EPA 608 Certification in Texas and DFW (2026)

EPA 608 is a federal certification. It works the same in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston or anywhere else in the U.S.

Same rules in every state

The federal rule requires certification for anyone whose work on refrigerant equipment could be expected to release refrigerant (40 CFR 82.161(a)).

The exam is the same everywhere: 25 questions per section, and 70%, or 18 correct, to pass (40 CFR Part 82, Appendix D).

Your card is good nationwide, and Section 608 credentials don't expire (EPA certification requirements).

Testing near DFW and in Texas

You can test with any EPA-approved program, in person or remotely. Several approved programs list Texas addresses on EPA's list, including (EPA list, checked 2026-10-20):

• Video General Inc. (VGI), Arlington: remote testing and Spanish available
• National Certification Institute (NCI), Alice: remote testing and Spanish available
• Interplay Learning, Austin: remote testing available
• SkillCat, Houston: online testing only, Spanish available

EPA notes that the listed addresses are each program's headquarters, and many programs test in locations across the country. Ask a program where and when it tests.

EPA 608 is not a Texas license

Texas regulates air conditioning and refrigeration work separately, through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The two don't replace each other.

From TDLR's site:

• Contractors who install, repair or maintain air conditioning, refrigeration or heating systems must have a TDLR license. ACR companies must employ an ACR contractor at each permanent location (TDLR ACR).
• Anyone who assists a licensed ACR contractor with maintenance or repair work must register as a technician. Registered technicians work under a licensed contractor's supervision and may not advertise ACR services (TDLR technician registration).
• "Certified Technician" is a voluntary TDLR designation above registration (TDLR technician certification).

For requirements, fees and exams, go to TDLR directly. This page is general information, not legal advice.

A sensible order for new Texas techs

1. Get EPA 608 first, so you can handle refrigerant and buy it at the supply house (40 CFR 82.154(c)).
2. Register with TDLR if you're assisting a licensed contractor.
3. Build experience toward any higher TDLR credential you want.

Texas license practice is coming later. For now, we cover EPA 608.

Start with Core

Core is part of every 608 certification. Our Core practice test is free, works in your phone's browser and needs no signup.

Sources

• 40 CFR 82.161 and 82.154(c): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/section-82.161 and https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/section-82.154 (checked 2026-10-20)
• 40 CFR Part 82, Appendix D to Subpart F: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/appendix-Appendix%20D%20to%20Subpart%20F%20of%20Part%2082 (checked 2026-10-20)
• EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements: https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-requirements (checked 2026-10-20)
• EPA, Certification Programs for Section 608 Technicians: https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs (checked 2026-10-20)
• TDLR, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acr.htm (checked 2026-10-20)
• TDLR, Apply for a Technician Registration: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/technician-apply.htm (checked 2026-10-20)
• TDLR, Apply for a Technician Certification: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/certified-tech-apply.htm (checked 2026-10-20)