Free EPA 608 Type 1 practice test for small appliances (5 lbs or less). Each attempt draws a random 25 questions from the 50 below — instant scoring, explanations, no signup. Pass mark: 18 of 25 (72%). The real Type I exam is administered by ESCO Institute and Mainstream Engineering; this free set mirrors that format so you know what to expect — compare EPA 608 testing locations when you are ready to book.
Free EPA 608 Type 1 practice questions
1. We need separate recovery cylinders for each class of refrigerants (e.g. HCFCs). For example, we cannot use the same cylinders to recover CFC and HCFC refrigerants. But we can use the same cylinder to recover different HCFC refrigerants. (True or false)
Correct answer: False
This statement is false. All different refrigerants need to be recovered in separate containers. R-32 and R-134a are both HFC refrigerants, but they would need to be recovered in separate cylinders because they are different refrigerants.
2. An active recovery machine is required for all systems. Passive recovery is a thing of the past. (True or false)
Correct answer: False
This statement is false. Active recovery using a recovery device is only necessary for appliances with 15 lbs of refrigerant or more. Active recovery machines are not required for appliances with less than 15 lbs of refrigerant.
3. For both active recovery and passive recovery, we must recover 80% of the appliance charge if the compressor is not working. (True or false)
Correct answer: True
This statement is true. The method of recovery is irrelevant if the compressor is not working. We need to recover 80% of the appliance charge if the compressor is not working.
4. If a refrigerantʼs pressure readings are not stable, we can use its temperature readings to compare to its PT chart to check for non- condensables. (True or false)
Correct answer: False
This statement is false. For a known refrigerant, both its pressure and temperature must be stable for us to compare them to the PT chart value when checking for non-condensables.
5. Installing both high and low side access valves will increase recovery time. (True or false)
Correct answer: False
This statement is false. Installing both high and low-side access valves will increase recovery speed, not recovery time. Because it is faster, it will decrease recovery time.
6. Low loss fittings are not only required during refrigerant recovery from appliances containing ODS and their substitutes, but also in other situations such as routine service and pressure checking. (True or false)
Correct answer: True
This statement is false. Low-loss fittings are required for recovering refrigerant from appliances containing ODS and their substitutes. However low-loss fittings are also required when connecting refrigerant hoses to the system during routine pressure checking.
7. Defrost heaters: (Select all that apply)
Correct answer: Can be used to increase the temperature of refrigerant, Can be used to increase refrigerant recovery speed
Defrost heaters are only available in frost-free refrigerators. They are not available in all appliances. Both (a) and (b) are correct.
8. What should we do to recover refrigerant from a system with a compressor that is not working? (Select all that apply)
Correct answer: Tapping the compressor with a rubber mallet so we donʼt damage it, Heating it with a heating blanket
To help with recovery when the compressor is not working, we can tap the compressor with a rubber mallet to avoid damage or heat up the refrigerant with a heating blanket.
9. Which of the following are types of low loss fittings? (Select all that apply)
Correct answer: Manual low loss fittings, Automatic low loss fittings
There are two types of low-loss fittings: Manual low-loss fittings and automatic low-loss fittings.
10. Which of the following are needed to check for non-condensables in a system? (Select all that apply)
Correct answer: Refrigerant pressure, Refrigerant type
11. Which of these can be vented? (Select all that apply)
Correct answer: R-717, R-744, R-728
These three can all be vented because they are exempted from the Venting Prohibition. R-717 is ammonia, R-744 is carbon dioxide, and R-728 is nitrogen. All these are natural refrigerants.
12. If a recovery device cannot achieve a 4-inch vacuum, which one of the following does it have to be able to do in order to be used with Type I small appliances? (Select all that apply)
Correct answer: Recover 80% of refrigerant with a non-working compressor, Recover 90% of refrigerant with a working compressor
A recovery device must be able to achieve a 4-inch vacuum or recover 80% of refrigerant with a non-working compressor and 90% of refrigerant with a working compressor.
