EPA 608 Certification Test Online 2026: What’s Allowed at Home

Open-book Type I tests online

EPA’s rules let programs that certify only Type I use a mail-in format, like the one for car air-conditioning technicians, and set its pass mark at 84 percent instead of 70. Neither an open-book Core score nor a mail-in Type I test counts toward Universal; the universal page has the details.

Mainstream Engineering gives an open-book Type I test online. Its free training software still has the study material and practice exams, but Mainstream’s software page now says exam codes from the software can no longer be processed: you log in or create an account on its site to buy and take the open-book exam. Mainstream also says the test must be proctored if you’ll work on appliances with more than 5 pounds of refrigerant.

EPA Type 1 certification →EPA 608 certification cost →

Can you take the EPA 608 certification test online for Type II, III or Universal?

Yes, if the program can meet EPA’s proctoring rules remotely. The test has to be closed-book in a secure environment. The proctor must check your photo ID, make sure you use no notes or training materials, keep you under continuous watch and collect everything afterwards. A proctor can’t gain anything from your result except a proctoring fee and can’t know the questions in advance.

On EPA’s list, programs that do this are marked “Remote testing available” or “On-line testing only”. A table of the ones open to anyone is on the approved programs page.

ESCO, Mainstream and other approved programs →

Mainstream’s online Universal test with ProctorU

The exam is closed-book and proctored by ProctorU, with no calculator.
You get up to three hours for 100 multiple-choice questions, 25 in each section.
You book at least 72 hours ahead, and you can test 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ProctorU may charge a fee for an earlier slot.
The purchase is valid for one year.
Results show straight away, you can print a temporary card, and Mainstream says the wallet card is mailed within 2 business days.

What you need at home

Mainstream’s checklist for a ProctorU exam:

A government-issued photo ID
A private, well-lit room with no one else in it, and a hard surface to work on
A clear workspace, with all materials removed
A working webcam, microphone and internet connection
A computer with Chrome or Firefox and the latest ProctorU Guardian secure browser
Other programs closed and any second monitor unplugged
No head covering, unless it’s religious

Other ways to test online

SkillCat: the exam runs in its app on a phone, computer or iPad, at any time, and a virtual proctor watches through your webcam. A proctor reviews your attempt before the certificate is issued.
Faraday: for people who buy its EPA 608 course, proctored online sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. You need a computer; phones and tablets aren’t allowed.
Interplay Learning: video courses with live online exam proctoring for Universal.
Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA): no online test for now. Its test is on paper with a registered ACCA proctor.

Is there a free EPA 608 test online?

Not from EPA, which doesn’t give the test itself. Its rules let approved programs charge reasonable fees for giving it, and every program price on the cost page is a paid one. SkillCat’s app, $10 a month, starts with a 3-day free trial.

EPA 608 certification cost by program →EPA universal certification →

Sources: EPA · eCFR · Mainstream Engineering and 8 more. Checked October 2026.