15.8.3 Test Format Most certification tests contain all four sections (Core, I, II, III), and each section contains 25 multiple-choice questions. A minimum passing score of 70% (18 out of 25 correct) is required in each section (or group). A technician is certified in each group where a passing score is achieved. However, a technician must achieve a minimum passing score in the Core Section to receive any type of certification. A minimum passing score in all four sections earns a technician Type IV (Universal) certification. Core Section covers general knowledge about stratospheric ozone depletion, rules and regula- tions of the Clean Air Act, the Montreal Protocol, the “three Rs,” recovery devices, substitute refrig- erants and oils, recovery techniques, dehydration, recovery cylinders, safety, and shipping. Section I contains questions pertaining to Type I certification. Section II contains questions pertaining to Type II certification. Section III contains questions pertaining to Type III certification. The test is closed book, with no time limit for completion. (The average technician completes one section in about 20 minutes and finishes the test in 1 to 1-1/2 hours.) Some personal informa- tion is required for the examination. The techni- cian should be prepared to present: • •• Picture identification. •• Social Security number and date of birth. •• Home address, including zip code. • Employer’s name, address, zip code. EPA-approved testing organizations are located throughout the United States. Check with a local air conditioning and refrigeration parts supplier to obtain information about the testing organization(s) in the area. Most EPA-approved testing organizations provide the technician with a preparatory manual before taking the test. Some manuals are quite extensive and elaborate, while others are brief and simple. EPA certification means you have the required knowledge in refrigerant recovery techniques and agree to abide by the EPA regulations prohibiting venting of refrigerants to the atmosphere. EPA certi- fication does not mean you are qualified or knowl- edgeable in the proper repair, service, and installa- tion of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. 15.8.2 Technician Certification Section 608 of the Clean Air Act mandates that all persons who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of refrigeration and air conditioning appliances (other than motor vehicle systems) must become certified by passing an EPA-approved test. The test is administered by an EPA-approved certifying organization and is monitored by an EPA-approved proctor. Each test contains a different set of ques- tions. A passing score of 70% is required to obtain certification. If EPA regulations change after a technician is certified, it is the technician’s responsibility to comply with any future changes. Failure to comply with EPA regulations can cost a technician and his or her company as much as $44,539 per day, per violation. There are four categories of EPA technician certification: Type I. Technicians servicing small appliances must be certified in refrigerant recovery if they perform sealed-system service. The EPA defini- tion of “small appliances” includes products manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed in a factory with five pounds or less of refrigerant. This includes Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs) with five pounds or less of refrigerant. Persons recovering refrigerant during maintenance, service, or repair of small appliances (except motor vehicle air conditioning systems) must be certified as either Type I Technician or Universal Technician. Some EPA-approved organizations are offering Type I certification only, as an open- book, mail-in test. The mail-in test requires a passing score of 84%. Type II. Technicians maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of high-pressure or extremely high-pressure (R-134a, R-22, R-404A, R-410A, R-717) appliances (except small appliances and motor vehicle air conditioning systems) must be certified as Type II Technician or Universal Technician. Type III. Technicians maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of low-pressure (R-11 and R-123) appliances must be certified as Type III Technician or Universal Technician. Type IV (Universal). Technicians maintaining, servicing, or repairing low- and high-pressure equipment, including small appliances (except motor vehicle air conditioning systems) must be certified as Universal Technician. 266 Heating and Cooling Essentials Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.