How to Get an EPA Technician Certification
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In the United States, air conditioner repairs are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. This is because the refrigerant in the system is harmful to the environment if it is released into the atmosphere. For this reason, auto mechanics who wish to perform air conditioning system repairs must obtain an EPA Technician certification.
For automotive air conditioners, the Clean Air Act defines the requirements in section 609. Anyone who maintains or repairs automotive air conditioners (MVACs) must go through a certification process.
The EPA Technician Certification Program educates its students on the correct use of air conditioner repair equipment, the rules regarding MVAC repair, the importance of refrigerant recovery, and the environmental consequences of improper refrigerant disposal and handling.
Follow these steps to earn your EPA Technician Certification.
Part 1 of 3: Find an Authorized EPA Technician Certification Program
Step 1: Locate the EPA Technician Certification Program.. There are many options that you can find on the EPA Section 609 website.
Most institutions that offer the EPA Technician course provide online testing, such as the Greater Cleveland Auto Dealers Association and the National Automotive Service Institute of Excellence, or ASE.
FunctionsA: Some programs, such as the ASE program, offer a printed booklet instead of online coursework for those who do better with paper-based learning.
Part 2 of 3: Study for EPA Technician Certification
Step 1: Review the required information for EPA Technician Certification.. Carefully go through each part of the course as you will be tested on all aspects of the course.
Aspects covered by the program include various automotive air conditioning systems, understanding refrigerants and their environmental and health impacts, EPA regulations for automotive technicians, refrigerant alternatives, and responsible refrigerant management.
- Attention: The EPA Technician Certification Program does not train technicians to repair automotive air conditioners, but trains them to handle and dispose of refrigerant safely and responsibly.
Part 3 of 3: Pass the EPA Technician Certification Test
Step 1: Sign up for a quiz from one of EPA's online course providers.. The fee for the quiz is set by the institution, not the EPA, so the cost may vary, but is perfectly reasonable. After paying for the quiz, you will be able to access it and complete it.
Step 2: Take the online quiz.. The EPA Certification Quiz for Technicians consists of 30 questions, of which you must answer 24 questions correctly. Online certification courses will tell you immediately if you pass or fail.
The information in the quiz varies by industry, so researching information about the program is important to ensure a passing score.
The EPA Technician Certification process provides the basic knowledge needed to safely handle refrigerant in vehicles. To become certified as a vehicle air conditioner repairer, review ASE Automotive Technician Programs.
