EPA 608 Type III practice test
47 free practice questions on the Type III section. Each answer is explained and linked to the official source it comes from.
EPA 608 Type III
47 questions across 11 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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Prefer to read? Here is every question in the EPA 608 Type III set, grouped by topic. Open a question to see the answer, why it is right and the official source.
Low-pressure basics
1. A chiller uses a refrigerant with a liquid phase saturation pressure of 15 psia at 104 °F. Which technician certification type does 40 CFR 82.161 require to service it?
- A. Type I
- B. Type II
- C. Type III
- D. None, because chillers are exempt
Show answer
Answer: C. Type III
A pressure "below 45 psia at 104 °F" makes this a low-pressure appliance, and persons who service low-pressure appliances "must be certified as Type III technicians." Type II covers medium-, high- and very high-pressure appliances.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.161, Technician certification (as of Nov 3, 2026)
2. A technician will service small appliances, high-pressure rooftop units and low-pressure chillers. Which certification does 40 CFR 82.161 require for someone who works on all of these appliance types?
- A. Type III
- B. Type I
- C. Type II
- D. Universal
Show answer
Answer: D. Universal
Persons who work on all appliances described in paragraph (a)(1)(i) through (iii) "must be certified as Universal technicians." Type I, II or III alone covers only one of those appliance groups.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.161, Technician certification (as of Nov 3, 2026)
3. A new chiller uses R-245fa. How do the Section 608 definitions class this appliance?
- A. As a medium-pressure appliance
- B. As a high-pressure appliance
- C. As a very high-pressure appliance
- D. As a low-pressure appliance, because the definition names appliances using R-245fa as an example
Show answer
Answer: D. As a low-pressure appliance, because the definition names appliances using R-245fa as an example
A low-pressure appliance uses a refrigerant "with a liquid phase saturation pressure below 45 psia at 104 °F," and the definition adds: "Examples include but are not limited to appliances using R-11, R-123, R-113, and R-245fa." None of the other pressure-class definitions names R-245fa.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.152, Definitions (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Pressurizing for repairs
4. For a repair that is not major, with no evacuation to the atmosphere afterward, how does the requirement for a low-pressure appliance differ from the one for a high-pressure appliance?
- A. The low-pressure appliance must be evacuated to 25 mm Hg absolute instead
- B. The low-pressure appliance has no pressure requirement
- C. The low-pressure appliance is pressurized to no higher than 0 psig, while the high-pressure appliance is evacuated to no higher than 0 psig
- D. The low-pressure appliance is pressurized to 5 psig
Show answer
Answer: C. The low-pressure appliance is pressurized to no higher than 0 psig, while the high-pressure appliance is evacuated to no higher than 0 psig
A medium-, high- or very high-pressure appliance must "Be evacuated to a pressure no higher than 0 psig," while a low-pressure appliance must "Be pressurized to a pressure no higher than 0 psig before it is opened." Both share the same 0 psig ceiling, reached from opposite directions.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.156, Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances (as of Nov 3, 2026)
5. A low-pressure appliance uses a refrigerant that boils at or below 85 °F at 29.9 inches of mercury. It needs a repair that is not major (and not an oil change), and it will not be evacuated to the atmosphere afterward. When pressurizing it before it is opened, what does the rule prohibit?
- A. Using heat to raise the internal pressure
- B. Using methods such as nitrogen that require subsequent purging
- C. Covering openings when isolation is not possible
- D. Raising the internal pressure to 0 psig
Show answer
Answer: B. Using methods such as nitrogen that require subsequent purging
For these refrigerants, persons "must not use methods such as nitrogen that require subsequent purging." The rule does not forbid heat, it requires covering openings when isolation is not possible, and 0 psig is the required pressure limit, not a prohibited one.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.156, Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances (as of Nov 3, 2026)
6. A low-pressure appliance uses a refrigerant that boils above 85 °F at 29.9 inches of mercury. Before it is opened for a non-major repair, up to what pressure may nitrogen be used to raise its internal pressure?
