Free EPA 608 Type 2 practice test for high-pressure systems (R-22, R-410A, central AC, heat pumps). Each attempt draws a random 25 questions from the 50 below — instant scoring, explanations, no signup. Pass mark: 18 of 25 (72%).
Free EPA 608 Type 2 practice questions
1. For leak-repair categories, comfort cooling appliances include residential, office, and commercial buildings used to control heat or humidity. (True or false)
Correct answer: True
The source defines comfort cooling as air-conditioning appliances used to control heat and/or humidity in occupied facilities such as residential, office, and commercial buildings.
2. If a system with 50 pounds or more of regulated refrigerant exceeds the threshold leak rate, the owner must either repair it below the threshold or retire/retrofit the appliance. (True or false)
Correct answer: True
Once the threshold leak rate has been exceeded on a system with 50 pounds or more, it must be repaired enough to bring the leak rate below the threshold or be retrofitted or retired.
3. Not having a certified service technician available can be used as a reason to extend the leak repair deadline. (True or false)
Correct answer: False
The source states that not having a certified service technician available for service cannot be used as a reason to extend the leak repair deadline.
4. Records of leak inspections, initial verification, and follow-up verification tests must be kept for three years. (True or false)
Correct answer: True
The source says these records must be kept on file for three years.
5. On an operating hermetic system known to be leaking, traces of oil are a useful visual clue when first inspecting for leaks. (True or false)
Correct answer: True
The source says that when first inspecting an operating hermetic system known to be leaking, you should look for traces of oil.
6. System-dependent recovery techniques may be used on Type II appliances even when the total charge is greater than 15 pounds. (True or false)
Correct answer: False
If the total charge is greater than 15 pounds, system-dependent or passive recovery techniques cannot be used.
7. Which features are required on gauge hoses used to connect the recovery unit to the tank? (Select all that apply)
Correct answer: Self-sealing connectors, Hand valves
The gauge hoses used to connect the recovery unit to the tank are required to have self-sealing connectors or hand valves to minimize refrigerant release.
8. After opening a system for service, a technician suspects moisture is present. Which corrective action should be taken to protect the system?
Correct answer: Install a correctly sized filter drier
Use a liquid-line filter drier; it's designed to remove moisture and other contaminants from the refrigerant system.
9. Which statement best explains how the compressor heater protects the compressor at start-up?
Correct answer: It heats the compressor oil to boil off any refrigerant mixed in
The compressor heater warms the compressor oil. Refrigerant boils off first, so the oil isn't diluted. With full- strength oil, the compressor has proper lubrication at start-up.
10. What visual indication might be seen on a moisture-indicating sight glass if moisture is present in a refrigeration system?
Correct answer: A color change/discoloration of the moisture indicator element in the sight glass
A moisture-indicating sight glass uses a moisture-sensitive indicator that changes color when moisture is present.
11. Before servicing a rooftop unit, where should you verify the equipment's official specifications?
Correct answer: The unit's nameplate
The nameplate is where the system's manufacturer has listed all specifications for that particular system. Always verify specs on the nameplate before the service.
12. Where should a receiver tank be hooked to tap refrigerant in liquid form during service?
Correct answer: On the liquid line, close to the condenser outlet
A receiver tank connects to the liquid line near the condenser outlet to capture the high-pressure liquid leaving the condenser coils.
13. When the suction service valve is back-seated, which port is closed?
Correct answer: Gauge port
Backseating a suction shutoff valve will close the gauge/service port of the valve.
14. Which of the following components is located just before the compressor?
Correct answer: Accumulator
The accumulator is a temporary refrigerant storage tank that is located just before the compressor.
15. Which of the following refrigerants is not used in Type II systems?
Correct answer: R-245fa
R-245fa is not a high-pressure refrigerant, so it is not used in Type II systems.
16. Which of the following tasks falls within EPA Section 608 Type II work?
Correct answer: Service an R-410A rooftop unit at a supermarket site
Type II covers work on high/very high-pressure appliances, which include systems like rooftop units using high- pressure refrigerants such as R-410A.
17. A plant chiller sends 52% of its cooling capacity to a chemical process loop and 48% to office HVAC. How is it classified?
