationary refrigeration and cooling equipment under closed book, secure, proctored conditions through an EPA approved Section 608 testing and certification organization. Activities reasonably expected to violate the integrity of the refrigerant circuit include but are not limited to: Attaching or detaching hoses and gauges to and from the appliance; adding or removing refrigerant; adding or removing components; and cutting the refrigerant line. Visit RSES at www.rses.org to learn more about how RSES can help you or your organization grow. EPA Section 608 Certification is required for all professionals working on systems containing refrigerants. How Much Is R-22 Refrigerant Per Pound in 2021? There is an EPA certification process available, and required, for purchase and handling of CERTIN refrigerants. Can apprentices work on appliances prior to obtaining certification? However, training performed on the job, and training that is not part of formal, course-driven laboratory work is considered maintenance, service, repair or disposal, and requires an individual to be certified, or to be a registered apprentice. In addition, only certified technicians are allowed to purchase R-12. The testing organization can investigate the matter further. Note: If you are getting refrigerant somewhere besides True make sure you are purchasing refrigerant grade propane R-290. Type I is for servicing small appliances, Type II is for high pressure heating or air conditioning systems, and Type III is for low-pressure units like chillers. The new WT69 / R-469A refrigerant was developed in order to offer an alternative to R23 with a much lower GWP for use in deep-freeze applications. Apprentices must be closely and continually supervised by a certified technician. Several of the entries on our list also have links to the program website. The charge is pretty standard, I’ve seen anywhere between $15-$20 for 609 testing. Once you know the name of the testing organization, contact the organization directly to let them know that you did not receive your scores. You may also find it useful to review information on our website for "Stationary Refrigeration" at https://www.epa.gov/section608 to get a summary of regulatory updates. If you have no documentation of your certification, you will need to make arrangements with an approved Section 608 program to retake the exam in order to receive a valid card. You may deal with R-12 here and there but now a days an R-12 system is pretty rare. A number of programs have guides specifically geared to individuals who have not taken the exam in a long time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now requires all people with access to a system or container that stores refrigerant, including A/C coolant such as R-22 or R-410A, to have the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 608 certification. The name is a trademark name owned by DuPont for any chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), or hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant. https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs, https://www.epa.gov/section608/steps-replacing-lost-section-608-technician-certification-card, https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-test-topics. Check with a present or former refrigerant supplier to see if they have a copy of your card or a notation with the name of the certifying organization. An alphabetical list of EPA approved Section 608 testing and certification organizations, with contact information for each organization, is available at https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs. Persons who work on stationary equipment or use refrigerant designed for these systems can become certified by passing a proctored Section 608 examination. Some example high pressure refrigerants are as follows: R-12, R-22, R-114, R-500, and R-502. Type 3 608 Certification – This covers low pressure appliances with some example refrigerants being R-11, R-113, and R-123. link to the EPA’s website for featured training areas. How Much Is R-404A Refrigerant Per Pound in 2021? Certification as a Certified Refrigerant Compliance Manager (CRCM) Certification as a Certification Refrigerant Compliance Manager recognizes your professional expertise in the field of refrigerant compliance. Those who have completed EPA Section 608 certification will know the basics of using R-410A, but our additional certification program provides much needed additional training. If you cannot remember the name of the organization, try to find a certificate, plaque, receipt, cancelled check, credit card record, study materials, test scores, resume, job application, or document with the name of the organization or a copy of the card on it. The tests are administered by EPA approved Section 608 testing and certification organizations and their proctors. Unfortunately, most 608 certifications have to be taken in person at a certified training facility. To qualify as an apprentice, you must be currently registered as an apprentice in maintenance, service, repair, or disposal of appliances with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship (or a State Apprenticeship Council recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship). Refrigerants can be dangerous, especially to a laymen. An alphabetical list of approved organizations, with contact information for each organization, is available at https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs. Since 1992, federal law has required technicians working for pay to be certified to recover and recycle refrigerant. The addresses and telephone numbers on this list are for the program headquarters. How Much Is R-1234yf Refrigerant Per Pound in 2021? Among the largest programs are ESCO Institute, Ferris State University, Mainstream Engineering Corporation, Refrigeration Environmental Protection Association (REPA), Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, Universal Technical Institute, and Video General, Inc. (VGI). The most common in the required certification category, of course, is the EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling certification that is required of every technician who performs service on refrigeration systems. The EPA 608 certification is required for any technician who is working with refrigerants, including installers, maintenance workers, and disposal and recycling