- A. Atmospheric pressure
- B. 10 psig
- C. 25 psig
- D. 5 psig
Show answer
Answer: A. Atmospheric pressure
For these refrigerants, persons must use heat first, "but may use nitrogen to raise the internal pressure of the appliance from the level attainable through use of heat to atmospheric pressure." Nitrogen may not push the pressure above atmospheric.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.156, Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances (as of Nov 3, 2026)
7. A low-pressure appliance needs a repair that is not major (and not an oil change), and it will not be evacuated to the atmosphere afterward. While pressurizing it, the technician finds that the part cannot be isolated. What does the rule require?
- A. Notify EPA within 30 days
- B. Add nitrogen to 5 psig
- C. Cover openings
- D. Replace the system receiver
Show answer
Answer: C. Cover openings
In the paragraph on pressurizing low-pressure appliances, the rule states: "Persons must cover openings when isolation is not possible." Nothing in that paragraph calls for adding nitrogen to 5 psig, notifying EPA, or replacing a receiver.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.156, Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances (as of Nov 3, 2026)
8. A low-pressure chiller with no leaks needs a repair that is not major. After the repair is finished, the chiller will be evacuated to the atmosphere. What does 40 CFR 82.156(a) require before the chiller is opened?
- A. Pressurize it to no higher than 0 psig, using heat and then nitrogen if needed
- B. Pressurize it to no higher than 5 psig
- C. Evacuate the refrigerant, including all the liquid refrigerant, to the Table 1 level of 25 mm Hg absolute
- D. Cover the openings and open it at its current pressure
Show answer
Answer: C. Evacuate the refrigerant, including all the liquid refrigerant, to the Table 1 level of 25 mm Hg absolute
The 0 psig pressurizing option applies only "If evacuation of the appliance to the atmosphere is not to be performed after completion of the maintenance, service, or repair" and the work is not major. Otherwise technicians "must evacuate the refrigerant, including all the liquid refrigerant, to the levels in Table 1", which lists "25 mm Hg absolute" for a low-pressure appliance.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.156, Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Evacuation
9. Under the evacuation rule, who must verify that the required evacuation level has been reached, and when?
- A. The owner, within 30 days after the repair
- B. The technician, before the appliance or part is opened
- C. EPA, during an inspection
- D. The recovery equipment manufacturer, when the machine is certified
Show answer
Answer: B. The technician, before the appliance or part is opened
The rule says "A technician must verify that the applicable level of evacuation has been reached" in the appliance or part before it is opened. The duty falls on the technician at the time of the job, not on the owner, EPA, or the equipment maker.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.156, Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances (as of Nov 3, 2026)
10. Before opening a low-pressure appliance (when none of the rule's exceptions apply), what must the technician evacuate to the Table 1 level?
- A. The refrigerant, including all the liquid refrigerant
- B. Only the refrigerant vapor
- C. Only the refrigerant held in the compressor
- D. Only the refrigerant held in the purge unit
Show answer
Answer: A. The refrigerant, including all the liquid refrigerant
Technicians "must evacuate the refrigerant, including all the liquid refrigerant, to the levels in Table 1" using certified recovery and/or recycling equipment. Removing only the vapor, or only one component's refrigerant, leaves liquid behind and does not meet the rule.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.156, Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances (as of Nov 3, 2026)
11. Low-pressure chillers must be evacuated to the Table 1 level before disposal. Someone cuts the refrigerant lines on an abandoned low-pressure chiller to steal copper, releasing refrigerant. How does the definition of disposal treat this act?
- A. As disposal, because the definition includes vandalism of any appliance such that the refrigerant is released into the environment
- B. As outside the disposal definition, because no technician was involved
- C. As a de minimis release
- D. As a seasonal variance
Show answer
Answer: A. As disposal, because the definition includes vandalism of any appliance such that the refrigerant is released into the environment
Disposal means the process leading to and including, among other things, "The vandalism of any appliance such that the refrigerant is released into the environment or would be released into the environment if it had not been recovered prior to the destructive activity." A de minimis release is one tied to good faith attempts to recycle or recover refrigerant, and a seasonal variance is a removal and re-addition due to a change in season.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.152, Definitions (as of Nov 3, 2026)
12. A shop owns two certified recovery machines, one manufactured in 1992 and one in 2018. A low-pressure chiller with no leaks will be opened for a major repair. How do the Table 1 evacuation levels for the two machines compare?
