🎯 What Is This Cheat Sheet?
A printable one-page PDF containing all the most critical facts, numbers, and requirements tested on the EPA 608 exam. Perfect for last-minute review, memorization, and quick reference during your study sessions. Not for use during the actual exam (which is closed-book).
The EPA 608 certification exam tests your knowledge of refrigerant handling regulations, recovery requirements, and safety procedures. While understanding concepts is crucial, you also need to memorize specific numbers, dates, and thresholds.
This cheat sheet consolidates all those critical details onto one printable page. Use it as a study companion alongside our Core exam guide, Type 1 guide, Type 2 guide, Type 3 guide, or Universal guide.
📥 Download Your Free EPA 608 Cheat Sheet
📄 Get Your Free Cheat Sheet PDF
One-page printable reference with all critical facts, requirements, and dates
⬇️ View & Print Cheat Sheet PDFNo email required • 100% free • Print using Ctrl+P or ⌘+P
📋 What's Included in the Cheat Sheet
Our EPA 608 cheat sheet organizes critical information into easy-to-scan sections:
1. Recovery Requirements by System Type
The most commonly tested numbers on the EPA 608 exam:
| System Type | Refrigerant | Required Vacuum/Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (Small Appliances) | All types | 0 psig OR 80% recovery |
| Type 2 High-Pressure | HCFC-22 | 10 inches Hg vacuum |
| Type 2 High-Pressure | HFCs (R-134a, R-410A) | 0 psig |
| Type 3 Low-Pressure | R-123 (Chillers) | 25 mm Hg absolute (0 psig) |
2. Refrigerant Classifications
CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
Examples: R-12, R-11, R-113, R-500, R-502
ODP: High (0.6-1.0) | Status: Production banned 1996
Montreal Protocol: 1987 (signed), 1996 (ban effective)
HCFCs (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons)
Examples: R-22, R-123
ODP: Low (0.02-0.055) | Status: Phaseout (production ended 2020 for R-22)
Key Date: January 1, 2020 - R-22 production ban
HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons)
Examples: R-134a, R-410A, R-404A, R-407C
ODP: Zero (0) | GWP: High | Status: Current standard (phasedown started 2022)
Kigali Amendment: 2016 - HFC phasedown plan
Natural Refrigerants
Examples: R-600a (isobutane), R-290 (propane), R-744 (CO₂), R-717 (ammonia)
ODP: Zero | GWP: Very low | Caution: Some are flammable (A3)
3. Critical EPA Dates
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Montreal Protocol signed |
| 1990 | Clean Air Act amendments (Section 608 created) |
| 1995 | EPA technician certification required |
| 1996 | CFC production banned |
| 2016 | Kigali Amendment (HFC phasedown) |
| 2020 | R-22 production banned (January 1) |
4. Leak Repair Thresholds
| System Type | Annual Leak Rate Threshold |
|---|---|
| Commercial refrigeration | 35% per year |
| Comfort cooling (≥50 lbs) | 20% per year |
| Industrial process refrigeration | 35% per year |
5. Cylinder Color Codes
| Cylinder Type | Color |
|---|---|
| Refrigerant recovery (reusable) | Gray body, yellow top |
| Refrigerant recovery (disposable) | Yellow top only |
| Recovered refrigerant (contaminated) | Gray with yellow top |
6. Key Definitions & Numbers
- Small appliance (Type 1): Contains 5 pounds or less of refrigerant
- High-pressure system: Evaporator pressure above 0 psig at 70°F
- Low-pressure system: Evaporator pressure below 0 psig at 70°F
- Evacuation standard: 500 microns for new installations
- Passing score: 70% (minimum 18/25 questions per section)
- Certification validity: Lifetime (never expires)
- Maximum test pressure (Type 3): 10 psig for chillers
- Venting ban effective date: July 1, 1992
7. Safety Classifications (ASHRAE 34)
| Class | Toxicity | Flammability | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Low | No flame | R-134a, R-410A, R-22 |
| A2L | Low | Mildly flammable | R-32, R-454B, R-1234yf |
| A3 | Low | Highly flammable | R-290, R-600a |
| B1 | High | No flame | R-123 (TLV 50 ppm) |
8. Common Formulas
Subcooling = Saturation Temperature - Liquid Line Temperature
Normal range: 10-20°F for proper charging
