EPA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield EPA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What must be done after repairing a refrigerant leak in a system? → Perform a leak verification test
2. What does the term 'azeotropic' mean when describing a refrigerant blend? → The blend behaves as a single refrigerant with a fixed boiling point
3. What quality assurance measure supports industry best practices? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
4. What ethical standard governs assessment and evaluation practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
5. Which statement about reclaimed refrigerant is TRUE? → It meets AHRI 700 purity standards and can be resold to any buyer
6. What is the primary environmental concern with CFC refrigerants such as R-11 and R-12? → Ozone layer depletion
7. How should challenges in assessment and evaluation be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
8. What ethical standard governs professional standards and ethics practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
9. After recovering refrigerant, what information must be recorded on the recovery cylinder? → Refrigerant type, amount recovered, and date
10. What ethical standard governs industry best practices practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
11. Which refrigerant is classified as an HFO and has a GWP of less than 1? → R-1234yf
12. What is the foundational principle of safety and compliance in the Environmental Protection Agency Certified Lead Contractors field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
13. What is the foundational principle of applied methods and techniques in the Environmental Protection Agency Certified Lead Contractors field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
14. How should challenges in applied methods and techniques be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
15. Which type of refrigerant is classified as an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) under EPA regulations? → Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
16. What is the main environmental concern with releasing CFCs and HCFCs? → They deplete the ozone layer
17. How should professionals apply core concepts and principles in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work
18. What is the EPA's requirement regarding refrigerant leaks in comfort cooling systems? → 10% annually
19. What does the AHRI 700 standard specifically establish for the refrigerant industry? → Purity specifications that reclaimed refrigerants must meet before resale
20. Which purity standard must reclaimed refrigerant meet before it can be resold to a different owner? → AHRI 700 (formerly ARI 700) purity standard
21. What is the maximum fill level (by weight) allowed for recovery cylinders? → 80% of the cylinder's rated capacity
22. What does 'ODP' stand for in refrigerant classification? → Ozone Depletion Potential
23. What is the foundational principle of assessment and evaluation in the Environmental Protection Agency Certified Lead Contractors field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
24. What does a 'standing vacuum test' verify after system evacuation? → That the system holds the required vacuum without rising, confirming no leaks or moisture
25. What is the certification requirement for refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment manufactured after November 15, 1993? → Equipment must be certified by an EPA-approved equipment testing organization
26. What is the foundational principle of industry best practices in the Environmental Protection Agency Certified Lead Contractors field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
27. Which instrument is used to measure the vacuum level during system evacuation? → