Core
47 questions
1. Under which section of the Clean Air Act are technicians who service STATIONARY refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment certified?
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A. Section 609
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B. Section 608 ← correct
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C. Section 612
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D. Section 611
Answer: B. Section 608 of the Clean Air Act governs stationary refrigeration and A/C. Section 609 is the separate program for motor vehicle air conditioners (MVACs).
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Legal framework
2. Which certification type is required to service or dispose of SMALL APPLIANCES?
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A. Type I ← correct
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B. Type II
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C. Type III
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D. Type IV
Answer: A. Type I certification covers small appliances (factory-sealed units with 5 lb or less of refrigerant). There is no Type IV.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Certification types
3. Which certification is required to service HIGH-pressure appliances such as a residential R-410A split system (excluding small appliances and MVACs)?
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A. Type I
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B. Type II ← correct
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C. Type III
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D. Universal only
Answer: B. Type II covers high- and very-high-pressure appliances except small appliances and MVACs. Universal also qualifies, but Type II is the specific required minimum.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Certification types
4. Which certification is required to service LOW-pressure appliances such as an R-123 centrifugal chiller?
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A. Type I
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B. Type II
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C. Type III ← correct
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D. Section 609
Answer: C. Type III covers low-pressure appliances (e.g., R-11, R-123, R-113 chillers that operate in a vacuum on the low side).
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Certification types
5. To earn UNIVERSAL certification, a technician must pass:
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A. Only the Core section
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B. Core plus Type I only
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C. Core plus Type II and Type III only
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D. Core plus Type I, Type II, and Type III ← correct
Answer: D. Universal certification requires passing the Core section and all three type-specific sections (I, II, and III).
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Certification types
6. What is the minimum passing score for each section of the EPA Section 608 exam?
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A. 60%
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B. 70% ← correct
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C. 75%
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D. 80%
Answer: B. A score of 70% is required to pass each section (Core and each Type).
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Certification logistics
7. How often must a Section 608 technician renew their certification?
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A. Every year
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B. Every 3 years
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C. Every 5 years
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D. Never - it does not expire ← correct
Answer: D. Section 608 technician certification does not expire and never needs to be renewed. (The 5-year figure on the exam refers to DOT cylinder retesting, a common trap.)
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Certification logistics
8. Which statement about the Core exam is correct for a technician seeking UNIVERSAL certification?
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A. The Core may always be taken open-book by mail
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B. The Core must be taken as a proctored (closed-book) exam ← correct
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C. The Core is optional if all three Type exams are passed
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D. The Core is only required for Type III
Answer: B. The Core section must be taken as a proctored exam to count toward Universal certification.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Certification logistics
9. ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) is indexed against which reference substance equal to 1.0?
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A. CO2
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B. CFC-11 (R-11) ← correct
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C. HFC-134a
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D. Nitrogen
Answer: B. ODP is referenced to CFC-11 = 1.0. CO2 = 1.0 is the reference for GWP, not ODP.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Ozone/atmosphere
10. Which statement best describes HFC refrigerants such as R-410A?
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A. High ozone depletion potential, low global warming potential
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B. Zero ozone depletion potential, but high global warming potential ← correct
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C. Zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential
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D. High ozone depletion potential and high global warming potential
Answer: B. HFCs contain no chlorine, so their ODP is 0, but many have high GWP, which is why they are being phased DOWN under the AIM Act.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Ozone/atmosphere
11. Since November 15, 1995, it has been illegal to knowingly vent which substances during service or disposal?
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A. Only CFCs
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B. CFC and HCFC refrigerants (ozone-depleting substances) ← correct
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C. Only nitrogen
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D. Only HFCs
Answer: B. The venting ban took effect Nov 15, 1995 for ozone-depleting refrigerants (CFCs and HCFCs). It was later (Nov 15, 2016) extended to non-exempt substitutes like most HFCs.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Venting prohibition