Correct answer: Industrial process refrigeration
If an appliance uses more than 50% of its cooling capacity for industrial processes (manufacturing line in this case), it is classified as an industrial process refrigeration system.
18. A customer has an IPR system with 2000 pounds of R-22 refrigerant that has exceeded its leak rate threshold. How often is the customer required to perform a leak inspection after repair?
Correct answer: Every 3 months
For an IPR system with more than 500 pounds of refrigerant, it is compulsory to perform a leak inspection every 3 months after repairing the leak.
19. A supermarket commercial refrigeration rack with 400 lb of R-410A refrigerant was repaired for leaks. How often must leak inspections be performed after repair?
Correct answer: Once per calendar year
For a commercial refrigeration system with 50 to 500 pounds of refrigerant, it is compulsory to perform a leak inspection once per calendar year after repairing any leaks.in
20. After the leak repair of a cold storage refrigeration system using 2500 pounds of R-410A and a successful initial verification test, when must the follow-up leak verification test be conducted?
Correct answer: Within 10 days
As the given system contains more than 200 pounds of refrigerant, it is compulsory to perform a follow-up leak verification test within 10 days of repairing the leak.
21. Before leak checks on a newly assembled field-piped system, what factor most strongly affects how many leaks you're likely to find?
Correct answer: The proficiency of the installer who did the brazing and piping work
The leak count is largely driven by installer skill and workmanship on the field-piped systems.
22. On January 10, 2024, an HVAC servicing company disposes of a rooftop unit containing 35 lb of refrigerant. Until what date must the company retain the disposal records at minimum?
Correct answer: January 10, 2027
An HVAC servicing company that disposes of an appliance with a charge between 5 and 50 pounds must keep the records for a minimum period of 3 years. From January 10, 2024, 3 years is January 10, 2027.
23. A 60-lb comfort-cooling unit fails verification after a leak repair. The owner decides to retire it and replace it with a CO₂ (R-744) system, which is exempt from the Venting Prohibition. Under EPA leak-repair rules, the retirement must be completed within:
Correct answer: 18 months
If a replacement uses a refrigerant exempt from ventilating prohibitions, the owner or operator has 18 months to retire or retrofit the appliance in question
24. During an audit, a facility with several chillers (each containing more than 50 lbs of ODP refrigerant) is asked for records of leak inspections and both verification tests after repairs. For compliance, the owner and operator must keep these records for at least:
Correct answer: 3 years
The owners and operators of regulated appliances containing 50 or more pounds of regulated refrigerant should maintain all records for at least 3 years.
25. A grocery store's 120-lb R-22 rack shows an annualized leak rate of 22% in its 2019 log. Under EPA rules for commercial refrigeration with more than 50 lb, which annual leak-rate threshold triggers the mandatory repair requirement?
Correct answer: 20% annually
The maximum leak rate set by the EPA for a commercial refrigeration system is 20%. If a commercial refrigeration system has a leak rate higher than 20%, then it must be repaired.
26. During a service call on a 60-lb system, you must verify whether the annual leak rate exceeds the EPA limit before topping off. To do that, you first need the system's full charge. According to EPA rules, which method(s) may be used to determine the full charge?
Correct answer: Calculations based on component and pipe sizes
The EPA allows the use of calculations based on component and pipe sizes to determine the full charge in the system.
27. Which of these methods is the best for pinpointing the exact location of a refrigerant leak?
Correct answer: Soap Bubble Leak Detection Test
The best method to test a system for leaks is by using soap bubbles is to pinpoint the exact location of the leaks.
28. What is the first step to take to ensure a newly assembled system is leak-free?
Correct answer: Pressurize with an inert gas and leak check.
Any newly assembled system should first be pressurized with nitrogen to ensure it is leak-free.
29. You're pressure-testing an R-407C field-piped system. A trace gas is required to improve electronic detection. Which setup is code- compliant?
Correct answer: Nitrogen with a trace of R-407C
When a trace gas is absolutely necessary, use nitrogen with a small amount of the system's designated refrigerant. In this case, R-407C. This aligns with the code's best practice.
30. On a hermetic system with suspected leakage, which visual clue around joints and fittings most strongly suggests a slow, ongoing leak?
Correct answer: Darkened dust stuck to a light oil film
A thin oil film that collects dark dust is a classic sign of a slow refrigerant leak at that location.