- A. The 1992 machine has a less strict level, as in the medium-pressure rows
- B. Only the 2018 machine may be used, because Table 1 sets no level for older equipment
- C. Both machines must reach the same level, 25 mm Hg absolute
- D. The 1992 machine needs to reach only 0 inches of Hg vacuum
Show answer
Answer: C. Both machines must reach the same level, 25 mm Hg absolute
Table 1 lists "Low-pressure appliance" at "25 mm Hg absolute" in both columns, for equipment made before and for equipment made on or after November 15, 1993. Only the medium- and some high-pressure rows set a less strict level for older equipment.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.156, Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Leak repair
13. An ice rink is cooled by a low-pressure chiller with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant. Which category in the definitions does the ice rink appliance belong to for leak repair purposes?
- A. Commercial refrigeration
- B. Industrial process refrigeration
- C. Comfort cooling
- D. Small appliance
Show answer
Answer: B. Industrial process refrigeration
The industrial process refrigeration definition states: "This sector also includes industrial ice machines, appliances used directly in the generation of electricity, and ice rinks." Commercial refrigeration covers retail food and cold storage, and comfort cooling covers occupied buildings.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.152, Definitions (as of Nov 3, 2026)
14. Under the rolling average method in the leak rate definition, step 1 adds up the refrigerant added to the appliance over what period?
- A. The previous 365-day period, or the shorter period since the last successful follow-up verification test showing all identified leaks were repaired
- B. The time since the appliance was installed
- C. The current calendar month
- D. The last 30 days
Show answer
Answer: A. The previous 365-day period, or the shorter period since the last successful follow-up verification test showing all identified leaks were repaired
Step 1 takes "the sum of the pounds of refrigerant added to the appliance over the previous 365-day period (or over the period that has passed since the last successful follow-up verification test showing all identified leaks in the appliance were repaired, if that period is less than one year)." The sum is then divided by the full charge and multiplied by 100.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.152, Definitions (as of Nov 3, 2026)
15. A chiller owner (full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant) asks EPA for more than 30 days to finish leak repairs. Which item must the extension request include?
- A. A letter of support from the chiller manufacturer
- B. Copies of the technicians' certification cards
- C. The reasons why more than 30 days are needed to complete the repair
- D. A photograph of each leak
Show answer
Answer: C. The reasons why more than 30 days are needed to complete the repair
Extension requests must include, among other items, "the reasons why more than 30 days (or 120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required) are needed to complete the repair." Manufacturer letters, certification cards and photographs are not on the list.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
16. A comfort cooling chiller with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant has exceeded its applicable leak rate. Unless an automatic leak detection system is used, what leak inspection schedule does 40 CFR 82.157 set for it?
- A. Once every three months
- B. Once per calendar year
- C. Once every five years
- D. Once every two years
Show answer
Answer: B. Once per calendar year
For comfort cooling appliances, leak inspections "must be conducted once per calendar year" until the owner shows the appliance has not leaked above the applicable rate for one year. Inspections every three months apply to commercial and industrial process refrigeration appliances of 500 pounds or more.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
17. The owner of a chiller (full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant) writes a plan to retrofit it to a different refrigerant. Besides identifying the appliance and its location, which item must the plan contain?
- A. The name of the wholesaler that will supply the new refrigerant
- B. Copies of the certification cards of the technicians who will do the work
- C. An itemized procedure for converting the appliance, including changes required for compatibility with the new substitute
- D. Written approval from the chiller manufacturer
Show answer
Answer: C. An itemized procedure for converting the appliance, including changes required for compatibility with the new substitute
A retrofit or retirement plan must contain, at a minimum, an "Itemized procedure for converting the appliance to a different refrigerant, including changes required for compatibility with the new substitute, if retrofitted." The rule's list does not include a supplier's name, technicians' cards or manufacturer approval.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
18. An industrial process refrigeration chiller with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant is leaking above its applicable rate when refrigerant is added. The repair requires an industrial process shutdown. Without any extension, how long does the owner have to identify and repair the leaks?
- A. 30 days
- B. 120 days
- C. 180 days
- D. 270 days
Show answer
Answer: B. 120 days
Leaks must be identified and repaired "within 30 days (or 120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required)." Because a shutdown is required, the 120-day period applies; 180 and 270 days are only outer limits of the extension for unavailable parts.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
19. The owner of an industrial process refrigeration appliance with a full charge of 800 pounds of a class II refrigerant wants to replace its quarterly leak inspections with an automatic leak detection system that directly detects refrigerant in air. Which components may such a system be used to monitor?
- A. Only components located outdoors
- B. Only components located inside an enclosed building or structure
- C. Only components more than two meters above a support surface
- D. Any component, indoors or outdoors, as long as the sensors detect 1,000 parts per million
Show answer
Answer: B. Only components located inside an enclosed building or structure
A system that directly detects refrigerant in air must "Only be used to monitor components located inside an enclosed building or structure," must accurately detect 10 parts per million and must alert at 100 parts per million. Quarterly inspections are waived only for portions continuously monitored by a system that "is audited or calibrated annually."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
20. After writing a retrofit or retirement plan, the owner of a chiller (full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant) wants EPA to relieve it of the obligation to retrofit or retire the chiller. What must the owner establish and agree to?
- A. Within 180 days of the plan's date, that the chiller no longer exceeds the applicable leak rate, and agree in writing to repair all identified leaks within one year of the plan's date
- B. That the chiller has run for 30 days since the plan's date; no repair commitment is needed
- C. That the chiller's refrigerant has been reclaimed, at any time before the plan's schedule ends
- D. Nothing; relief is not available once a plan has been written
Show answer
Answer: A. Within 180 days of the plan's date, that the chiller no longer exceeds the applicable leak rate, and agree in writing to repair all identified leaks within one year of the plan's date
The owner or operator may request relief "if the owner or operator can establish within 180 days of the plan's date that the appliance no longer exceeds the applicable leak rate and if the owner or operator agrees in writing to repair all identified leaks within one year of the plan's date." The request is considered approved unless EPA says otherwise within 60 days.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
21. A facility has several chillers subject to the leak repair requirements. What does the leak rate definition require about the calculation method?
- A. Comfort cooling appliances must use one method and industrial process refrigeration another
- B. Each appliance must use a different method
- C. The technician may switch methods at each refrigerant addition
- D. The same method must be used for all appliances subject to the leak repair requirements at the facility
Show answer
Answer: D. The same method must be used for all appliances subject to the leak repair requirements at the facility
The definition states: "The same method must be used for all appliances subject to the leak repair requirements located at an operating facility." Switching methods between appliances or between additions is not allowed.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.152, Definitions (as of Nov 3, 2026)
22. Under the federal definition, how is an appliance's leak rate expressed?
- A. As pounds of refrigerant lost per month
- B. As the percentage of the full charge lost since the appliance was installed
- C. As the percentage of the full charge that would be lost over a 12-month period if the current rate of loss continued
- D. As the percentage of the full charge lost over the last 30 days
Show answer
Answer: C. As the percentage of the full charge that would be lost over a 12-month period if the current rate of loss continued
The leak rate is "the percentage of the appliance's full charge that would be lost over a 12-month period if the current rate of loss were to continue over that period." It is a percentage of full charge projected over 12 months, not pounds or a loss since installation.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.152, Definitions (as of Nov 3, 2026)
23. A comfort cooling chiller (full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant) exceeds its leak rate. No industrial process shutdown is involved, and local regulations make a repair within 30 days impossible. By when must the owner request the extension from EPA?