12. Which of the following releases is NOT a violation of the venting prohibition?
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A. Opening a system and letting the charge escape because it is contaminated
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B. A 'de minimis' release while making a good-faith attempt to recover refrigerant ← correct
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C. Venting a full charge of R-22 to atmosphere before scrapping a unit
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D. Releasing R-410A because the recovery machine is broken
Answer: B. De minimis releases (e.g., the small puff when connecting/disconnecting hoses during good-faith recovery) are permitted. The other options are illegal venting.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Venting prohibition
13. Which gas may be released to atmosphere because it is not a refrigerant and is used for pressure/leak testing?
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A. R-22
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B. R-134a
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C. Nitrogen ← correct
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D. R-410A
Answer: C. Nitrogen is not an ODS or a regulated substitute refrigerant, so it may be released after pressure/leak testing.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Venting prohibition
14. Using recovery equipment manufactured AFTER November 15, 1993, what vacuum level must be reached on a HIGH-pressure appliance containing 200 lb or more of refrigerant?
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A. 0 inches Hg vacuum
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B. 10 inches Hg vacuum ← correct
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C. 15 inches Hg vacuum
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D. 25 inches Hg vacuum
Answer: B. Post-Nov-15-1993 equipment must evacuate a high-pressure appliance with 200+ lb to 10 in. Hg vacuum. (Under 200 lb requires 0 in. Hg.)
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Recovery levels
15. With recovery equipment made after Nov 15, 1993, a MEDIUM-pressure appliance containing 200 lb or more must be evacuated to:
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A. 4 inches Hg vacuum
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B. 10 inches Hg vacuum
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C. 15 inches Hg vacuum ← correct
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D. 25 inches Hg vacuum
Answer: C. Medium-pressure appliances with 200+ lb require 15 in. Hg vacuum with post-1993 equipment; under 200 lb requires 10 in. Hg.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Recovery levels
16. 'Recover' refrigerant means to:
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A. Reprocess it to AHRI 700 purity and verify by lab test
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B. Remove it from an appliance and store it externally without necessarily testing or processing it ← correct
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C. Clean it on-site for reuse by the same owner
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D. Destroy it by incineration
Answer: B. Recover = remove refrigerant in any condition and store it externally without necessarily testing or processing. Cleaning for same-owner reuse is 'recycle'; meeting AHRI 700 is 'reclaim.'
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Recover/recycle/reclaim
17. Recycled refrigerant may be returned to service:
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A. In any equipment, including sold to a new owner
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B. Only in equipment owned by the same owner ← correct
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C. Only after destruction and re-manufacture
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D. Only in motor vehicle air conditioners
Answer: B. Recycled refrigerant is cleaned on-site (oil separation, filter-driers) for reuse by the SAME owner. To transfer to a new owner it must be reclaimed to AHRI 700.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Recover/recycle/reclaim
18. To be RECLAIMED, used refrigerant must be reprocessed to the purity specified by which standard?
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A. ASHRAE 15
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B. AHRI (ARI) Standard 700 ← correct
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C. UL 1995
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D. NFPA 70
Answer: B. Reclaimed refrigerant must meet AHRI Standard 700 purity (codified in Appendix A of 40 CFR 82 Subpart F) and be verified by the prescribed lab method.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Reclamation/AHRI 700
19. Who is permitted to RECLAIM refrigerant for sale to a new owner?
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A. Any Section 608 certified technician
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B. Only an EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimer ← correct
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C. Any equipment owner
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D. Only the original manufacturer
Answer: B. Only EPA-certified reclaimers may reclaim refrigerant to AHRI 700 and sell it. A field technician can recover and recycle but cannot reclaim for resale.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Reclamation
20. The Section 608 leak-repair requirements apply to appliances with a full charge of at least how many pounds?
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A. 5 pounds
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B. 15 pounds
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C. 50 pounds ← correct
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D. 200 pounds
Answer: C. Leak-repair provisions apply to appliances containing 50 or more pounds of refrigerant.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Leak repair
21. What is the annual leak-rate trigger for COMFORT COOLING appliances (50+ lb)?
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A. 10% ← correct
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B. 20%
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C. 30%
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D. 35%
Answer: A. Comfort cooling triggers at 10% per year. Commercial refrigeration is 20%; industrial process refrigeration is 30%.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Leak repair
22. What is the annual leak-rate trigger for COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION appliances (50+ lb)?