13. Which features are part of the EPA definition of a small appliance? (Select all that apply)
Correct answer: Manufactured in a factory, Fully charged in a factory, Hermetically sealed in a factory, Contains five pounds or less of refrigerant
The source definition of a small appliance includes all four of these conditions.
14. Which methods are acceptable for monitoring that a recovery tank does not exceed 80% full? (Select all that apply)
Correct answer: A refrigerant scale, A tank internal float device
The source names a refrigerant scale and a tank internal float device as acceptable ways to monitor fill level.
15. A near azeotropic blend will contain:
Correct answer: Two saturation pressure values that are close
Near azeotropic blends contain multiple components that have close saturation pressures, if not the same pressure value.
16. A zeotropic blend will contain:
Correct answer: Two saturation pressure values that have a big difference
Zeotropic blends have a larger difference between their saturation pressures because their components have different boiling points.
17. Access fittings:
Correct answer: All of these
All these statements are true.
18. If the compressor is not working and we are performing passive recovery, we need to take steps to do what?
Correct answer: Release trapped refrigerant from the compressor oil
If the compressor is not working, there is likely refrigerant trapped in the compressor oil. We need to take measures to release the trapped refrigerant so we can recover it appropriately under EPA Section 608 regulations.
19. If the pressure of the system is found to be 0 psig, can we recover refrigerant from the system?
Correct answer: No
If the pressure of an appliance is found to be 0 psig, there is no more refrigerant left for us to recover. This may also indicate that there has been a leak.
20. If the pressure reading and expected pressure are far apart, which of the following are possibly contained in the refrigerant?
Correct answer: All of these
If the pressure reading is not close to the expected pressure, it indicates the presence of non-condensables in the refrigerant. Remember that water vapor and nitrogen are examples of non-condensables.
21. A sealed household refrigerator has a working compressor and a blocked capillary tube. To recover the charge, what access setup is required?
Correct answer: One access valve on the high side only
With a working compressor and a fully restricted cap tube, recovery requires one access valve on the high side of the sealed system.
22. Solderless piercing valves:
Correct answer: Both (a) and (c)
Solderless piercing valves are generally used to access refrigerant during service and should not be left on the appliance afterward because they tend to leak over time. If we expect to leave the piercing valve on the appliance, we should use a solder-type piercing valve instead.
23. What does system-dependent recovery mean?
Correct answer: Uses appliance compressor
System-dependent recovery relies on the systemʼs compressor.
24. We can use a known refrigerantʼs PT chart to see if there are non-condensables in the refrigerant.
Correct answer: Only true if we can measure both the pressure and temperature
We can only use the PT chart when we can measure a known refrigerantʼs pressure and temperature, and compare those values to its PT chart to see if they match up.
25. What is the approximate pressure of a storage container of R-22 that is stored at 75°F? Assume there are no impurities. PT Chart
Correct answer: 131 psig
At 75°F, we see that the pressure is 132.2 psig. That would be closest to answer choice (a).
26. What is the approximate pressure of a storage container of R-404a that is stored at 60°F? Assume there are no impurities. PT Chart
Correct answer: 125.8 psig
At 60°F, we see that the two pressures are 126 psig and 124.2 psig. These would be closest to answer choice (c).
27. When performing active recovery and the compressor is working, we must recover to what levels?
Correct answer: Either (a) or (b)
If the compressor is working and we are performing an active recovery, we must either recover 90% of the charge, or recover up to a 4 inch vacuum.
28. Which method of monitoring fill level is the most accurate?
Correct answer: Gross cylinder weight
The most accurate method of monitoring fill level uses the gross cylinder weight to see how much refrigerant has been charged.
29. Which methods are approved by the EPA to monitor fill level of recovery cylinders?
Correct answer: All of these
All these are acceptable methods of monitoring the fill level for recovery cylinders, according to the EPA.