- A. Within 180 days of the appliance exceeding the leak rate
- B. Within 30 days of the appliance exceeding the applicable leak rate
- C. Within 60 days of the appliance exceeding the applicable leak rate
- D. Within seven months of discovering the leak
Show answer
Answer: B. Within 30 days of the appliance exceeding the applicable leak rate
The owner or operator "must request an extension from EPA at the address specified in paragraph (m) of this section within 30 days (or 120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required) of the appliance exceeding the applicable leak rate." Seven months is the deadline for asking for more than one year to retrofit or retire, and 180 days is an outer limit on repair time for unavailable components.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
24. The owner of a chiller with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant requests more time for leak repairs under §82.157(f). How is the request treated?
- A. It must first be approved at a public hearing
- B. It takes effect only after EPA sends written approval
- C. It is considered approved unless EPA notifies the owner or operator otherwise
- D. It is available only to federally owned appliances
Show answer
Answer: C. It is considered approved unless EPA notifies the owner or operator otherwise
For repair deadline extensions, "The request will be considered approved unless EPA notifies the owners or operators otherwise." No written approval or hearing is needed, and the extension is not limited to federal equipment.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
25. A chiller with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant leaks above its applicable rate, and the owner intends to retire it rather than repair the leak. By when must a retrofit or retirement plan be created?
- A. Within one year of the leak
- B. Within seven months of discovering the leak
- C. Within 60 days of the appliance leaking above the applicable leak rate
- D. Within 30 days of the appliance leaking above the applicable leak rate
Show answer
Answer: D. Within 30 days of the appliance leaking above the applicable leak rate
The owner or operator "must create a retrofit or retirement plan within 30 days of" the appliance leaking above the applicable rate when it intends to retrofit or retire rather than repair. Seven months is the deadline for asking EPA for more than one year to finish the work, not for creating the plan.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
26. The owner of a comfort cooling chiller with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant will retire it and replace it with an appliance using a substitute refrigerant exempted under §82.154(a). How long is the owner automatically allowed to retire the chiller?
- A. 18 months
- B. 13 months
- C. One year
- D. 30 weeks
Show answer
Answer: A. 18 months
Owners or operators "are automatically allowed 18 months to retire an appliance if the replacement appliance uses a substitute refrigerant exempted under § 82.154(a)." One year (and at most 13 months) is the normal limit when this extension does not apply.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
27. The owner of a chiller with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant will retrofit it to a different refrigerant under a retrofit or retirement plan. What must happen to the leaks that have been identified?
- A. They may be left as they are, because the refrigerant is being changed
- B. All identified leaks must be repaired as part of the retrofit
- C. They must be reported to EPA instead of repaired
- D. Only leaks larger than the applicable leak rate must be repaired
Show answer
Answer: B. All identified leaks must be repaired as part of the retrofit
The rule states: "All identified leaks must be repaired as part of any retrofit under such a plan." Changing the refrigerant does not remove the duty to fix the leaks found.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
28. The owner of a comfort cooling chiller with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant uses a repair deadline extension because one part is on back order. Other leaks that significantly contribute to the leak rate can be fixed without extra time. When must those repairs be completed and verified?
- A. Within the initial 30-day repair period
- B. Within 30 days of receiving the back-ordered part
- C. Within 180 days of the appliance exceeding the leak rate
- D. Before the next annual leak inspection
Show answer
Answer: A. Within the initial 30-day repair period
Repairs to leaks that significantly contribute to the exceedance "and that do not require additional time must be completed and verified within the initial 30 day repair period" (120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required). The extra time covers only the repair that needs the missing part.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
29. After a leak on a low-pressure chiller (full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant) is repaired, the technician plans to use fluorescent dye and black light for the follow-up verification test. How does the definition of follow-up verification test treat this method?
