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EPA 608 NEC 2023

EPA 608 Core Practice Test 23

This practice test focuses on refrigerant oil handling: POE and PAG synthetic oils used with HFC refrigerants, why they absorb moisture so fast, and why they must be stored in sealed metal containers. It also reviews venting bans, recovery versus recycling versus reclaiming, and cylinder safety for a complete Core review.

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The EPA 608 certification is required by law for any technician who purchases or handles refrigerants. It covers safe handling, leak detection, recovery, and environmental regulations.

Type I covers small appliances (≤5 lbs refrigerant), Type II covers high-pressure systems, Type III covers low-pressure systems, and Universal covers all three. Most HVAC technicians pursue Universal certification.

You must score at least 70% on each section of the exam. The Universal exam has four parts: core, Type I, Type II, and Type III.

Core Exam Tip: Remember: POE and PAG oils are hygroscopic, meaning they soak up moisture from the air very fast. Always keep them in sealed metal containers, never plastic.

25

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25 min

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70%

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EPA 608 Core Practice Test 23 — Question List

Question 1: POE and PAG synthetic lubricant oils are commonly used with which type of refrigerant?

Only CFC refrigerants
HFC refrigerants
Refrigerants that have been vented
No refrigerants, they are used alone

Question 2: What does it mean to say that POE and PAG oils are "hygroscopic"?

They absorb moisture from the air very quickly
They evaporate instantly at room temperature
They are flammable at low temperatures
They react violently with metal

Question 3: How should POE and PAG refrigerant oils be stored?

In sealed metal containers
In sealed plastic containers
In open metal pans
It does not matter what container is used

Question 4: Why is it important to keep moisture away from refrigerant oil before it goes back into a system?

Moisture makes the oil a brighter color, which is against code
Moisture that gets into the system can cause operating problems
Moisture has no effect on refrigeration systems
Moisture only matters for CFC systems, not HFC systems

Question 5: A technician pours POE oil from its container to add some to a system, then leaves the container open on the workbench for the rest of the day. What is the concern with this?

There is no concern, POE oil is not affected by air
The oil will instantly evaporate completely
The concern only applies to PAG oil, not POE oil
The oil left exposed to air can quickly absorb moisture, since POE oil is highly hygroscopic

Question 6: True or False: It is acceptable to store PAG oil in a sealed plastic container as long as the lid is on tight.

True
Only true for POE oil, not PAG oil
False
Only true if the plastic is thick

Question 7: What do the letters "POE" stand for in refrigerant oil?

Petroleum-Oxide Extract
Pure Oil Emulsion
Polyolester
Pressurized Oil Enhancer

Question 8: What does "recovery" mean when a technician is servicing a system that uses POE oil?

Draining the oil only, leaving the refrigerant behind
Selling the refrigerant to a new owner
Removing the refrigerant from the system and storing it in an outside container, with no cleaning
Cleaning the refrigerant to a certified standard

Question 9: A technician separates oil out of recovered refrigerant and reduces its moisture and acid content on-site, then reuses it for the same customer. What process is this?

Reclaiming
Recycling
Evacuation
Venting

Question 10: What must happen before recovered refrigerant can be legally sold to a company that never owned it?

It must be reclaimed to AHRI Standard 700 purity at a certified facility
Nothing, refrigerant can always be resold as-is
It just needs a new label on the cylinder
It must be vented and replaced

Question 11: Since what date has venting CFC and HCFC refrigerant into the air been illegal?

November 15, 1995
January 1, 1990
July 1, 1992
July 1, 1987

Question 12: Since what date has venting HFC refrigerant been illegal?

July 1, 1992
November 15, 1995
November 15, 1990
It is not illegal

Question 13: What is the maximum civil fine, per day, per violation, for illegally venting refrigerant?

$44,539
$750
$10,000 total, one time only
There is no fine

Question 14: A large comfort cooling system using POE oil holds 60 pounds of refrigerant. What yearly leak rate counts as substantial for this appliance?

35%
5%
50%
15%

Question 15: Once a substantial leak is discovered, how many days does the owner have to repair, retrofit, or retire the equipment?

15 days
45 days
120 days
30 days

Question 16: At what purchase amount does buying refrigerant in a single transaction require documentation?

20 pounds or more
50 pounds or more
2 pounds or more
Documentation is never required

Question 17: How long must refrigerant purchase records be kept?

3 years
6 months
1 year
10 years

Question 18: What is the maximum fill level, by weight, for a DOT-approved recovery cylinder?

100% of its rated capacity
50% of its rated capacity
There is no limit
80% of its rated capacity

Question 19: What color combination is the standard for a refrigerant recovery cylinder?

Blue body with a red shoulder
All silver
Gray body with a yellow shoulder
Green body with a white shoulder

Question 20: What score is needed to pass the Core section of the EPA 608 exam?

50%
70%
80%
84%

Question 21: A technician needs to recover refrigerant from a system whose compressor has failed and will not run. Which type of recovery equipment can still get the job done?

System-dependent recovery equipment
A leak detector
A set of refrigerant gauges alone
Self-contained recovery equipment

Question 22: HFC refrigerants, which are commonly used with POE and PAG oils, have what Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)?

1.0
0 (zero)
0.055
2088

Question 23: Which law phases down high-GWP HFC production and import, separately from the Clean Air Act's venting ban?

The AIM Act
The Montreal Protocol
Section 608
The Clean Water Act

Question 24: A technician accidentally stores PAG oil in an unsealed plastic jug overnight. The next day, what is the most likely problem with that oil?

Nothing, PAG oil is unaffected by air exposure
It will have turned into a refrigerant gas
It becomes more flammable, but otherwise fine to use
It has likely absorbed moisture from the air and should not be trusted for use in a system

Question 25: Which section of the EPA 608 exam is the only one allowed to be taken open-book, and at what passing score?

Type I, at 84%
Core, at 70%
Type II, at 75%
Universal, at 90%

Study Tip: The EPA 608 exam is closed book. Memorize: recovery is required before opening any refrigerant system. Venting refrigerant is illegal. Know the ODP and GWP values for R-22, R-410A, R-134a, R-32, and R-454B.

EXAM CARD EPA 608

Questions25

Time limit25 min

Pass score70%

RegulationEPA Section 608

DifficultyIntermediate

Last reviewedJun 2026

Timer starts immediately. Progress is auto-saved.

Source: EPA Section 608 (40 CFR Part 82)