30. You are servicing an appliance that contains R-134a. Which of the following can you use to recover the refrigerant?
Correct answer: A recovery cylinder used for HFC-134a
We must use recovery cylinders to recover refrigerant. We cannot use disposable cylinders to recover refrigerant. We also need to make sure that the recovery cylinder is used for the same refrigerant contained in the appliance we are recovering from. And since R-134a is the same as HFC-134a, the correct answer would be (b).
31. Contaminated refrigerants can cause the appliance to:
Correct answer: Cool less efficiently
Contaminated refrigerants may decrease the cooling efficiency of an appliance or even cause it to fail completely.
32. According to EPA 608 retrofit guidelines, which refrigerant is approved for retrofitting certain low-temperature R-22 systems, such as household freezers, when proper oil changes and system modifications are performed?
Correct answer: R-407A
R-407A is an EPA-SNAP-approved HFC blend that can be used to retrofit certain low-temperature R-22 systems, including household freezers, when mineral oil is replaced with POE and proper retrofit procedures are followed.
33. If we find refrigerant that is mixed, what should we do?
Correct answer: Send it to a certified reclaiming facility to be reclaimed
If refrigerant is found to be mixed, it must be sent to a reclaimer. Reclaiming of refrigerant can only be done by a certified reclaiming facility.
34. If we use nitrogen to pressurize a system or blow debris out (after fully recovering the refrigerant in the appliance), we can?
Correct answer: Vent the nitrogen
The answer is B, the nitrogen can be vented. We cannot recover nitrogen into the same tank as the refrigerant because it would contaminate the refrigerant and make it unusable.
35. What is isobutane?
Correct answer: An acceptable substitute for new household refrigerators and freezers
Isobutane is also known as R-600a, an acceptable substitute in new household refrigerators and freezers under the SNAP program.
36. New household refrigerators and freezers can be factory charged with?
Correct answer: Both A and B
R-600a (isobutane) and R-290 (propane) are both hydrocarbons that are acceptable as substitutes in new household refrigerators and freezers under SNAP.
37. Small appliances include:
Correct answer: Window AC units
On this list, only window AC units are considered small appliances. Commercial freezers and commercial refrigerators are not small appliances. These appliances typically have more than five pounds of refrigerant.
38. Up to how many pounds of refrigerant can Type I appliances contain?
Correct answer: 5
Type I appliances can contain a maximum of five pounds of refrigerant.
39. Which of the following statements about hydrocarbons is NOT correct?
Correct answer: Hydrocarbons are acceptable substitutes for retrofit applications
The EPA prohibits retrofitting existing systems with hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are only approved for new equipment under specific use conditions.
40. Which of the following is not true?
Correct answer: None of these
All of these are true.
41. Which of the following statements is true about refrigerant recovery?
Correct answer: All of these
All of these statements are true.
42. Which of the following refrigerants is not covered by the sales restriction of Section 608?
Correct answer: R-717
R-717 is ammonia, a natural refrigerant, and is therefore exempted from the Section 608 sales restriction. R-22 is an HCFC refrigerant, and R-12 is a CFC refrigerant. Both are covered by the sales restriction. R-134a is an HFC refrigerant. All containers of R-134a greater than 2 lbs are subject to the sales restriction.
43. At high temperatures, what do CFCs and HCFCs decompose to?
Correct answer: Hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids
At high temperatures, CFCs and HCFCs decompose into hydrochloric acids and hydrofluoric acids.
44. Burning CFCs and HCFCs can:
Correct answer: All of these
All of these statements are true.
45. If refrigerant has been released, what is the first thing you should do?
Correct answer: Locate a self-contained breathing apparatus
The first thing we should do if there is a leak is to locate a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Preserving life is the priority.
46. If a self-contained breathing apparatus cannot be found, what should be done?
Correct answer: Vacate the area and ventilate it if safe to do so.
If an SCBA is not available, leave the area to avoid danger and ventilate it if it is safe to do so.
47. Safety markings used in appliances with hydrocarbon refrigerants are:
Correct answer: Permanently made on the equipment during manufacturing
Permanent markings are made on required components during manufacture. Technicians just need to be aware of where they are.
