Section 609 of the Federal Clean Air Act requires technicians who service motor vehicle air conditioning “MVAC” systems to be certified. Required to service motor vehicle A/C

What is the difference between EPA 608 and 609?

Section 608 technician certification is required to purchase ozone depleting or non-exempt substitute refrigerants, such as HFC refrigerants. Section 609 technician certification is required to purchase CFC-12 or EPA-approved substitutes for MVACs containing an ODS.

How long is a 609 certification good for?

Their certification is good for life. However, in 2015, the 609 Certification program was updated to include training for working with R-1234yf. If a technician plans to service R-1234yf vehicles, it’s strongly recommended they re-certify.

How do I get Section 609 certified?

To be certified, technicians must be trained by an EPA-approved program and pass a test demonstrating their knowledge in these areas. The following companies and programs are approved by EPA to train and certify individuals under section 609 of the Clean Air Act.

How much does EPA 609 cost?

** EPA 609 MVAC Certification costs $19.95 for the first attempt and $4.95 for each additional attempt. This cost includes one wallet-sized certification card. Payment is made after submitting the exam code online to process exam results.

Can you buy r22 with a 609 certification?

You cannot purchase R-22 refrigerant if you are only certified under 609. You will need to have a valid 608 certification as well in order to legally purchase or handle R-22 refrigerant. 609 certification only covers automotive air conditioning units.

What can you do with a 609 certification?

Passing the Section 609 Certification test allows you to purchase refrigerant in quantities over two pounds, and also learn to recover and recycle refrigerant in compliance with U.S. EPA regulations. A minimum score of 84% is required to earn your certification.

What is the fine for not complying with EPA 609?

For violations that occurred after November 2, 2015 and for which the penalty was assessed after August 1, 2016, the Clean Air Act maximum statutory daily penalty is $44,539. The max total for cases settled administratively is $356,312. Section 609 compliance tests cost $20 on the MACS website -just sayin’!

How many questions are on the EPA 609 test?

The exam consists of 25 multiple choice questions. You must get at least 21 correct to pass the exam.

What certification do I need to buy R-134a?

How Can I Get Certified for R-134a? In order to be able to handle these super gases you need to be section 609 certified with the Environmental Protection Agency. This section 609 comes straight from the Clean Air Act of 1990. Today there are more than one million people certified under this section 609.

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What appliances are not covered by EPA Section 608?

Section 608 technician certification is required to dispose of appliances, except for small appliances (an appliance that is fully manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed in a factory with five pounds or less of refrigerant), motor vehicle air conditioners (MVACs), or MVAC-like appliances.

What do you do prior to introducing recovered refrigerant to a motor vehicle?

Before you begin transferring recycled refrigerant into an empty storage cylinder, in order to remove non- condensable gases, the cylinder must be evacuated to at least 27 in. HG of vacuum. Refillable cylinders must be UL or DOT approved and must be hydrostatically tested and date stamped every five years.

Can shops can mix refrigerants?

The short-long-only answer is no, never. There are many reasons why it’s impractical, illegal, and not economical for a homeowner to mix refrigerant types. CFC-type refrigerants like R-22 – the most popular in the United States by far – are a single type of refrigerant. CFC stands for chlorofluorocarbons.

Can I take my EPA test online?

Can You Take EPA 608 Online? Yes! Since the Type I Certification is open book, you can study and take your test online right now. If the appliances you are working on exceed five pounds of refrigerant, the test will need to be proctored.

What is a C certificate?

A/C Certification on the Move! Servicing motor vehicle air conditioning includes repairing, leak testing, and topping off of air conditioning systems low on refrigerant as well as any other repair to the vehicle which requires dismantling any part of the air conditioner.

What is the new refrigerant that is installed in new vehicles?

Auto makers are slowly moving toward a new refrigerant for automotive air conditioning systems. The new refrigerant is R-1234yf (HFO-1234yf), and it will be phased in slowly over time starting with some 2014 model year vehicles.

What is a 608?

EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F) under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. … Section 608 Technician Certification credentials do not expire.

What happens if EPA regulations change after a technician becomes certified?

If regulations change after the technician becomes certified; The technician is responsibility for complying with any future changes in the regulations. Which of the following is true of small appliances refrigerant leaks; EPA does not require repair, but leaks should be repaired whenever possible.

Is EPA test hard?

Passing the EPA 608 exam is not hard, especially if you can memorize things easily. Not to say it is a cake-walk, but many people stress about it more than they need to.

Can I sell my R22 refrigerant?

R22 refrigerant is illegal to import and manufacturer in the U.S. But it’s not illegal for anyone to buy R22 freon. And it’s not illegal to sell it IF you have a license. As long as the stocks last, you will be able to continue purchasing R22 from specialized dealers and form your air conditioning company.

What can happen if I don't have a refrigerant certification?

Selling refrigerant to an individual or company that is not complying with this requirement could result in enforcement action against you or your company. The seller of the refrigerant is responsible for verifying that the buyer either 1) is a certified technician, or 2) employs a certified technician.

Do you have to have a license to buy 410A refrigerant?

You are required to have an EPA Section 608 Type II or Universal certification license to handle R-410A but no license is legally necessary for purchase.

How many questions can you miss on the EPA test?

The Exam consists of 25 multiple choice questions for Core and 25 multiple choice questions for Type I. You must get at least 21 correct in each section in order to pass the exam. Unanswered questions will be marked as wrong.

How do I verify my EPA 608 Certification?

To easily verify a technician’s certifications, enter their NATE ID number here. Technicians who wish to opt out of being included in the list are asked to email [email protected]

Is the EPA universal test open book?

It is an open-book exam, and you can use the free manual we provide as much as you would like during the exam. The test can be taken online, but you may not receive the help of any other persons while taking the exam.

What should a technician do if they lose their Section 608 certification card?

To obtain the required Section 608 technician certification, you must take and pass a test from an EPA-approved testing provider. The test covers ozone depleting refrigerants and EPA regulations. Technicians must be able to prove they are certified, so if you lose your certification card, you must get a replacement.

In what state does the refrigerant leave the condenser?

As the refrigerant moves through the condenser it begins to cool, and changes state. At this point the refrigerant is a mixture of liquid and vapor. As the refrigerant exits the condenser, the refrigerant has now changed to all liquid.

Is there a reward for reporting EPA violations?

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal and state agencies can impose fines or seek damages from polluters and others under a number of different laws, the environmental laws do not generally provide financial rewards for whistleblowers who report violations.

Is it legal to buy R134a?

However, as of January 1st, 2018 you WILL need to be certified to purchase HFC refrigerants such as 410A, 134a, and 404A. … No longer can the do-it-yourselfers purchase thirty pound cylinders of R-134a. No, now in order to purchase you have to be 609 certified with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Is R134a banned in Canada?

31 without essential-purpose permit. Manufacturers who are not AHRI members need to secure their own essential-purpose permits. …

Can you sell R134a refrigerant?

California Decides Not to Ban R134a DIY Sales Starting January 1, 2011, all small cans (less than 2 lbs.) of R134a that are sold must meet CARB certification requirements (self-sealing top and proper labeling). A deposit of $10 is required at the time of purchase.