- A. It may be used only on small appliances
- B. It is one of the potential methods the definition lists
- C. It must be carried out by an approved equipment testing organization
- D. It is allowed only after a sight glass check
Show answer
Answer: B. It is one of the potential methods the definition lists
"Potential methods for follow-up verification tests include, but are not limited to, the use of soap bubbles as appropriate, electronic or ultrasonic leak detectors, pressure or vacuum tests, fluorescent dye and black light, infrared or near infrared tests, and handheld gas detection devices."
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.152, Definitions (as of Nov 3, 2026)
30. A low-pressure chiller with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant cools an industrial process, so it is industrial process refrigeration equipment. Which leak rate does 40 CFR 82.157(c)(2) set as the applicable leak rate for it?
- A. 10 percent
- B. 20 percent
- C. 125 percent
- D. 30 percent
Show answer
Answer: D. 30 percent
40 CFR 82.157(c)(2) sets a "30 percent leak rate for industrial process refrigeration equipment." The 20 percent rate is for commercial refrigeration equipment and the 10 percent rate for comfort cooling appliances or other appliances with a full charge of 50 or more pounds.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Verification and records
31. A building owner monitors a chiller (full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant) with an automatic leak detection system instead of conducting annual leak inspections. Which records must the owner keep about the system?
- A. Records of its installation and annual audit and calibration, each date it identified a leak, and the location of the leak
- B. A monthly printout countersigned by EPA
- C. None, because the system replaces leak inspections
- D. Only the purchase receipt for the system
Show answer
Answer: A. Records of its installation and annual audit and calibration, each date it identified a leak, and the location of the leak
If using an automatic leak detection system, the owner or operator "must maintain records regarding the installation and the annual audit and calibration of the system, a record of each date the monitoring system identified a leak, and the location of the leak." Using the system in place of inspections does not remove this recordkeeping duty.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
32. A contractor's technician adds refrigerant to a hospital's chiller (full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant). Under the recordkeeping rule, which information must the record that the technician gives the hospital contain?
- A. The technician's home address and date of birth
- B. The chiller's purchase price and warranty number
- C. The date of the service, the parts serviced, the type of service, the technician's name, and the amount and type of refrigerant added
- D. A photograph of the gauges at the end of the job
Show answer
Answer: C. The date of the service, the parts serviced, the type of service, the technician's name, and the amount and type of refrigerant added
When the service is done by someone other than the owner or operator, "that person must provide a record containing the following information," which includes the date, the parts serviced, the type of service, "The name of the person performing the maintenance, service, repair, or disposal" and "The amount and type of refrigerant added to" the appliance. Prices, personal details and photographs are not on the list.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
33. A technician performs a follow-up verification test on a repaired leak in a chiller with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant. What must the technician do when the service is finished?
- A. Give the owner or operator documentation of the test that meets the recordkeeping requirements
- B. Send the test results to EPA within 30 days
- C. Keep the only copy of the results at the technician's place of business
- D. Nothing; verification test records are the owner's job alone
Show answer
Answer: A. Give the owner or operator documentation of the test that meets the recordkeeping requirements
Technicians conducting initial or follow-up verification tests "must, upon conclusion of that service, provide the owner or operator of the appliance with documentation that meets these requirements" (location, dates, repaired leaks tested, test types, and results). The rule does not call for sending the results to EPA.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
34. The owner of a chiller (full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant) leaves refrigerant added for a seasonal variance out of its leak rate calculation. What must the owner's records show?
- A. EPA's written approval for each seasonal addition
- B. That the owner is using the seasonal variance flexibility, and the amounts added and removed
- C. Nothing, because seasonal additions are excluded from the calculation
- D. The outdoor temperature on each day the chiller ran
Show answer
Answer: B. That the owner is using the seasonal variance flexibility, and the amounts added and removed
Owners or operators that exclude seasonal variance additions "must maintain records stating that they are using the seasonal variance flexibility and documenting the amount added and removed." Leaving the addition out of the calculation does not excuse these records.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
35. For an appliance with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant, which requirement applies to a retrofit or retirement plan?