48. Why must technicians treat refrigerant cylinders as potential explosion hazards?
Correct answer: They are stored under pressure and can rupture violently
Refrigerants are stored in pressurized cylinders, so there is a real risk of explosion if pressure spikes or the vessel is compromised.
49. What piece of equipment is needed on nitrogen tanks when using them to service an appliance?
Correct answer: Pressure regulator
Pressure regulators or relief valves are necessary when using nitrogen tanks to service an appliance. They prevent excessive pressure build-ups that can lead to explosions.
50. When do we need to use safety eyewear and butyl-lined gloves?
Correct answer: When connecting and disconnecting hoses
When connecting and disconnecting hoses, we are at risk of coming into direct contact with refrigerant. This is why we need to wear safety eyewear and butyl lined gloves.
Your score
What Type I certification covers
Type I certification governs small appliances: factory-sealed systems containing 5 lbs or less of
refrigerant. These include domestic refrigerators, window air conditioners, PTAC units, vending
machines, and water coolers. Because the compressor is hermetically sealed at the factory, technicians
use specialized recovery techniques that differ from larger open-drive systems. The 50 Type I practice questions with answers below cover all three knowledge areas tested on the real exam.
The Type I exam tests three core knowledge areas:
Recovery standards: The required recovery percentage depends on whether the
system compressor is working or non-working. EPA mandates specific efficiency thresholds before a
technician may open the system.
Active vs. passive (system-dependent) recovery: Active recovery uses a
self-contained recovery machine. Passive (system-dependent) recovery uses the appliance's own
compressor to push refrigerant into an external container. Both methods are legal for Type I, but
each has different efficiency requirements.
Safety - phosgene and flammable refrigerants: Decomposition of R-12 near an
open flame produces phosgene, a toxic gas. Flammable refrigerants such as R-600a (isobutane) in
modern domestic fridges require special handling.
Type I recovery requirements
Unlike Type II and III systems, Type I recovery thresholds are expressed as a
percentage of the refrigerant charge, not in inches of mercury. Under
40 CFR §82.156(h), the required amount depends on whether the appliance's compressor
is running and on the type of recovery equipment you use.
Condition when you recover
Required recovery
Compressor is operating
90% of the charge
Compressor is not operating
80% of the charge
Alternative for either case — evacuate the appliance
4 inches of mercury vacuum
Field tip: The memory hook is "a running compressor helps push refrigerant out, so you can
get more out." That is why a working compressor sets the bar at 90%, while a dead compressor drops it to 80% — the same rule whether you use system-dependent or self-contained equipment (recovery gear made before Nov 15, 1993 is held to 80% either way). It is the opposite of what
many techs guess, so it shows up on the exam.
These thresholds are worth trusting your memory to: we verified them — along with every other number in
our 569-question bank, built from official ESCO study materials — against 40 CFR Part 82 on eCFR. Each
question passes a structure check, a fact check against our verified facts table, and an explanation
review before it goes live.
Essential equipment for Type I technicians
Type I technicians use different tools than larger-system technicians. The piercing valve (sometimes
called a saddle valve or bullet-piercing valve) is attached directly to the sealed system tubing
without soldering, allowing refrigerant access. Recovery bags and passive recovery cylinders are
commonly used for small system-dependent recovery. The exam tests correct usage procedures and
refrigerant transfer limits for each method.
Who needs Type I certification
Any technician who handles refrigerants in small appliances must hold at minimum a Type I certification under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. This covers HVAC and appliance technicians who service household refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, dehumidifiers, and vending machines. Technicians who want to work on all system types typically pursue Universal certification, which combines Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III into one exam.
Type I is the only Section 608 section available in open-book mail-in format. When administered open-book, the passing threshold rises to 84% (21 of 25 correct), which is higher than the 72% (18 of 25) required for proctored closed-book exams. The mail-in option exists primarily for technicians in remote areas who lack access to a proctored testing center. In practice, most technicians take the proctored exam because the cost and turnaround time are similar, and passing the open-book version at the higher threshold is often harder than preparing for the standard proctored version.
