How Does EPA Certification Work?

Test

To receive certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one must pass a test or series of tests that cover three different types of appliances: small appliances, and high- and low-pressure appliances. Small appliances refer to items such as vacuums, high-pressure appliances are items like refrigerators and low-pressure appliances are items like centrifugals. The tests may include questions on general environmental issues such as ozone depletion, clean air, and how to handle refrigerants and oils. The test can be administered at a learning center, such as the Universal Technical Institutes, or, if an employer needs to certify multiple employees, a certified proctor may be sent to administer the test at the employer's business. Test results can be obtained instantaneously for an additional fee, or they may be mailed within 1 week of the exam's completion.

Certification

Which test you take will determine what type of EPA certification you will receive. One can be certified to work on small appliances (Type I), high-pressure and very high-pressure appliances (Type II) like refrigerants with lower boiling points and low-pressure appliances (Type III) like refrigerants with boiling points above 50 degrees F. There is also a Universal Certification, which can only be achieved if a candidate passes all three of the above-mentioned tests.

Purpose

Anyone who works with potentially high-polluting machinery, such as air conditioners and refrigeration systems, must receive their EPA certification under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Obtaining this certification ensures one's employer, customers and the federal government that you understand how to best handle this equipment, including how to purchase refrigerants and air conditioners, properly conduct repairs, and dispose of waste with minimal harm done to the environment.

Resources

• Overview of Issues on EPA Certification Test