EPA 608 and EPA 609 Differences

EPA 608 and EPA 609 Differences

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires several certification programs to ensure that individuals working with refrigerants are properly trained and qualified to handle these substances safely and responsibly. These certifications are required in conjunction with the federal Clean Air Act. For refrigerants, the goal of the EPA is to reduce and eliminate the release of ozone-depleting and global warming refrigerants. Two of these certification programs are the EPA 608 and EPA 609 certifications.

An EPA-approved 608 certification is designed to certify those who work, or may eventually work, with low-pressure appliances, high-pressure appliances, stationary refrigeration chillers, and air conditioning systems. This includes certified technicians, stationary engineers, and HVAC specialists who work with refrigeration systems that are used in buildings. Many are found in supermarkets, office buildings, and hospitals. To become certified under the EPA 608 program, an individual must pass an exam that covers the proper handling and storage of refrigerant blends. This extends to the use of refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment.

However, an EPA 609-approved certification is a program that is designed to certify individuals who work with mobile air-conditioning systems. This includes all vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, and various forms of portable air-conditioning units. To become certified under the EPA 609 program an exam must be passed which covers the proper handling and storage of refrigerants for automotive use. This extends to the use of MVAC refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment.

The largest key difference between the EPA 608 and EPA 609 certifications is the type of refrigeration systems covered. While the EPA 608 certification covers stationary refrigeration and air conditioning systems, the EPA 609 certification covers mobile air conditioning systems. This means that individuals who are certified under the EPA 608 program are qualified to work on refrigeration systems that are used in buildings, while those certified under the EPA 609 program are qualified to work on vehicles and portable air-conditioning units.

Another essential difference between the two certifications is the exam which must be passed to become certified. Both the EPA 608 and EPA 609 certifications require the test taker to pass an exam that covers the proper handling and storage of refrigerants specific to their field. The use of refrigeration recovery and recycling equipment varies slightly because the system requirements are different between MVAC and stationary systems. Specific content of these exams may vary slightly depending on the type of refrigeration systems which they cover.

There is a benefit to having both certifications, especially when working on a large variety of automobile and mobile A/C systems. While new vehicles are consistent about what type of air conditioning system they employ, older vehicles may not have had to follow these restrictions. Different refrigerants may have been used in the past which are not readily available today. An EPA 609 certification only allows for the ability to purchase specific types and quantities of refrigerant for automobile use (MVAC). This applies to the home mechanic just as much as it applies to the professional. An EPA 608 certification is required to purchase other types of refrigerant  also used in stationary systems and not just motor vehicle air conditioning. Any refrigerant which may not be commercially available for the EPA 609 certification holder also requires an EPA 608 certification. For some, it is beneficial to maintain both certifications. It also presents well on your resume, demonstrating to employers that you are covering all requirements and keeping up with regulatory requirements. 

Overall, the EPA 608 and EPA 609 training program certifications from The Training Center are both critical programs which have been designed to ensure that any individual which works with refrigerants is properly trained and qualified to handle these substances safely and responsibly. The Training Center offers self guided study guides as well as interactive classes. Both 608 and 609 is EPA certified. While the two certifications differ in the type of refrigeration systems covered (automotive vs. stationary) and the specific content of their exams, they both play a vital role in protecting the environment and the public. By ensuring that technicians are properly prepared to handle refrigerants safely the requirements for certification exams are satisfied. Every technician certification provided by The Training Center will have a certification card qualifying individuals to work on specific systems, purchase refrigerants, and certify an understanding of EPA regulations.

Find out more about both programs by visiting our website: www.thetrainingcenter.com or by visiting our EPA 608 and EPA 609 pages.