EPA Section 608 (HVAC refrigerant) Cost
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $125
- Issuing body
- EPA-approved proctors
- Domain
- Skilled trades
- Validity
- Does not expire
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
The EPA Section 608 certification exam is administered by EPA-approved proctoring organizations. The base official exam fee for a single attempt is $125, as of June 2026. This fee covers the examination itself only and does not include third-party training courses, study materials, practice exams, or retake fees. Candidates should confirm the current fee directly with their chosen proctoring body before registering, as examination fees are subject to change. Typical exam fees across providers range from $80 to $150.
The certification addresses four competency levels: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure systems), Type III (low-pressure systems), and Universal (all types). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for HVAC Mechanics and Installers—the occupation most commonly associated with this certification—is $59,810. This figure represents the median wage for the occupation nationwide and is not a guaranteed salary, raise, or promise of employment or compensation resulting from certification. Eligibility requirements, fee structures, and renewal policies are determined solely by the EPA and its authorized proctors and should be verified through the official issuing body's website.
Related pay (occupation median). The U.S. BLS reports a median annual wage of $59,810 (typically $39,130–$91,020 from the 10th to the 90th percentile) for HVAC Mechanics and Installers, the occupation this certification most often targets. That is the occupation’s pay, not a guaranteed lift from the certificate — actual pay depends on role, employer, location and experience. Source: BLS OEWS national file.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Certification | EPA Section 608 (HVAC refrigerant) |
| Issuing body | EPA-approved proctors |
| Base exam fee | $125 |
| Fee notes | $80-150 typical; Type I/II/III/Universal |
| Prerequisites | None (federal requirement to handle refrigerants) |
| Validity / renewal | Does not expire |
What this fee does and doesn’t include
The figure here is the official-body exam fee for a single attempt. It does not include third-party training, prep courses, study materials, or retake fees — those are separate and vary by provider. Membership-tiered bodies may offer a lower member rate (noted above). Confirm the live fee on the issuer’s registration page before budgeting.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the EPA Section 608 (HVAC refrigerant) exam?
Does this include a prep course?
Exam fee compiled from issuer’s registration page →, verified June 2026. How we compile this. Confirm the current fee before you pay — bodies re-price periodically.
Prerequisites & how to register → · Prep guide → · Compare Skilled trades certs →