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A. 10%
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B. 20% ← correct
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C. 30%
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D. 15%
Answer: B. Commercial refrigeration triggers at 20% per year (comfort cooling 10%, IPR 30%).
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Leak repair
23. What is the annual leak-rate trigger for INDUSTRIAL PROCESS REFRIGERATION (IPR)?
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A. 10%
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B. 20%
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C. 30% ← correct
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D. 50%
Answer: C. Industrial process refrigeration triggers at 30% per year.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Leak repair
24. Once a leak exceeding the trigger rate is discovered, owners/operators generally must repair it within:
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A. 24 hours
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B. 7 days
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C. 30 days ← correct
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D. 1 year
Answer: C. Leaks above the trigger rate must be repaired within 30 days, or a retrofit/retire plan must be made within 30 days and completed within 1 year.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Leak repair
25. After the 2020 rule, the Section 608 LEAK-REPAIR requirements are currently enforced for which refrigerants? (verify current EPA rule)
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A. Only HFC substitutes
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B. Ozone-depleting (CFC/HCFC) refrigerants only
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C. All refrigerants including HFCs ← correct
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D. Only natural refrigerants
Answer: C. The 2016 rule extended leak-repair to HFC substitutes; a 2020 rule rescinded that extension (so from 2020-2025 it applied to ozone-depleting refrigerants only). EPA's 2024 AIM Act Emissions Reduction & Reclamation (ER&R) rule (final 2024-10-11) then re-imposed leak inspection/repair on appliances containing >= 15 lb of an HFC (or substitute with GWP > 53), effective January 1, 2026, under 40 CFR Part 84 Subpart B. Trigger annual leak rates are 30% industrial process refrigeration, 20% commercial refrigeration, 10% comfort cooling and other; repair required within 30 days (120 days if process shutdown needed). As of June 2026 the rule has been upheld in federal court; an EPA NPRM proposes to exempt road and intermodal-container transport refrigeration units, but that exemption is NOT yet final. VERIFY the live EPA rule at exam/publish time.
Source: 40 CFR Part 84 Subpart B; EPA ER&R Leak Repair fact sheet 2026-01; https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction/regulatory-actions-managing-hfc-use-and-reuse · Topic: Core - Regulatory updates
26. A recovery cylinder must never be filled beyond what percentage of its capacity?
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A. 50%
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B. 70%
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C. 80% ← correct
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D. 100%
Answer: C. Recovery cylinders must not exceed 80% full to leave room for liquid thermal expansion and prevent rupture.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Cylinders / 80% rule
27. Why must a recovery cylinder be filled to no more than 80%?
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A. To leave room for liquid refrigerant to expand as temperature rises ← correct
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B. Because DOT charges fees above 80%
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C. To make the cylinder lighter to carry
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D. To allow nitrogen to be added on top
Answer: A. The 20% headspace accommodates thermal (hydrostatic) expansion of liquid refrigerant; an over-filled cylinder can rupture or explode when warmed.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Cylinders / 80% rule
28. What is the most reliable way to ensure a recovery cylinder is not overfilled?
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A. Estimate by feeling the cylinder temperature
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B. Weigh it on a refrigerant scale ← correct
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C. Listen for the sound of the compressor
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D. Time the recovery for 10 minutes
Answer: B. Placing the cylinder on a scale and tracking weight (against the cylinder's rated capacity and refrigerant density) is the most reliable method; float/electronic shutoffs also help.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Cylinders / 80% rule
29. A DOT-39 cylinder is:
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A. A refillable recovery cylinder rated for high pressure
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B. A disposable, single-use cylinder that is illegal to refill ← correct
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C. The standard cylinder used to store reclaimed refrigerant
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D. A nitrogen-only cylinder
Answer: B. DOT-39 cylinders are disposable (one-trip). It is illegal to refill them, and they must not be used for recovery.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - DOT cylinders