31. Which of the following installations is classified as commercial refrigeration under EPA leak-repair rules?
Correct answer: A supermarket's display-case lineup
A supermarket's display-case lineup is commercial refrigeration. In contrast, a bank's rooftop chiller for offices is comfort cooling, and a pharma plant's brine chiller is Industrial Process Refrigeration (IPR).
32. Which of the following situations does qualify for an extension of a leak-repair deadline?
Correct answer: Critical part is not available
Extensions are allowed for specific constraints like documented part unavailability, not for staffing, budget, or convenience.
33. On a high-pressure capillary-tube system, which reading combination most strongly suggests an undercharge from a hidden leak?
Correct answer: Low suction pressure with high superheat
A low suction pressure and high superheat pattern indicate a reduced refrigerant mass flow, which often suggests an undercharge due to a leak.
34. Which set of actions correctly mothballs an appliance under EPA rules?
Correct answer: Isolate the section, shut it down, and evacuate to atmospheric pressure
Proper mothballing requires evacuating to atmospheric pressure, isolating, and temporarily shutting down the equipment.
35. In which of the following cases will charging a system that contains 50+ pounds of ozone-depleting refrigerant require you to calculate its leak rate?
Correct answer: When topping off the system
The requirement to calculate the leak rate gets triggered when topping off refrigerant in any system containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant.
36. In a refrigeration compressor, which component is most likely to fail and cause leaks after months of inactivity due to hardened rubber seals?
Correct answer: Rotating shaft seal
rubber seals within the rotating shaft seal often hardens and loses its sealing ability over time.
37. When drawing deep vacuums, a hermetic recovery machine will:
Correct answer: Overheat due to reduced flow of refrigerant through the compressor
When drawing a deep vacuum, the hermetic compressors' motor overheats as there is little refrigerant flowing through it to cool it down.
38. A technique to speed up the recovery process is:
Correct answer: Cool the recovery cylinder
Cooling the recovery cylinder reduces the pressure inside it, creating more space inside and reducing the resistance to refrigerant flow.Ultimately, this leads to quicker recovery.
39. A technician just finished liquid refrigerant recovery on an appliance. What must be done with the remaining refrigerant vapor to finishthe recovery process?
Correct answer: Recovered through the vapor line using the recovery unit
Recovery isn't complete until you also remove the vapor. After the liquid recovery is complete, the vaporrefrigerant left in the system should also be recovered using the recovery equipment.
40. During refrigerant recovery, water from the local municipal water supply is used to cool the:
Correct answer: Water-cooled recovery unit
Local municipal water is continuously passed over the condenser coils of a water-cooled recovery unit during recovery.
41. Recovering refrigerant from a system in the liquid phase will cause the loss of which of the following?
Correct answer: Oil
Refrigerant oil is mixed with liquid refrigerant in high quantities. During liquid recovery, the oil is recovered along with the refrigerant.This refrigerant oil is lost and can't be filtered back.
42. A technician begins recovery on a supermarket parallel rack without closing isolation valves. The recovery stalls even though themachine is on. What system feature is causing this?
A parallel compressor system (parallel rack system) has an open equalization connection. It would be impossibleto recover refrigerant without isolating the parallel compressor system. The shared header equalizes pressure.
43. Self-sealing connectors and hand valves are used because they:
Correct answer: Minimize refrigerant release when hoses are connected and disconnected
Self-sealing connectors and hand valves are types of low-loss fittings that minimize refrigerant release when connecting anddisconnecting hoses.
44. Before filling a cylinder with refrigerant, which step must be performed first?
Correct answer: Evacuate the cylinder
Before transferring refrigerant into an empty cylinder, it should first be evacuated to remove any non-condensable gases that may have seeped into it.
45. What must be completed before connecting a recovery unit to evacuate refrigerant?
Correct answer: Checking the service valve positions and recovery oil level, when applicable.
While using a recovery unit, a technician should first check the service valve's positions to prevent accidental venting of refrigerant. Theoil level in the recovery unit must also be checked before starting the recovery process.
46. When servicing an appliance with a receiver/storage tank:
Correct answer: refrigerant should be pumped down to and isolated in the receiver
When servicing an appliance with a receiver tank, the refrigerant should be pumped down to and isolated in the receiver tank to savetime and effort.
47. You're servicing a unit with a receiver tank. The receiver outlet sits higher than the condenser outlet. Where should you pull from torecover correctly?
Correct answer: From the condenser outlet
If the condenser outlet is lower than the receiver tank outlet, the refrigerant is removed from the condenseroutlet. If this is not done, refrigerant liquid will be stuck in the condenser coils.
48. Under EPA Section 608 recovery requirements, using EPA-certified recovery equipment manufactured on or after Nov 15, 1993, to whatlevel must a high-pressure appliance containing 1000 lb of R-407C be evacuated before opening the system for a major repair?PT Chart
Correct answer: 10 inches of Hg vacuum
For a high-pressure appliance with a full charge of 200 lb or more, the required evacuation level (post-1993 equipment) is 10inches of Hg vacuum. (15 inches of Hg vacuum applies to medium-pressure appliances with 200 lb or more.)
49. A ____ pressure on the ____ side can confirm the presence of non-condensable gases in the system.
Correct answer: higher; discharge
We can confirm the presence of non-condensable gases if the discharge side pressure in the refrigeration system is higher.
50. How can we charge an 80-pound R407C system with air-cooled components?
Correct answer: Liquid charge through the liquid-line service valve
We can use liquid charging in a system that has an air-cooled condenser and evaporator coils. Since these systems do not have water,there is no risk of ice formation during liquid charging. Liquid charging is always done via the liquid-line service valve.
Your score
What the EPA 608 Type II exam covers
Type II certification covers high-pressure and medium-pressure systems, the most common appliances HVAC technicians encounter in the field. This includes residential central air conditioners, heat pumps, commercial refrigeration racks, and refrigerated warehouses. Any system using a refrigerant with a boiling point above -50°C at atmospheric pressure falls under Type II jurisdiction. The Type II section is 25 questions; you need to answer at least 72% correctly to pass.
The Type II exam focuses on three high-value technical areas:
Leak repair requirements: systems with more than 50 pounds of refrigerant are subject to mandatory leak repair thresholds. The threshold varies by system category (10% comfort cooling, 20% commercial refrigeration, 30% industrial process refrigeration).
Recovery vacuum standards: evacuation depth requirements (in inches of mercury) differ based on refrigerant type and whether recovery equipment was manufactured before or after November 15, 1993.
High-pressure system components: receivers, accumulators, moisture-indicating sight glasses, oil separators, and relief valves are all testable entities.
What is free vs. what requires an account: All 50 Type II practice questions with instant scoring and answers on this page are completely free with no account needed. Creating a free account unlocks all 569 verified questions across every section plus progress tracking and weak-spot analysis. Pro ($14.99 lifetime) adds AI Tutor chat, weak-spot drills, the weak-spot radar, timed exam simulation, offline access, and full history with trends.
Leak repair requirements for systems over 50 pounds
Under Section 608, systems containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant that leak above the annual threshold must be repaired within 30 days, or within 120 days with an approved retrofit or retirement plan. Leak rates are calculated as a percentage of the total system charge per year.
System Category
Annual Leak Rate Threshold
Example Systems
Comfort Cooling
10%
Central AC, chillers for buildings
Commercial Refrigeration
20%
Grocery store racks, walk-in coolers
Industrial Process Refrigeration (IPR)
30%
Food processing, chemical plants
Field Note: Grocery store refrigeration racks often blend Commercial and IPR
categories. Always verify the system classification before calculating the applicable leak rate
threshold on the job.
Recovery vacuum standards for high-pressure systems
Recovery depth is measured in inches of mercury (in. Hg) vacuum, and the target depends on the appliance charge and on whether your recovery equipment was made before or on/after November 15, 1993 (per 40 CFR §82.156). For an HCFC-22-class high-pressure system (R-22, and high-pressure HFCs such as R-410A): under 200 lbs of refrigerant requires 0 in. Hg; 200 lbs or more requires 4 in. Hg with pre-1993 equipment or 10 in. Hg with post-1993 equipment. Other high-pressure refrigerants (CFC-12, R-500, R-114) at 200 lbs or more go to 15 in. Hg with post-1993 equipment. The Type II exam tests these thresholds directly — memorize them alongside the leak rate table above.
