HVAC 164 EPA Study methods and testing tips

EPA 608 EPA test, where to take the test, courses, how to study, and tips for taking the test.

Faraday careers has the study guide, the course, instructor access and remote proctored test all available in one stop! At the time of this post the course and the test is free, get it now before that changes.

Esco study Guide

Esco Remote Proctoring service, take the test remotely

Testing can be done at local HVAC supply houses, hvac whole sale, HVAC distributors.

Bryan Orr @HVACS has a great playlist for EPA 608

EPA 608 study app

Apple Store

Set a date now, no more than 4 weeks away
Study
Stop Studying 2 hrs. before the test and relax your mind, get good food and rest.

Bring your ID to the testing place, Use you SS# to set up the test, don't forget this number its your access back to the test or certification in the future.

You will be given a blank paper and a PT Chart.
Once you start the test, draw the refrigeration cycle and mind dump the 2 charts with dates, % and leak rates while its fresh.

Start answering questions and use your new notes to help
Use the PT chart to answer temperature or pressure questions.
Also note a lot of information is posted at the top of the PT chart that can be helpful!!!

Use the Ref cycle to answer some of the questions. Apply the answers to the cycle to see what makes sense and what does not.

Pick the better of the answers or the least wrong answers.

If you don't know one at all just guess and mark the number down, you can always go back

Make sure you answer ALL the questions, nothing left black,

Do not change answers other than the ones you mark. The one you marked the first time is probable the right one.

Don't worry about failing it, take 24 hrs off, study the section you failed and then retry.
Don't immediately retake the test after you failed it.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Environmental protection Agency Clean Air Act section 608 consists of Core Type1, Type 2, and Type 3 testing. passing all 4 tests earns the title of Universal EPA 608 certified.

[Samlol_drrich]

So after lurking for a year or two, I finally bit the bullet and took the 608. I took a solid two weeks to study everything did very well. Your content was extremely helpful, so thank you. I suggest buying the esco booklet, and memorizing every concept, no matter how trivial it may seem. Also, do lots of online tests but make sure it has the most current information. Leak percentages recently changed so make sure you don’t memorize old info.

[giovannimoran]

Hello Ty, I watch your and Brian Orr’s videos on 608. I only have one week to study, I took the test this past Monday and didn’t pass type3, retook it today and passed. I’m EPA 608 universal certified now. Your video was a lot of help, I subscribed to your channel about 3 week ago and is one the best channels out there. Thanks for teaching the way you do, in my opinion there is no one better as an instructor like you. Gif bless !

[stevem]

Hi Ty, I have passed the universal years ago. I stay updated, that’s why I listen, watch and learn from channels like yours. Thank you!

[Larrye]

I got my universal because of your hard work Ty. BIG
Thank You!

[DavidLopez-mkoc]

I’m gonna take the test this Monday, I’ll keep you So excited

[Iamacthepromoter]

Just finished taking the exam i wrote to u the other day i passed certified universal epa technician it wasn’t easy

[browntigerus]

Did not need really need Type III but took a test 608U anyway and passed. Was shocked about number of questions about chillers. Either I was unlucky or felt like every 4th and 5th question about a chiller. FYI: just because you work on med or high pressure (res-AC), not skimp on studying for low pressure appliances - chillers.

[troypatton]

Hi Ty,
i really enjoyed your video, I am an EPA 608 Proctor, what i do when teaching my full day class is I cover each section and then have them review on it and then test that section before moving on.

last year i had roughly 140 people take my class. its funny how many people try to study the Prep manual and never fully pass the exam, but if you can deliver it to them and spend some extra time with them. They pass and feel great about it.

[Fitterr]

Hey shoutout to Bryan Orr. That’s my boss! Great guy

[Trashcansam]

I just took the universal today. I think I did pretty well though obviously I don’t know yet. One tip that I think worked for me is that you really need to familiarize yourself with the provided reference materials. Since it’s open-book you’re basically provided with all the answers. The trick is being able to navigate the text efficiently and not waste time scanning every page. I finished with time to spare due to being able to know where to look.

[keithkareiva]

EPA questions. You may have covered these questions in other videos: If I have a comfort cooling unit that takes, oh 30lbs. of refrigerant. If a tech comes out and says that it's only a couple of pounds low and proceeds to charge it, must the tech stop charging at 3 lbs (10%)? Along those lines, if this same unit is short 2 lbs a year, does the 2nd year trigger the recovery/repair guideline that the EPA mandates? Obviously the definitive answer is to know exactly how much refrigerant a unit is short on, but there's no way of telling unless you recover and weigh the remaining charge. Correct?
Thanks for your constant supply of knowledge!!!!

[Kadaf]

Im from the UK but will be doing some work in the US, I was told I need a EPA card in order to purchase refrigerant ( even though I have over 25 years experience and qualifications). I just did a core test with no studying and passed first time, its mainly about memorising regulations rather than being competent and understanding the system. Someone could pass this test but be clueless in how to troubleshoot and repair a system.

[Iamacthepromoter]

I go Monday for my EPA but i don’t think im ready im scared as hell 😂😂 I’m studying hard this weekend tho

[timothyrichardson]

Hey Ty I live in Davenport Iowa and Where Can I Go to take the EPA 608 CERTIFICATION?

[Samlol_drrich]

To help me study for the EPA take a big huff of
Is that so wrong??
Thanks for all your great info (and I was kidding of course)

[bgd]

Hey could you help me understand if there are any other websites that are legitimate and trustable for get your epa certification? Please and thank you in advanced

[blacksmith]

Good afternoon sir,
I want get this certificate but how I'm from Saudi Arabia I'm working in hvac company as technician. Can we get this certificate online if have but how

[adamedwards]

How difficult is it to pass this test without any practical hands on experience? You can't pass a driving test without any behind the wheel time.🤔