30. How often must a refillable DOT recovery cylinder be hydrostatically retested/recertified?
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A. Every year
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B. Every 3 years
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C. Every 5 years ← correct
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D. Only once when new
Answer: C. Refillable DOT cylinders must be hydrostatically retested and date-stamped every 5 years; the date is on the collar.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - DOT cylinders
31. By color, an EPA recovery cylinder is identified as:
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A. All green
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B. Gray body with a yellow top/shoulder ← correct
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C. All red
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D. Blue body with white top
Answer: B. Recovery cylinders are gray with a yellow top (shoulder), distinguishing them from virgin refrigerant cylinders.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Cylinder identification
32. Restricted refrigerants may generally be sold only to:
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A. Anyone over 18
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B. EPA Section 608- or 609-certified technicians (or buyers for resale) ← correct
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C. Only manufacturers
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D. Only government agencies
Answer: B. The sales restriction limits purchase of restricted refrigerant to EPA-certified (608/609) technicians or those buying for resale.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Sales restriction
33. For how long must technicians and refrigerant retailers keep required records?
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A. 1 year
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B. 2 years
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C. 3 years ← correct
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D. 7 years
Answer: C. Records (service, disposal, and refrigerant sales) must be retained for a minimum of 3 years.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Recordkeeping
34. When disposing of a 'mid-size' appliance (5-50 lb), the technician who recovers the refrigerant must record all EXCEPT:
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A. Location and date of recovery and type of refrigerant
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B. Quantity by type recovered each calendar month
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C. The person and date the refrigerant was transferred for reclamation/destruction
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D. The homeowner's Social Security number ← correct
Answer: D. Required records include location/date/type, monthly quantities by type, and transfer details. A customer's SSN is never a required EPA record.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Recordkeeping
35. Which class of refrigerants (e.g., R-11 and R-12) had the HIGHEST ozone depletion potential and was the first phased out?
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A. HFCs
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B. HFOs
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C. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) ← correct
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D. Hydrocarbons
Answer: C. CFCs (Class I ODS) have the highest ODP (~0.6-1.0) and U.S. production ended Jan 1, 1996.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Phaseout history
36. As of January 1, 2020, what is true about virgin (newly produced) R-22 in the United States?
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A. It may be freely produced and imported
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B. Production and import of virgin R-22 ended; only reclaimed/recycled/stockpiled R-22 may service existing systems ← correct
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C. It is banned for all uses including servicing
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D. It is only allowed in new equipment
Answer: B. Virgin R-22 production/import ended Jan 1, 2020. Existing equipment may be serviced only with reclaimed, recycled, or previously stockpiled R-22.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Phaseout history
37. The AIM Act of 2020 directs EPA to phase DOWN U.S. production and consumption of HFCs by approximately how much, and by when?
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A. 50% by 2030
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B. 85% by 2036 ← correct
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C. 100% by 2025
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D. 25% by 2040
Answer: B. The AIM Act establishes a phasedown of HFC production and consumption by about 85% by 2036, consistent with the Kigali Amendment.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - AIM Act
38. Which international agreement first established the phaseout of ozone-depleting substances?
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A. The Kyoto Protocol
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B. The Paris Agreement
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C. The Montreal Protocol (1987) ← correct
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D. The Kigali Amendment (2016)
Answer: C. The Montreal Protocol (1987) is the treaty phasing out ODS. The Kigali Amendment (2016) later added the HFC phase-down.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Treaties
39. A technician who only services car air conditioners needs which certification?
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A. Section 608 Type I
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B. Section 608 Type II
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C. Section 609 (MVAC) ← correct
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D. Section 608 Universal
Answer: C. Motor vehicle A/C (MVAC) work is covered by Section 609, a separate program from the Section 608 Types.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - 608 vs 609