- A. It must be signed by an authorized company official, dated, and accessible at the site of the appliance
- B. It must be filed with the state environmental agency
- C. It must be signed by a Type III technician and mailed to the appliance manufacturer
- D. It must be posted publicly online
Show answer
Answer: A. It must be signed by an authorized company official, dated, and accessible at the site of the appliance
The plan "must be signed by an authorized company official, dated, accessible at the site of the appliance" in paper or electronic form and available for EPA inspection on request. The rule does not call for a technician's signature, state filing, or public posting.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
36. For an appliance with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant, which item must the leak inspection records include?
- A. The technician's Social Security number
- B. A photograph of each leak
- C. The signature of an EPA inspector
- D. A certification that all visible and accessible parts of the appliance were inspected
Show answer
Answer: D. A certification that all visible and accessible parts of the appliance were inspected
Leak inspection records must include the date, the method(s) used, the location of each leak found, and "a certification that all visible and accessible parts of the appliance were inspected." Photographs, an EPA signature, or a Social Security number are not listed.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Purge units
37. For an appliance with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of a class I or class II refrigerant, purged refrigerant is left out of the annual leak rate only if it is destroyed at what verifiable destruction efficiency?
- A. 98 percent or greater
- B. 90 percent or greater
- C. 80 percent or greater
- D. 75 percent or greater
Show answer
Answer: A. 98 percent or greater
Purged refrigerant "destroyed at a verifiable destruction efficiency of 98 percent or greater" is not counted toward the leak rate (paragraph (k)). Owners who use this exclusion must also keep monitoring records (paragraph (l)(9)) and notify EPA within 60 days after the facility first uses it (paragraph (m)(5)).
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.157, Appliance maintenance and leak repair (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Recovery equipment
38. Under §82.158(d), if recovery or recycling equipment certified by an approved equipment testing organization has a noncondensables purge device, what is the most refrigerant it may release through purging?
- A. 3 percent of the refrigerant being recycled
- B. 1 percent of the refrigerant being recycled
- C. 5 percent of the refrigerant being recycled
- D. 10 percent of the refrigerant being recycled
Show answer
Answer: A. 3 percent of the refrigerant being recycled
The equipment standard says such equipment "must not release more than 3 percent" of the refrigerant being recycled through noncondensables purging. This is measured under the conditions of the applicable test appendix (B1, B2, B3, or B4).
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.158, Standards for recovery and/or recycling equipment (as of Nov 3, 2026)
39. A low-pressure chiller has a full charge of 400 pounds of refrigerant. Under what condition may system-dependent recovery equipment be used on it?
- A. When a certified Type III technician supervises the recovery
- B. When the recovery equipment was made before November 15, 1993
- C. When the refrigerant will be returned to the same chiller
- D. When the system-dependent equipment is permanently attached to the chiller as a pump-out unit
Show answer
Answer: D. When the system-dependent equipment is permanently attached to the chiller as a pump-out unit
System-dependent equipment "may not be used with appliances with a full charge of more than 15 pounds of refrigerant, unless the system-dependent equipment is permanently attached to the appliance as a pump-out unit." Supervision, equipment age, and where the refrigerant goes do not lift this limit.
Source: eCFR: 40 CFR 82.156, Proper evacuation of refrigerant from appliances (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Leak detection
40. A technician needs to raise the pressure in a low-pressure chiller to leak test it. Which order of preference for leak test pressurization methods does EPA's Type 3 test topics list give?
- A. Nitrogen first, then the hot water method or a built-in system heating/pressurization device
- B. Nitrogen only, with no heating method listed
- C. The hot water method or a built-in system heating/pressurization device such as Prevac first, then nitrogen
- D. Pure refrigerant first, then nitrogen
Show answer
Answer: C. The hot water method or a built-in system heating/pressurization device such as Prevac first, then nitrogen
Under "Order of preference of leak test pressurization methods for low-pressure systems," EPA lists first the "Hot water method or built-in system heating/pressurization device such Prevac" and then "Nitrogen."
Source: EPA: Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics
41. A building engineer reports that the purge unit on a low-pressure chiller has been running far more than usual. What does EPA's Type 3 test topics list treat this as an example of?
