EPA 608 certification
Also known as: EPA Section 608, refrigerant certification
Federal certification required for any technician handling refrigerant in stationary equipment. Four levels (Type I, II, III, Universal) covering different equipment classes.
Section 608 of the Clean Air Act requires anyone who maintains, services, or disposes of equipment containing ozone-depleting refrigerants to be EPA-certified. The certification is permanent (no renewal required) and granted after passing a written exam.
Four levels: Type I covers small appliances (under 5 lb refrigerant — window units, dehumidifiers). Type II covers high- or very-high-pressure equipment (residential and commercial central AC, heat pumps). Type III covers low-pressure equipment (chillers, large commercial). Universal covers all three. Most residential service techs need Type II at minimum; commercial techs typically pursue Universal.
Violations (recovering refrigerant without certification, knowingly venting refrigerant) carry penalties up to $44,000 per day per violation. EPA enforcement has historically been light but increasingly active. Apprentices working under a certified tech don't need their own certification, but anyone who independently handles refrigerant does.