experts. Their contact information is available in the fact sheet on lost cards at https://www.epa.gov/section608/steps-replacing-lost-section-608-technician-certification-card. How Much Is Refrigerant Per Pound In 2021? Technicians may be certified under either the Section 608 or Section 609 technician certification programs. https://refrigeranthq.com/ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and The E-Bay Partner Program, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com or E-Bay.com. ANYONE can purchase and handle 410a. Any technician adding refrigerant to or removing refrigerant from HVAC/R equipment must have one of the four types of certification. Additionally, different types of testing may be required for certifying exams, varying from a written test to a hands-on display of skills. Certification is Required to Purchase Refrigerant Effective 1/1/2018. As long as your equipment is certified and up to date, you can put your refrigerant into any of your equipment (without having to send it off to be recovered). The EPA does not provide a study guide. The EPA wants to minimize the amount of people who have contact with refrigerants and they do this buy requiring certification before you can legally work with them. Without correctly recovering and recycling refrigerant, dangerous health risks are posed to humans and the global climate. As of January 1, 2018, the purchase of all cylinders now require a 608 or 609 proof of certification, unless you are a reseller. Now, the programs on that list are not the end all be all of places to get certified. To work on a fire protection system that contains F gasequivalent to 5 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide you must have: 1. a Fire Industry Association (FIA Some testing organizations also have study guides for sale. Core Test – The core test is necessary for all technicians to take rather you are going for sections 1, 2, or 3. Yes. More information is available on the following topics: Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem. By certifying the new refrigerant, the society has confirmed that WT69 is non-flammable and … [citation needed] In 1928 Thomas Midgley Jr. created the first non-flammable, non-toxic chlorofluorocarbon gas, Freon (R-12). There are different types of certifications to consider as well: 608 Type I Certification – Can only work on Small Appliance (5lbs or less of refrigerant) Is there a required format for the records on refrigerant recovered from mid-sized appliances prior to disposal? The certification by ASHRAE confirms the success of the development work and was awarded to the refrigerant after an intensive test conducted by an expert panel and the end of the period for objection. They may be kept electronically or as paper records. The quantity of refrigerant, and type, transferred for reclamation or destruction, the person to whom it was transferred, and the date of the transfer. It shows that the product in question was tested by UL, and that it meets US and Canadian safety standards. Procuring refrigerant as needed; and Ensuring at least two building engineers maintain a Type IV Universal Technician Certification. If you were certified through a former employer and they still employ anyone who took the test around the same time as you, ask them to inquire with one or more of those individuals concerning the organization name on their certification card. This content is provided 'As is' and is subject to change or removal at any time. However, proctors may not issue certification cards, and do not have all the regulatory responsibilities of an approved organization such as recordkeeping, reporting to the EPA, test compilation, or card replacement. Not only can you gain NATE, HVAC Excellence, and Section 608 certification, but you can also gain experience working with the refrigerant R410a. If you’re working on other units I would recommend just going for the universal certification just so you don’t limit yourself to what units you can work on and which ones you can’t. Look for “remote testing available” to the right of the program name. Is there a 1234yf Air Conditioner Recharge Kit? Once you know the name of the testing organization, contact the organization directly to let them know that you did not receive your scores. The arrival of R-1234yf ushered in a new era of EPA certifications, with new requirements that can’t be ignored. A person may only be an apprentice for two years from the date of first registering with that office. Depending on which U.S. state you plan on working in, you may need special state licensing or certification. For use on True warranty repairs you can get this refrigerant directly from the True parts department. There are also free practice questions and study guides on some of the websites. Yes. Since 2017, non-federal programs are also required to post a list of individuals they certify on their program website. United States Environmental Protection Agency, The EPA does not administer the tests, and we do not issue test results or certification cards. In order to be qualified to handle refrigerants you need to pass a test by the Environmental Protection Agency on either 608 or 609 certification. There are two main types of refrigeration certifications in the United States 608 and 609. How Much Is R-410A Refrigerant Per Pound in 2021? These are not equivalent to a section 608 certification. 609 certification can be taken online and you can find multiple places to take by browsing through Google. Under the new guidelines, HVAC/R service techs must have EPA certification in order to sell HFO and HFC refrigerants. If you are in the HVAC industry get certified! It is important to note that if the vehicle you are working on has refrigerated cargo as well a air conditioner for the cab you will be able to work in the cab air conditioner but NOT able to work on the refrigerated cargo system. So, if you are working on an AC unit and you accidentally vent refrigerant into the atmosphere you just caused damage to the O-Zone layer and you just violated the Clean Air Act and the EPA now hates you. Records must be kept for three years. HVAC technicians cannot legally buy refrigerants without this credential. Excluding the environmental impact of refrigerants, certification just makes sense. You can also source this refrigerant from an HVAC supply house or a company that