- A. Proof that all the liquid refrigerant has been recovered
- B. A sign that the chiller is a high-pressure appliance
- C. Normal operation that needs no attention
- D. A sign of leakage into the low-pressure system
Show answer
Answer: D. A sign of leakage into the low-pressure system
EPA's Type 3 leak detection topics include "Signs of leakage into a low-pressure system (e.g., excessive purging)."
Source: EPA: Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics
Recovery techniques
42. A technician has removed all the liquid refrigerant from a low-pressure chiller. What does EPA's Type 3 test topics list say about the refrigerant still in the chiller as vapor?
- A. It may be vented once the liquid is out
- B. It may stay in the chiller because only the liquid counts
- C. It should be pushed out with nitrogen
- D. It must also be recovered, because vapor is recovered in addition to liquid
Show answer
Answer: D. It must also be recovered, because vapor is recovered in addition to liquid
EPA's Type 3 recovery techniques include the "Need to recover vapor in addition to liquid."
Source: EPA: Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics
43. A technician will drain the oil from a low-pressure chiller. What do EPA's Type 3 test topics say should happen to the oil first, and for what reason?
- A. Cool it to 32 °F, so the water in it freezes out
- B. Heat it to 130 °F, to minimize refrigerant release
- C. Pressurize it with nitrogen, to push it out faster
- D. Heat it to 212 °F, to drive moisture out of it
Show answer
Answer: B. Heat it to 130 °F, to minimize refrigerant release
EPA lists the "Need to heat oil to 130°F before removing it to minimize refrigerant release."
Source: EPA: Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics
44. A technician is evacuating refrigerant from a water chiller. What does EPA's Type 3 test topics list say must be done with the water in the chiller during the evacuation?
- A. Leave it standing still in the tubes, to prevent freezing
- B. Let it freeze in the tubes, to seal small leaks during the evacuation
- C. Replace it with nitrogen, to pressurize the chiller
- D. Circulate it or remove it, to prevent freezing
Show answer
Answer: D. Circulate it or remove it, to prevent freezing
EPA lists the "Need to circulate or remove water from chiller during refrigerant evacuation to prevent freezing."
Source: EPA: Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics
Recharging
45. A technician starts recharging an evacuated low-pressure chiller and is about to let liquid refrigerant in right away. Which risk and which order of charging do EPA's Type 3 test topics give?
- A. Water in the tubes may freeze, so liquid should go in before vapor
- B. The oil may be diluted, so liquid should go in only while the compressor runs
- C. Charging may be slow, so liquid should always go in before any vapor
- D. Water in the tubes may freeze, so vapor should go in before liquid
Show answer
Answer: D. Water in the tubes may freeze, so vapor should go in before liquid
EPA's Type 3 recharging techniques include the "Need to introduce vapor before liquid to prevent freezing of water in the tubes."
Source: EPA: Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics
46. A centrifugal chiller has been repaired and evacuated, and the technician is ready to put refrigerant back in. Through which connection do EPA's Type 3 test topics say centrifugals should be charged?
- A. The purge unit vent
- B. The evaporator charging valve
- C. The compressor discharge line
- D. Any open water box connection
Show answer
Answer: B. The evaporator charging valve
EPA's Type 3 recharging techniques include the "Need to charge centrifugals through evaporator charging valve."
Source: EPA: Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics
Safety
47. A low-pressure chiller charged with R-123 is housed in an equipment room. Under ASHRAE Standard 15, which sensor do EPA's Type 3 safety topics say the equipment room needs for R-123?
- A. No sensor, because R-123 chillers run below atmospheric pressure
- B. An equipment room refrigerant sensor
- C. A carbon monoxide detector
- D. A water flow sensor on the chiller tubes
Show answer
Answer: B. An equipment room refrigerant sensor
EPA's Type 3 safety topics state: "Under ASHRAE Standard 15, need to have equipment room refrigerant sensor for R-123."
Source: EPA: Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics