HVAC Certification
What is HVAC certification? HVAC certification refers to EPA refrigerant certification that is required for HVAC technicians that handle refrigerants. They must be certified and pass a written EPA refrigeration certification test administered by organizations
approved by the EPA. To become certified to
purchase and handle refrigerants, technicians must pass a written
HVAC refrigeration examination specific to the type of work in which they specialize. Local and online HVAC certification tests are offered. The North American Technicians Excellence (NATE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both offer HVAC certification.
The
three possible areas of HVAC refrigerant certification are: HVAC Type I Certification —servicing small
appliances; HVAC Type II Certification—high-pressure refrigerants; and HVAC Type
III Certification—low-pressure refrigerants. HVAC certification exams and HVAC certification classes are administered by organizations
approved by the U.S. EPA and include trade
schools, unions, contractor associations, or building groups. HVAC universal certification involves issues pertaining to
all three specific types. Technicians receiving a Universal Certification are certified to work on any type of air conditioning and
refrigeration equipment except motor vehicle air conditioning. To become
Universal Certified you must pass the Core, Type I, Type II, and Type
III sections of the 608 exam.
The examination covers issues and compliance of the EPA 608 refrigeration recycling rules as specified in the Clean Air Act. Some of the issues on the HVAC certification test are summarized below.