40. You recover an unknown mixture of refrigerants into a cylinder. What must you do with it?
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A. Vent it since it cannot be identified
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B. Recharge it into the next system you service
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C. Send it for reclamation or destruction; never vent it ← correct
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D. Pour it into a floor drain
Answer: C. Mixed/contaminated refrigerant cannot be recycled or reused; it must be sent for reclamation or destruction. Venting is always illegal.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Cross-contamination
41. Who is required to hold EPA Section 608 certification?
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A. Only people who manufacture refrigerant
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B. Anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment in a way that could release refrigerant ← correct
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C. Only HVAC company owners
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D. Only those who purchase refrigerant in bulk
Answer: B. Certification is required for technicians who could release ODS or substitute refrigerants while maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of stationary A/C and refrigeration equipment.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Certification scope
42. Recovery/recycling equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993 must be:
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A. Painted yellow and gray
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B. Certified by an EPA-approved equipment testing organization ← correct
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C. Rated for at least 200 lb
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D. Owned by the equipment manufacturer
Answer: B. Recovery/recycling equipment made on/after Nov 15, 1993 must be certified by an EPA-approved testing organization to meet the required evacuation standards.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Recovery equipment certification
43. Knowingly venting R-410A (an HFC) during service became prohibited on:
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A. November 15, 1995
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B. January 1, 2017 ← correct
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C. January 1, 2020
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D. It has never been prohibited because HFCs have zero ODP
Answer: B. The original statutory venting prohibition (Nov 15, 1995) covered CFC/HCFC refrigerants. EPA's 2016 final rule (published Nov 18, 2016) extended the venting prohibition to non-exempt substitutes (most HFCs, including R-410A) with a compliance date of January 1, 2017. Zero ODP does not exempt HFCs from the venting ban.
Source: EPA Section 608 venting prohibition (substitutes effective Jan 1, 2017) · Topic: Core - Venting / substitutes
44. Using recovery equipment made BEFORE November 15, 1993, a high-pressure appliance with 200+ lb must be evacuated to:
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A. 0 inches Hg vacuum
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B. 4 inches Hg vacuum ← correct
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C. 10 inches Hg vacuum
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D. 25 inches Hg vacuum
Answer: B. Pre-Nov-15-1993 equipment has lower required vacuum levels; a high-pressure appliance with 200+ lb requires 4 in. Hg (vs. 10 in. Hg for post-1993 equipment).
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Recovery levels
45. GWP (Global Warming Potential) is measured relative to which reference substance assigned a value of 1?
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A. CFC-11
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B. Carbon dioxide (CO2) ← correct
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C. Methane
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D. Water vapor
Answer: B. GWP is indexed to CO2 = 1 (typically over a 100-year horizon). ODP is the one indexed to CFC-11 = 1.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Atmosphere
46. The person who takes the FINAL step in the disposal chain of an appliance (e.g., a scrap recycler) must:
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A. Vent any remaining refrigerant
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B. Verify that refrigerant was recovered to the required level, or ensure a signed statement of recovery accompanies the appliance ← correct
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C. Ignore refrigerant because the appliance is being scrapped
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D. Refill the appliance before crushing it
Answer: B. The final disposer must either recover remaining refrigerant to the required level themselves or obtain a signed statement confirming proper recovery already occurred.
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Disposal
47. Which of the following is a lower-GWP refrigerant class being adopted as HFCs are phased down (and which may be mildly flammable, A2L)?
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A. CFCs
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B. Halons
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C. HFOs / A2L blends such as R-32 and R-454B ← correct
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D. R-12
Answer: C. HFOs (e.g., R-1234yf) and A2L blends (R-32, R-454B) are lower-GWP alternatives replacing high-GWP HFCs under the AIM Act technology transitions. Many are mildly flammable (A2L).
Source: EPA.gov reference · Topic: Core - Next-gen refrigerants