EPA-Approved Section 608 Testing Programs: Online & In Person

Quick answer: Only programs on EPA’s official list can give the Section 608 test: 87 organizations as of October 27, 2026. Twelve offer remote testing with an online proctor and three test online only; most of the rest test in person through schools, unions or employers. Pick one that offers the type you need (usually Universal) in a closed-book, proctored format, then compare price, attempts and how the card is issued. EPA approves the testing program, not prep courses.

In this guide

EPA’s approved list at a glance

EPA’s Section 608 certification program list (last updated October 27, 2026) includes trade associations, schools, unions, online providers and some employer-only programs. Sorted by what most people are looking for:

If you want	Programs EPA’s list notes for it
Remote testing with an online proctor	AC/C Tech, CHEERS, ESCO Institute, International Development Institute, Interplay Learning, Licensed Trades of America, Mainstream Engineering, National Certification Institute, Trade Masters Online, The Training Center, Two Brothers Air & Heat, Video General
Online testing only	Faraday EPA Certification, SkillCat, Solar One
Locations nationwide	ACCA, Allied Certification Technology Services, ESCO Institute, Mainstream Engineering, National Certification Institute
Spanish testing or training	AC/C Tech, College of Southern Nevada, Mainstream Engineering, National Certification Institute, Refrigeration Training Center, SkillCat, Skybridge Restoration, Trade Masters Online, Two Brothers Air & Heat, Video General
Type I by mail	State Board of Refrigeration Contractors
Through your employer only	Programs marked with an asterisk, such as Amtrak, Whirlpool and several military branches

The list changes, so check it on the day you register.

Taking the EPA 608 test online

Online doesn’t mean open book. For Type II, Type III and Universal, the test must be closed book and proctored, so online programs watch you by webcam, check your ID and may record your screen. Only Type I can be taken open book or by mail, and that result can’t count toward Universal.

A comparison of some online options, from each provider’s own site in October 2026:

Provider	How it’s proctored	Published price	Attempts and card
CHEERS	Webcam proctored	$85 test only; $150 to $175 with course	Course packages include 3 attempts; digital and mailed card
Trade Masters Online	Live remote proctor (screen, webcam, mic)	From $90	Card included; $30 to reschedule
SkillCat	Webcam with face and screen recording	Free 3-day trial, then $10/month	Several attempts; physical card $50
Mainstream Engineering	Remote proctoring or test center	Shown at checkout	Retake only failed sections; card mailed
Interplay Learning	Live online proctoring	Part of a subscription	3 attempts; wallet card included
ESCO Institute	Remote or through ESCO proctors	Not published as one public price	Card mailed after passing

You’ll typically need a computer with a webcam and microphone (not a phone or tablet), a quiet room you can show the proctor, and a government photo ID. For full price details, see EPA 608 certification cost.

Taking the test in person

Supply houses and distributors. Many host proctored exams from programs such as ESCO or Mainstream. Ask at your local HVAC supplier.
Trade schools and community colleges. Many schools on EPA’s list test their own students, and some test the public.
Registered proctors. ACCA and RETA-RSES sell paper exams through registered proctors, who set their own session fees.
Unions and employers. Union training centers (such as UA and IUOE locals) and some large employers certify their members or staff.

Why the provider matters

Section 608 is a federal technician certification. For the credential to count, the test must come from an EPA-approved program. Training providers, trade schools and online study platforms can be useful, but don’t assume every prep course issues an EPA-recognized credential. EPA says it “does not review or approve any training preparatory programs or materials.”

Use this five-point checklist

Confirm EPA approval. Find the program by name on EPA’s live list.
Match the equipment type. Decide whether you need Type I, Type II, Type III or Universal. Universal suits anyone who will service more than one category; most home A/C and heat pump work needs Type II.
Ask about the testing format. Confirm whether testing is on-site, remotely proctored, or only through a local school or employer.
Get the full price in writing. Ask whether the price includes the test, proctoring, retakes, a study guide and the card.
Ask how records and replacement cards work. Save the provider’s contact information and your proof of completion. That’s invaluable if the card is lost years later.

How to tell a legitimate program

The certifying organization is named on the sales page and matches EPA’s list.
Type II, Type III and Universal are proctored and closed book, with an ID check.
Results and the card come from the certifying program, within 30 days of the test as the federal standards require.
Since 2018, non-federal programs must publish an online list of technicians they’ve certified (technicians can opt out), so your name should be findable afterward.

Be careful with “instant certification” claims. Fast enrollment isn’t immediate certification. If a page can’t clearly name the certifying organization, check it against EPA’s list before paying.

The 2027 question bank

Trade press reports (ACHR News, September 2026, quoting the ESCO Institute) say the Section 608 question bank is being revised, with new general questions on A2L and A3 refrigerants, and that exams from the current bank can be administered only through January 1, 2027. The format stays the same: four sections, closed book and proctored. If you’re studying now, use material updated for 2026 or 2027. Already-certified technicians don’t need to retest.

Keep a simple record file

After passing, keep a copy of your card, the provider name, the date and your technician number, both on paper and as a secure digital copy. EPA doesn’t keep one central public database of every technician, so your own records make future verification much easier. If you ever lose the card, see the EPA 608 certification lookup guide.

Testing program questions

Can I take the EPA 608 test online?

Yes. Twelve programs on EPA’s list offer remote testing, and three test online only. Type II, Type III and Universal are still closed book with a live or recorded proctor.

Is the EPA 608 test open book?

Only the Type I test, when taken in a mail-in or open-book format, and it then needs 84% to pass and can’t count toward Universal. Everything else is closed book. See EPA 608 passing scores.

Does EPA approve training courses?

No. EPA approves the organizations that give the certification test. A course is optional preparation.

How long until I get my card?

Programs must send results and cards within 30 days of the test. Many online programs show results right away and mail the card within days.

Is Ferris State still giving the EPA 608 test?

No. Ferris State’s certification center has closed, and Ferris says it transferred all EPA certification records to the ESCO Institute, which now issues replacement cards.

Where can I practice before the real test?

Try our free EPA 608 practice test or the section tests for Core, Type I, Type II and Type III.

Thinking of testing from home? See our comparison of online EPA 608 certification providers: price, proctoring, retakes and card delivery.

Sources

Updated October 28, 2026. Program details from EPA’s list; prices from each provider’s own site.

EPA-Approved Section 608 Testing Programs: Online and In Person