EPA 608 Test Passing Score: 18 of 25 per Section (70%)
Quick answer: You need 70% to pass each closed-book EPA 608 section. Every section has 25 questions, so that means 18 correct answers (72%), and you can miss 7. The open-book or mail-in Type I test needs 84%, which is 21 of 25. Universal is 100 questions: Core plus Types I, II and III, each passed in a closed-book, proctored test.
Accuracy review: October 28, 2026. Independent study material; not an EPA-approved course or official exam.
In this guide
Passing score by section
| What you take | Questions | Correct needed | You can miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | 25 | 18 (72%) | 7 |
| Type I, closed book, proctored | 25 (plus Core) | 18 (72%) | 7 |
| Type I, open book or mail-in | 25 (plus Core) | 21 (84%) | 4 |
| Type II | 25 (plus Core) | 18 (72%) | 7 |
| Type III | 25 (plus Core) | 18 (72%) | 7 |
| Universal | 100 (Core + I + II + III) | 18 in each section | 7 per section |
The rule says 70%. On a 25-question section, 70% is 17.5 correct, so in practice you need 18. That’s why some providers, such as Mainstream Engineering, describe the bar as 72%.
Exam format and the rules behind the score
The federal testing standards (Appendix D to 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F) specify 25 Core questions and 25 questions for each relevant Type section. Universal covers Core plus Types I, II and III: 100 questions in total. Qualifying passing scores can be combined from separate tests; all sections do not have to be passed in one sitting.
- Closed-book tests: the passing threshold is 70%. On a 25-question section, 18 correct answers meet that threshold (18/25 is 72%).
- Type I mail-in/open-book format: the passing threshold is 84% (21/25). Ask the approved provider how its Core and Type I testing is organized.
- Universal: requires closed-book, proctored testing, including Core and Type I. Mail-in Type I scores and open-book Core scores cannot count toward Universal.
- Online does not mean unproctored: many EPA-approved programs offer secure remote testing with a webcam proctor. Check the program’s requirements before registering.
- ID: proctors must check photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or military ID.
Core alone is not a technician credential. Section 608 credentials do not expire.
What the scores mean on a 25-question section
| Correct answers | Actual percentage | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 17 of 25 | 68% | Below the 70% threshold |
| 18 of 25 | 72% | Meets the closed-book threshold |
| 20 of 25 | 80% | Below the 84% Type I mail-in threshold |
| 21 of 25 | 84% | Meets the Type I mail-in threshold |
How sections are scored
Programs score each section separately (ACCA and RSES, for example). A strong Type II score does not make up for a weak Core score, and you need Core to be certified in any type. So:
- Pass Core and Type II: you are Type II certified.
- Pass Type II but fail Core: you are not certified yet; retake Core.
- Pass Core, I, II and III (closed book): you are Universal certified, even if you passed them on different days.
Do not average strong and weak sections to assume Universal certification. Confirm the passing status of Core and each required Type on your provider’s score report.
If you fail one section
Ask the program which qualifying scores it can retain or accept and how to retake the missing section. Federal standards permit Universal results to be combined from separate qualifying tests, and many programs, including Mainstream and RSES, let you retake only the failed section. Retake prices and waiting periods are provider-specific; see EPA 608 certification cost for typical fees.
Choose the correct equipment sections
Type I is for small-appliance service; Type II includes medium-, high- and very high-pressure appliances within its scope, which covers most home split systems and heat pumps; Type III is for low-pressure appliances such as many large chillers. Core alone is not a credential. Read the certification scope before buying a test.
Is the passing score changing in 2027?
The passing score is set by the federal rule, which has not changed. What is changing is the question bank: trade press reports (ACHR News, September 2026, quoting the ESCO Institute) say a revised bank adds general questions on A2L refrigerants such as R-32 and R-454B and on A3 refrigerants, removes outdated questions, and keeps the same four-section, closed-book, proctored format. Exams from the current bank are reported to be administered only through January 1, 2027. Technicians who are already certified do not need to retest.
Build a focused revision plan
- Use your score report to identify the missed section.
- Review its definitions and recovery rules in current provider materials.
- Try original EPA 608 practice questions and explain each answer before opening the explanation. Aim to score comfortably above 18 of 25 in practice, because the real questions are worded differently.
- Drill the section you failed with its own test: Core, Type I, Type II or Type III.
- Confirm the retake format, identification, proctoring and fee.
After you pass
Save the provider name, your results and a readable card copy. Program standards set a 30-day deadline for results and cards; for mail-in Type I, the clock starts when the program receives the completed test (and, for the card, any required documents). Many online programs are faster. For a missing existing card, follow the certification lookup guide.
Passing score questions
How many questions can you miss on the EPA 608 test?
Seven per 25-question section on the closed-book test, because you need 18 correct. On the open-book or mail-in Type I test you can miss only four.
Is the passing score 70% or 72%?
The rule says 70%. With 25 questions per section, the lowest passing result is 18 correct, which works out to 72%.
Do you have to pass every section in one sitting?
No. Passing scores from separate qualifying tests can be combined toward Universal, and many programs let you retake only the section you failed.
Does an open-book Type I score count toward Universal?
No. Universal needs closed-book, proctored results in Core and all three types. Mail-in or open-book Type I and open-book Core results don’t count.
How long do results take?
Programs must send results and cards within 30 days. Online programs often show results the same day.
2 Comments