Does EPA 608 Certification Expire?
The short answer is no — EPA 608 certification is permanent. Here's what that means, what can actually change, and how to protect your certification.
Direct Answer
EPA Section 608 technician certification does not expire. Once issued, your certification card is valid for the lifetime of the technician. There is no renewal date, no continuing education requirement, and no expiration under current federal regulations.
EPA 608 certification — formally known as EPA Section 608 Technician Certification — is a federal credential issued under the Clean Air Act. The regulations at 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F do not include an expiration provision. When you pass the exam and receive your certification card, that certification is permanent.
What "Permanent Certification" Actually Means
Permanent means no renewal cycle, no annual fee, and no re-examination requirement for the certification itself. Technicians certified in 1992 when the program launched still hold valid certification today.
However, "permanent" applies only to the certification status under EPA Section 608. It does not protect you from:
- State licensing expirations — many states require separate HVAC contractor or refrigerant licenses that do expire and require renewal
- Employer requirements — some employers require periodic refresher training regardless of certification status
- Regulatory scope changes — the AIM Act (2020) expanded which refrigerants are covered; your certification type determines which substances you're authorized to handle
AIM Act (2020): What Changed and What Didn't
The AIM Act significantly expanded EPA's authority over HFC refrigerants and low-GWP alternatives. It did not, however, change the expiration status of existing EPA 608 certifications. What it did change:
| What Changed | What Didn't Change |
|---|---|
| Scope of regulated refrigerants (now includes more HFCs and blends) | Certification expiration — still no expiration date |
| Phasedown schedule for high-GWP HFCs | Certification types (Core, Type I, II, III, Universal) |
| Venting prohibitions now explicitly cover HFCs | Passing score requirement (72% per section) |
| A2L refrigerant handling requirements expanding | Certifying organization approval process |
Stay Current on Regulations Even Without Expiration
EPA 608 certification doesn't expire, but regulations do change. Technicians working with A2L refrigerants (R-32, R-454B, R-466A) are encountering new equipment, new safety requirements, and new handling procedures. Staying informed is a professional responsibility even if there's no formal re-certification requirement.
Lost Your EPA 608 Certification Card?
If you lose your certification card, contact the certifying organization that issued it. The main organizations and their replacement procedures:
- ESCO Institute — replacement cards available through their website; provide name and certification number
- Mainstream Engineering (NATE) — contact their support line; may require identity verification
- HVAC Excellence — replacement process through their certification portal
- SkillCat — digital certification records available through your account; physical card replacement on request
You can also verify certification status directly with the certifying organization if an employer or inspector requests proof. Most organizations maintain searchable databases of certified technicians.
EPA 608 Certification Is Portable
Your EPA 608 certification belongs to you as an individual, not to your employer. When you change jobs, your certification follows you. Your new employer does not need to sponsor or re-certify you. This is true for all four certification types: Core, Type I, Type II, Type III, and Universal.
Some employers request a copy of your certification card for their records. This is standard practice — keep a digital photo or scan of your card for easy sharing.
State vs Federal Requirements
EPA 608 is a federal certification. Many states layer additional licensing requirements on top of it. These state licenses typically do expire and require renewal:
| Requirement Type | Expiration | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| EPA 608 certification | None — permanent | EPA-approved testing org |
| State HVAC contractor license | Yes — 1–2 years typically | State licensing board |
| State refrigerant technician license | Yes — varies by state | State licensing board |
| Business/employer license | Yes — annual | City or county |
Check your state's contractor licensing board for the specific renewal requirements in your jurisdiction. EPA 608 certification satisfies the federal refrigerant handling credential, but it does not replace state licensing where required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not Certified Yet? Start Practicing Free
EPA 608 certification is permanent once you earn it — make sure you pass the first time.