What is the EPA 609?
EPA 609 refers to Section 609 of the Clean Air Act, which sets regulatory requirements for servicing motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems. Within Section 609 of the Clean Air Act there is a requirement that any technician performing service, maintenance or repairs on an MVAC system must be educated and certified to do so. This certification is commonly referred to in the trade as the "EPA 609 Certification". The Clean Air Act protects public health and the environment by regulating air pollution, Section 609 sets the specific rules for managing refrigerants in motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems.
MVAC Systems & Refrigerants Overview
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Chemicals in MVAC refrigerants can destroy the Earth’s Ozone Layer which protects us from the sun’s UV radiation. In addition to destroying the Ozone Layer, many of these chemicals can cause severe greenhouse effects which increases global warming.
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MVAC systems include, but are not limited to: passenger cars, buses, trucks, and off-road vehicles.
The Six Regulations in Section 609
Technician Training and Certification
Technicians repairing or servicing refrigerants in MVACs must be trained and certified by an EPA-approved organization. Certification is obtained by passing an EPA-approved training and examination.
Safe Disposal
Disposing of refrigerant and AC equipment must be done properly. The last person to have control of the appliance before the scrap yard is responsible to verify all refrigerants have been removed.
Approved Equipment
Technicians repairing or servicing MVACs must use EPA-approved equipment.
Equipment Certification
MVAC service shops must certify to EPA that they have acquired and are properly using approved refrigerant recovery equipment. Service shops must also verify each person using the refrigerant equipment is properly trained and certified.
Record Keeping
MVAC service shops must maintain records of the names and addresses of facilities to whom they send their recovered refrigerant. Each service site must also maintain records on-site displaying all service technicians are individually certified. They must also send a report of their EPA-approved equipment to EPA.
Sales Restrictions
Some refrigerants are restricted to only EPA 609 certified technicians. This restriction ensures that ozone-depleting substances and high-GWP refrigerants are safely handled and distributed exclusively to authorized professionals.
How to get EPA 609 Certified
Register online to instantly unlock your study guide and official exam portal.
Review EPA regulations, recovery protocols, and MVAC safety guidelines.
Pass the open-book test online to immediately print your official EPA 609 certificate.
Who Needs EPA 609 Certification?
EPA 608 certification is a federal requirement for technicians who service, maintain, repair, or dispose of appliances containing regulated refrigerants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about EPA 609 certification, technician requirements, certification types, testing, and compliance.
EPA Section 609 Certification is a federal certification for technicians who service or handle refrigerants used in motor vehicle air-conditioning systems. It is designed to ensure technicians understand the proper procedures for handling and servicing refrigerant-containing equipment.
Technicians who service, repair, maintain, or otherwise handle refrigerant in covered motor vehicle air-conditioning systems may be required to obtain EPA 609 Certification. If your work involves connecting service equipment, adding or removing refrigerant, or performing work that can result in a refrigerant release, certification requirements may apply.
No. EPA 609 and EPA 608 address different areas of refrigerant handling. Section 609 focuses on motor vehicle air-conditioning systems, while Section 608 covers stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. Technicians should obtain the certification that applies to the equipment and work they service.
Technicians must complete the applicable EPA 609 examination through an approved certification process. The testing process should be completed using an authorized method and appropriate proctoring requirements. Certification documentation should be issued through a recognized certification provider.
The certification options described on this page cover the applicable technician categories and equipment classifications. Selecting the appropriate certification depends on the type of equipment and refrigerant-related work performed by the technician.
EPA 609 Certification demonstrates that a technician has completed the applicable certification requirements for refrigerant-related work covered under Section 609. It helps technicians understand their responsibilities when servicing motor vehicle air-conditioning systems and handling refrigerants.
Start by determining whether your work falls under EPA Section 609 requirements. Review the certification and examination process, select an appropriate approved testing provider, and complete the required examination through the proper certification process.