Questions on enrolling? We're here 9am-9pm ET Mon-Fri

Ashworth College Blog

What’s the new HVAC certification now required by the EPA?

Written by Ashworth College on Thursday, 04 January 2018. Posted in Career

What’s the New HVAC Certification Now Required by the EPA?

HVAC certifications are important for every HVAC technician. Historically, the requirements varied at the local levels. That may always be the case but, as of this year, there is one certification required for all HVAC technicians under United States federal law.

HVAC training and section 608

Chemicals known as refrigerants are essential for air conditioning and refrigeration. They are one of many manmade inventions that damage Earth’s atmosphere. In hopes of reducing that damage, the United States Environmental Protection Agency introduced the Clean Air Act of 1990 (CAA).

One part of the CAA, called the Refrigerant Management Program (or Section 608), updated some regulations on the HVAC industry. Laws established by Section 608 aimed to ensure better HVAC training and hold technicians accountable for the safe handling of dangerous refrigerants. On Jan. 1, 2018, a part of the law went into effect requiring HVAC technicians to take an exam for Section 608 Technician Certification. Every technician must earn this certification before he or she can work.

HVAC training and certification makes job applications easier

Many HVAC technicians start out as apprentices who have very little knowledge of the work that’s ahead or the certifications required.

If you’re considering becoming an HVAC technician, a Heating and Air Conditioning Career Diploma from Ashworth College will show potential employers that you invested in your own HVAC training so you can get to work right away.

Show potential employers you earned your Section 608 Technician Certification, too, and they’ll know you have the right qualifications and should have no problem with local certification.

Start your HVAC training online today, get prepped for certification fast

Ashworth College HVAC provides you with the tools to learn the trade and can prepare you for the Section 608 Technician Certification Exam. The affordable course tuition includes a 12-page study guide and a $75 voucher for the exam. The ESCO Institute, the industry’s largest provider of EPA Section 608 certification testing, will proctor the test.

If you enroll for online HVAC certification prep today, you can also start today! Because the program is self-paced, you can take your time or complete it in as few as four months. You can sit for your exam after you earn your diploma and, before you know it, you’ll be on the path towards working as a certified HVAC technician.

Let's talk about your educational goals. Call 1-800-957-5412