Common exam mistakes on Type I
The most common errors on Type I come from confusing recovery percentage thresholds. The rule is set by compressor status: recover 90% of the charge when the compressor is operating, 80% when it is not operating — or evacuate the appliance to 4 inches of mercury vacuum. Technicians who reverse the two numbers miss these questions. A second common error involves misidentifying which appliances qualify as Type I: the five-pound threshold applies to the refrigerant charge, not the appliance weight. Window air conditioners, household refrigerators, and vending machines typically fall under Type I. Split-system residential units often contain more than five pounds and therefore fall under Type II.
Technicians who struggle on Type I most often cite difficulty distinguishing between the passive and active recovery methods and their respective percentage requirements. Reviewing the recovery procedure definitions before the exam significantly improves scores on this section. The flashcards in the app — free for every section — are built for exactly this kind of definition drilling, and the weak-spot chart on a free account shows whether recovery questions are where you keep losing points.
Frequently asked questions about the EPA 608 Type 1 practice test
Is this EPA 608 Type 1 practice test really free?
Yes. All 50 Type I practice questions with instant scoring, answers and explanations are completely free with no signup required. A free account unlocks the full 569-question bank plus progress tracking and weak-spot analysis. Pro ($14.99 lifetime) adds AI Tutor (1,000 questions/month), targeted drills, the weak-spot radar, timed exam simulation, and offline access.
How many questions are on the Type I exam and what is the passing score?
The Type I section has 25 questions. You need 18 of 25 correct to pass at 72% on the standard proctored exam. The open-book mail-in version requires 84% (21 of 25). This free practice test uses the same question format and difficulty so you can gauge your readiness.
What is Type I certification?
Type I is one of four EPA Section 608 certification categories. It covers small appliances: factory-sealed, hermetically sealed systems with 5 lbs or less of refrigerant, including household refrigerators, window AC units, PTAC units, and vending machines. Technicians who service only small appliances need Type I; those who work on all system types typically pursue Universal certification.
What is the Type I refrigerant recovery percentage?
The threshold is set by compressor status: recover 90% of the refrigerant charge when the compressor is operating, or 80% when the compressor is not operating — or evacuate the appliance to 4 inches of mercury vacuum. These thresholds appear frequently on the real exam.
How do I study for the EPA 608 Type 1 exam?
Start with this free practice test to find your weak spots. Work through the 50 on-page questions with explanations, then read the Type I study guide and review the recovery threshold cheat sheet. Create a free account to track your scores across sessions and drill the topics where you lose the most points. Most technicians are ready within a few hours of focused study.
What systems does Type I certification cover?
Type I covers factory-sealed appliances with 5 lbs or less of refrigerant, including
domestic refrigerators, window AC units, PTAC units, and commercial vending machines.
Can I use a regular recovery machine on a Type I appliance?
Yes. Self-contained recovery machines are the standard tool for Type I work and must meet the same thresholds: 90% recovery with an operating compressor, 80% with a non-operating compressor, or evacuation to 4 inches Hg. They are the more consistent option for technicians who work across multiple system types.
What is a piercing valve used for?
A piercing (or saddle) valve attaches to sealed system tubing without soldering, providing
refrigerant access on hermetically sealed appliances. It is the standard access method for
Type I recovery.
Does Type I certification allow me to purchase refrigerant?
Yes. Any Section 608 certification (Type I, II, III, or Universal) allows purchase of refrigerant
in containers larger than 2 lbs from EPA-registered distributors.
What refrigerants appear on the Type I exam?
The exam covers older CFC and HCFC refrigerants like R-12 and R-22 as well as modern HFC refrigerants such as R-134a. It also tests hydrocarbon refrigerants like R-600a (isobutane) and R-290 (propane), which are factory-only substitutes in new household refrigerators and freezers under the EPA SNAP program.
How many practice questions are on this page?
This page has 50 Type I practice questions with answers and explanations in one interactive quiz, all free with no signup. Create a free account to access the full 569-question bank with progress tracking and weak-spot analysis.
