Exam fact · with its source
What changes with the new EPA 608 exam?
According to ESCO Institute, as reported by ACHR News on September 19, 2026, old-bank EPA 608 exams can be given only through January 1, 2027, and the new bank adds questions on A2L and A3 refrigerants while the four-section format stays. EPA hadn't posted its own page on the change when checked October 7, 2026.
Jan 1, 2027old-bank cut-off, per ESCO
What is reported
ESCO Institute says old-bank exams may be administered only through January 1, 2027. After that, tests draw on a revised bank ESCO puts at about 400 questions, with new A2L and A3 material. The sections, Universal and existing certificates stay as they are.
Source: ACHR News, September 19, 2026, quoting ESCO Institute · as of October 7, 2026
How the change surfaced
Dec 5, 2025
EPA test topics last updated
EPA test topics carry this date and list no A2L or A3 topics (checked October 7, 2026).
2026
ESCO sells two versions
ESCO's exam page offers a 2018 exam (9th edition manual) next to a 2026 exam (10th edition), the 2026 one also in Spanish (ESCO exam page, checked October 7, 2026).
Sept 19, 2026
ACHR News reports the details
A trade-press article quoting ESCO Institute: new bank, A2L and A3 questions, old bank through January 1, 2027.
Jan 1, 2027
Old-bank cut-off, per ESCO
The last date ESCO gives for old-bank exams. EPA hadn't published this date itself when checked October 7, 2026.
What changes and what stays
Old and new EPA 608 question banks as reported by ESCO
| Item | Old bank | New bank, per ESCO |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | Core, Type I, II, III | Same four; no new type for A2Ls |
| Universal | All four sections | All four sections |
| Bank size | No public figure | About 400 questions, ESCO's figure |
| A2L and A3 refrigerants | Not in EPA's test topics | General-knowledge questions on R-32, R-454B, R-1234yf and hydrocarbons |
| AIM Act rules | Not tested | Not tested |
| Existing certificates | Valid | Stay valid; no retest |
Yellow edge: the two columns say different things on this row.
Source: ACHR News, September 19, 2026, quoting ESCO Institute; checked October 7, 2026.
Studying across the changeover
The bank changes; the 608 rules it tests haven't: required evacuation levels, the 80% cylinder fill, leak-rate thresholds for appliances with 50 lb or more of ODS refrigerant (40 CFR 82.157, eCFR as of October 5, 2026). Per ESCO, the new questions add A2L and A3 refrigerants such as R-32 and R-454B (ACHR News, September 19, 2026). Classification and handling basics are on A2L refrigerants for the EPA 608.
The AIM Act HFC rules, such as leak repair for HFC appliances of 15 lb or more since January 1, 2026 (40 CFR 84.106, eCFR as of October 5, 2026), are real regulations; per ESCO they aren't 608 exam content. Voluntary A2L safety certificates are a separate product, compared on EPA 608 vs A2L certification. The question count per test is set by the federal rule and is unchanged: number of questions on the EPA 608.
Already certified, or booking soon
Already certified: do I take the new exam?
No, per ESCO: existing certificates stay valid with no retest (ACHR News, September 19, 2026). EPA's requirements page says 608 credentials do not expire (checked October 7, 2026).
Which bank will my test use before January 1, 2027?
It depends on the program. ESCO sells both the 2018 and the 2026 version (ESCO exam page, checked October 7, 2026); ask your program when you book.
Is there a new certification type for A2Ls?
No new type, per ESCO; A2L and A3 material arrives as general-knowledge questions within the existing format (ACHR News, September 19, 2026).
- What You Need to Know About the New Section 608 Exam — September 19, 2026; quotes ESCO Institute; checked October 7, 2026ACHR News
- Remote EPA 608 exam, 2018 and 2026 versions — checked October 7, 2026ESCO Institute
- Section 608 Test Topics — last updated December 5, 2025; checked October 7, 2026U.S. EPA
- Section 608 technician certification requirements — checked October 7, 2026U.S. EPA