Refrigerant identification and handling on Type II
The Type II exam tests refrigerant identification skills beyond simple name recall. Technicians must know which refrigerants are HFCs, HCFCs, or blends, and what those classifications mean for venting rules and phase-out timelines. R-22 (an HCFC) was fully phased out of production for new equipment under the AIM Act schedule. R-410A (an HFC blend) is being phased down under the AIM Act's GWP-based restrictions. R-32 and R-454B are lower-GWP alternatives increasingly used in residential systems and the exam may include questions on their classification and handling requirements.
Refrigerant containers are color-coded by industry convention, but the exam tests the regulatory side: technicians must verify container labeling, check for the DOT specification plate, and never mix refrigerants in a single recovery cylinder. Recovery cylinders must be rated for the pressure of the refrigerant being recovered. Using an undersized cylinder with a high-pressure refrigerant like R-410A is a safety violation and an exam topic.
Service records and leak repair obligations
EPA regulations require technicians to provide the owner with a written statement of the quantity of refrigerant added during service on appliances containing 50 or more pounds of refrigerant. For systems that exceed the applicable leak rate, owners must either repair the leak within 30 days of discovery or retrofit/retire the equipment. The Type II exam tests these record-keeping obligations directly. Knowing the 50-pound threshold, the 30-day repair window, and the technician's documentation duties is essential for full-credit answers on this section.
Frequently asked questions about the EPA 608 Type II exam
What is Type 2 on the EPA 608 exam?
Type II covers high-pressure and very high-pressure refrigeration and air conditioning appliances. That includes residential central AC, heat pumps, commercial refrigeration racks, and walk-in coolers that use high-pressure refrigerants such as R-22, R-410A, R-407C, R-32, and R-454B. Any refrigerant with a boiling point above -50°C at atmospheric pressure falls under Type II jurisdiction.
Is this Type 2 practice test free?
Yes, completely. All 50 Type II practice questions with instant scoring, answers and explanations on this page are free with no account required. A free account unlocks all 569 verified questions with progress tracking. Pro ($14.99 lifetime) adds AI Tutor sessions, weak-spot drills, and full history.
How many questions are on the Type II section and what score do I need to pass?
The Type II section contains 25 questions. You need to answer at least 72% correctly (18 of 25) to pass. Scores below 72% require a retake of the Type II section only, not the entire exam.
What are the leak rate thresholds for Type II systems?
For systems with more than 50 pounds of refrigerant: comfort cooling (central AC, chillers for buildings) is 10% per year; commercial refrigeration (grocery store racks, walk-in coolers) is 20% per year; industrial process refrigeration (IPR) is 30% per year. Systems exceeding the applicable threshold must be repaired within 30 days or a retrofit or retirement plan must be submitted.
What does IPR stand for in EPA 608?
Industrial Process Refrigeration. IPR systems have the highest permissible leak rate because they serve continuous industrial operations. An appliance is classified as IPR when more than 50% of its cooling capacity serves an industrial process rather than comfort cooling.
Can nitrogen be used to test for leaks in a Type II system?
Yes. Pressurizing with nitrogen (or nitrogen with a refrigerant trace gas) is the accepted method for pressure-testing a newly assembled or repaired system before recharging. Never use oxygen or compressed air; both create combustion or explosion risk with refrigerant oil.
What vacuum levels apply to high-pressure refrigerant recovery?
For R-22-class high-pressure systems (per 40 CFR §82.156): under 200 pounds of refrigerant, evacuate to 0 in. Hg; 200 pounds or more requires 10 in. Hg with post-1993 recovery equipment (4 in. Hg with pre-1993 equipment). Other high-pressure refrigerants (CFC-12, R-500, R-114) at 200 pounds or more require 15 in. Hg with post-1993 equipment. The Type II exam tests these thresholds alongside the recovery efficiency differences between hermetic and open-drive recovery machines.
How should I study for the EPA 608 Type II exam?
Work through all 50 Type II practice questions on this page to find your gaps fast, paying close attention to the leak rate table and vacuum evacuation levels in inches Hg. Also review the EPA 608 cheat sheet for a consolidated reference. After drilling Type II, practice the Core section and then attempt the Universal practice test to simulate the full exam.