sells gases and welding supplies. The addresses and telephone numbers on this list are for the program headquarters. EPA requires a section 608 certification regardless of refrigerant type based on the type of appliance (Type I, Type II, Type III, or Universal). When it comes to the testing and certification of new refrigerants, the American Society for Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is the globally recognised authority. Yes. As of January 1, 2018, purchasing two pounds or more of refrigerants is also now restricted to certified technicians. Only EPA-certified technicians are allowed to purchase ozone-depleting substances (ODS) used as refrigerants. As creators of the original and most popular EPA certification training programs and tests, ACCA has certified over 300,000 people. As the leading provider of educational meetings, seminars and workshops, RSES also provides technical examination programs and training courses for service professionals working on heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems across the nation. Unless you are an apprentice who is continually supervised when working with refrigerants, you’ll need to be certified. Their information is also on the list of approved Section 608 programs available at https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs. Contact the company that certified you. Does EPA have a database of certified technicians? About EPA 608 Certification The Federal Government of the United States requires all individuals who open a system or container holding a controlled refrigerant to be certified. Testing organizations keep track of who they certify. Examples of this would be freezer trucks, refrigerated vans, and Carrier/ThermoKing units. Adding or removing refrigerant from a mini-split as part of installation, and/or connecting or disconnecting hoses or pre-charged lines requires a section 608 technician certification. Until January 2018, this certification was a bit of a formality with most technicians only referring to it if they needed to purchase R12 refrigerant. Because R-410A differs from R-22 in several respects, including operating pressure, some trade schools offered classes and certifications for R-410A specifically. I will cover both in this post as well as explain what each one is and when it is necessary. In all seriousness though, you can be fined or even sent to jail for purposefully violating the Clean Air Act. Classes are offered four days per week, and in 55 weeks, you can be certified to work with heating and air conditioning systems. 609 comes into play when you are working on an automotive air conditioning application and ONLY when you are working on an automotive application. Excluding the environmental impact of refrigerants, certification just makes sense. Many chemicals were found to cause damage to the O-Zone and one of these chemicals was Chlorine. These websites sometimes have information concerning test dates and locations. 608 Made Simple I am going to start with 609 certification as it is the ‘simpler’ one. However, Type 1 608 certification can be done online and can be found by clicking here. Apprentices can work on appliances prior to certification if they are closely and continuously supervised by a technician that has the appropriate section 608 certification(s) for the type of appliance that is being serviced. However, Type 1 608 certification can be done online and can be found by clicking here. If you wish to work on the cargo unit of the vehicle you will need to obtain 608 certification as well as 609. –www.epa.gov 608fact.html. Type 2 608 Certification – This covers high pressure and very high pressure appliances. What is Section 608 Technician Certification and who needs to be certified? There is no "license" issued by anyone for any refrigerant. Here is a look at some common certifying organizations and their certifications: HVAC Excellenc… Universal certification covers Types I through III. All future low-GWP refrigerants will also require specific EPA certification. 608 comes in four different types of EPA level certification. If your state environmental and/or licensing authorities require that you register or document your certification, they might have a copy of your card or a record of the name of the certification organization. Yes, purchasers of refrigerants may provide the seller with evidence that they employ a certified technician, such as a copy of the certification card and a list of those authorized to buy refrigerant or accept delivery of refrigerant. Type 1 608 Certification – This covers small appliances that are manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed with five pounds or less of refrigerants. Mainly you will be dealing R134a and 1234YF. Currently HFC refrigerants, including R-410A, are not covered under the refrigerant sales restriction of the Clean Air Act Amendments, and, at this time the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not require or mandate a separate certification for the handling of these refrigerants. However, many of these programs have test locations/testing arrangements throughout the United States. Expect to pay around $20.00 in order to take the test. 608 is where things get a little bit more complicated and where the ‘meat and potatoes,’ of air conditioning is. The company’s name is on the certification card. The organizations that issue replacement cards are ESCO Institute, Ferris State University, and Refrigeration Environmental Protection Association (REPA). In addition, some organizations allow for online testing. If you’re going to be working on anything other than vehicles than you need your 608. Refrigerant License Trust Board (RLTB) was established by CCCANZ and IRHACE, with funding provided by refrigerant levy collection, to develop and provide refrigerant filler and handler training and certification for HVAC&R practitioners. Check with a present or past employer to see if they have a copy of your card or a notation with the name of the organization. These records may be kept in the format most convenient for the technician. Check with the business, institution, or organization where you took the examination to ask them which company's test they used when you were certified. Requirements for HVAC certification will vary by type of certification and by organization offering it. R410a IS NOT one of those. An alphabetical