EPA 608 Study Guide (Free PDF Outline, 2026)
Last checked October 20, 2026
A plain outline of what's on each section, checked against the 2026 rules. Read it here, or get the PDF.
How to use this guide
Read one section, then practice it. Short loops beat long reading sessions.
Each topic below links to its full guide page, along with the rule it comes from.
Core: everyone takes it
- How CFCs and HCFCs harm the ozone layer, and why HFCs don't
- The Clean Air Act, the Montreal Protocol and phaseout dates
- The venting ban and the sales restriction (40 CFR 82.154)
- Recover, recycle and reclaim
- Substitute refrigerants, oils and blend fractionation
- Safety: oxygen deprivation, PPE, nitrogen with a regulator, and the 80% cylinder fill limit
Type I: small appliances
- The definition: factory-sealed, 5 lb or less (40 CFR 82.152)
- Recovery: 80% or 90% depending on equipment age and compressor condition, or 4 in. Hg vacuum (40 CFR 82.156(b))
- Passive recovery, and access valves on a dead compressor
Type II: high pressure
- Pressure classes at 104 °F
- The current evacuation table, by pressure class and charge size (40 CFR 82.156(a))
- Major and non-major repairs, and the 0 psig rule
- Leak repair under Section 608 (ODS, 50 lb or more) and the AIM Act (HFCs, 15 lb or more, since 2026) (82.157, 84.106)
- Leak testing, recovery technique and A2L safety
Type III: low pressure
- Chillers running below atmospheric pressure
- 25 mm Hg absolute for every low-pressure appliance
- The 85 °F rule for pressurizing before opening
- Purge units, rupture discs, and charging vapor before liquid
A two-week plan
- Days 1 to 3: Core. Take the free test cold, then study your weakest topics.
- Days 4 to 5: Type I. Focus on the recovery percentages and the definition of a small appliance.
- Days 6 to 9: Type II. Learn the evacuation table and both leak repair rules.
- Days 10 to 11: Type III. Learn the low-pressure basics, the 25 mm Hg level and the 85 °F rule.
- Days 12 to 14: Take timed mixed tests. Retry everything you missed.
If you're only taking Core and one type, shorten the plan to match.
Changed since many guides were printed
| Topic | Current rule |
|---|---|
| High-pressure, under 200 lb | 0 in. Hg with any recovery equipment |
| Low-pressure evacuation | 25 mm Hg absolute with any equipment |
| Section 608 leak repair | Ozone-depleting refrigerants only, 50 lb or more |
| HFC leak repair | AIM Act rule, 15 lb or more, from Jan 1, 2026 |
The AIM Act leak repair rule is a separate rule from Section 608 (40 CFR 84.106). You need it on the job, but testing programs may not test it yet.
If your book shows different numbers, check its print date.
Get the PDF
The PDF has the same outline in a printable format. It's free. Leave your email and we'll send it, along with a note when the paid sections open.
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You don't need an email to read this page or to take the free Core test.
Sources
- 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F (current through 2026-10-19): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-82/subpart-F (checked 2026-10-20)
- 40 CFR 84.106: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/section-84.106 (checked 2026-10-20)
- EPA, Section 608 Test Topics: https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-test-topics (checked 2026-10-20)