Superheat = Suction Line Temperature - Saturation Temperature
Normal range: 8-12°F for TXV systems, 10-20°F for fixed orifice
Leak Rate % = (Amount Lost / System Capacity) × 100
Calculate annually to determine if repairs are required
🎯 How to Use This Cheat Sheet Effectively
During Initial Study (Weeks 1-2)
- Print the cheat sheet and keep it visible during study sessions
- Reference it while reading full study guides to reinforce numbers
- Highlight unfamiliar facts that need extra memorization
- Quiz yourself by covering columns and testing recall
Final Week Before Exam
- Daily review: Spend 5-10 minutes reading the entire sheet each morning
- Focus on weak areas: Use highlighting to identify facts you still struggle with
- Flash card method: Cover answers and test yourself on recovery requirements
- Bedtime review: Read the sheet before sleep for better retention
Test Day Morning
- Final 15-minute review of the entire cheat sheet before leaving home
- Focus on numbers: Recovery requirements, leak thresholds, critical dates
- Mental rehearsal: Visualize the sheet layout to aid recall during exam
- Leave it at home: Remember the exam is closed-book
💡 Memory Tip: The "Rule of 3s"
Remember the three most tested number groups: Recovery requirements (0 psig, 10" Hg, 25 mm Hg), Leak thresholds (20% comfort, 35% commercial), and Critical dates (1987, 1996, 2020). Master these first.
📚 Combine with Full Study Guides
The cheat sheet is a memorization tool, not a replacement for comprehensive study. Use it alongside our full guides:
- Core Exam Guide - Deep dive into regulations and theory
- Type 1 Guide - Small appliance procedures explained
- Type 2 Guide - High-pressure system details
- Type 3 Guide - Low-pressure chiller specifics
- Universal Guide - Strategic study approach for all types
For organized preparation, see our How to Study guide with 1-week and 2-week schedules.
🎯 Test Your Knowledge
Ready to Practice?
After memorizing the cheat sheet facts, test your knowledge with our free practice exams
Take Universal Practice Test Take Core Practice Test❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the EPA 608 cheat sheet?
The cheat sheet includes recovery requirements for all system types, refrigerant classifications (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, natural refrigerants), critical EPA dates, pressure-temperature relationships, ODP and GWP values, leak repair thresholds, cylinder color codes, and common formulas. Everything is organized on one printable page for quick review.
Can I use the cheat sheet during the EPA 608 exam?
No, the EPA 608 exam is closed-book in most states. The cheat sheet is designed for study and memorization purposes only. Use it to review key facts before test day, but you cannot bring it into the exam room.
How do I download the EPA 608 cheat sheet PDF?
Simply scroll to the download section above and click the download button. The PDF is completely free with no email signup required. You can print it immediately for study purposes.
Is the cheat sheet enough to pass the EPA 608 exam?
No. The cheat sheet is a memorization aid, not a complete study resource. You need to understand the concepts behind these numbers using our full study guides and practice tests. The cheat sheet helps you memorize critical facts after you've learned the fundamentals.
How long does it take to memorize the cheat sheet?
With focused study, most people can memorize the critical facts in 3-5 days using daily review sessions. The key is repetition: review the sheet 2-3 times per day for 5-10 minutes each time. Use it during your final week before the exam for best results.
Can I share the cheat sheet with my coworkers?
Yes! The cheat sheet is completely free. Share the download link with anyone preparing for EPA 608 certification. Studying together and quizzing each other can improve retention for everyone.
🎓 Next Steps
Download the cheat sheet, print it, and keep it handy during your study sessions. Use it for quick review alongside our comprehensive study guides and practice tests. For complete exam preparation, follow our structured study schedule.