list of approved Section 608 organizations, with contact information for each organization, is available at https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs. Most community colleges have a certification exam that you can take, or if you are working for a company already they may sponsor you to get certified. How can I find out where to take the test? In the past, this type of certification was only required for refrigerants containing HCFCs or CFCs. The Montreal Protocol was a joint agreement across many countries with a goal to stop the hole in the O-Zone layer from spreading and to eventually repair the hole. . Facilities Services Engineers and Physical Plants Engineers listed as Certified Technicians shall be responsible for the following: If refrigerant changes ownership, it must be reclaimed (i.e., cleaned to the ARI 700-1993 Standard of purity) by an EPA certified refrigerant reclaimer. A CRCM candidate must be able to coordinate and manage environmental and safety issues related to refrigerant handling, use, purchasing, and disposal. RefrigerantHQ’s Preferred R-134a AC Recharge Kits, A Look At Honeywell’s Solstice N40 Refrigerant. Properly disposing of refrigerants helps protect people and the environment from harm. How do I receive a Universal certification? Below are just a few that I found on Amazon: The reason for certification goes back to when the Montreal Protocol was formed in the 1980s. If you wish to work on other AC units you will need to obtain your 608 certification as well. ACCA makes it simple. Other ways to identify which company certified you include: You can also call some of the major organizations to see if they have a record of your certification. Their contact information is on our website: https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs. However, EPA does not have a certification that is exclusively focused on R-410A. No. How do I get a replacement certification card? We do not directly sell any products or refrigerants, but rather provide information, knowledge, and explanations to the consumer. Download our EPA form and email back to us before you purchase. I lost my card and the certification company is out of business. The testing organization can investigate the matter further. Chlorine was one of the main ingredients in CFC/HCFCs refrigerants such as R-12 and R-22. There are many many many study guides that can be found online or in book stores. While it is the technician’s responsibility to ensure that records are kept, the technician’s employer can keep records for their employees. The EPA wants to minimize the amount of people who have contact with refrigerants and they do this buy requiring certification before you can legally work with them. Performing laboratory course work prior to certification is allowed. If you are on the automotive side I wouldn’t worry too much about getting your 608 but you will need your 609 to be compliant. Some organizations also indicate to the right of their entry the levels for which they test. Proctors may conduct training and may administer the test for approved organizations. Once you have 609 certification you can purchase, handle, and install refrigerants into automotive applications. Universal Certification – Just as it sounds a universal certification can be obtained by passing certification for all types 1, 2, and 3. Does EPA require an "R-410A Certification”? You should contact the business, organization, or institution where you took the exam to ask them which program’s test they used for your exam. The EPA does not administer the tests, and we do not issue test results or certification cards. Does EPA have study guides for the technician certification exam? If you have any documentation of your certification (see the complete list in the previous question) you can submit it for review to one of the presently approved testing and certification organizations that have agreed to issue replacement cards. How Much Is R-134a Refrigerant Per Pound in 2021? NARDA/AHAM TYPE I CFC Certification The AHAM/NARDA Refrigerant Recovery Certification Program is a test that also includes a downloadable "self-study" guide designed specifically for those who recover refrigerant from appliances grouped as “Type I” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Please also note that regulations allow testing organizations up to 30 days from the date of the test to issue test results and certification cards. If you are in contact with anyone who took the test with you, ask them to examine their card for the name of the organization. 8. For example, for some certifications, students might need to have a completed course of training while for others, time on the job provides the sufficient knowledge needed to pass an exam. The Trucking Industry & the Coming Shortage of R-134a. mix-matching wrong pats, refrigerant burns,  and flammability are all some examples of what can go wrong when dealing with air conditioning units. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon Services LLC. If you are looking to achieve a higher level 608 certification check out this link to the EPA’s website for featured training areas. The tests are administered by EPA approved Section 608 testing and certification organizations and their proctors. You may also look for entries on our list with the notation "locations nationwide" to the right of the program name. To work on stationary air conditioners and refrigeration systems, you must be certified under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. If you wish to test individuals, you may contact any of the EPA approved Section 608 testing and certification organizations to become a proctor. Is technician certification required to install an R-410A mini-split? NO certification or license needed. You should contact the business, organization, or institution where you took the exam to ask them which program’s test they used for your exam. Yes. The Need for Additional Training In order to use R-410A, systems must use much higher pressures than they would use for other refrigerants, such as R-22. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires any technician or contractor that’ll be accessing systems or containers that store refrigerant to obtain special EPA 608 certifications. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-refrigeranthq_com-large-leaderboard-1-0')};report this ad.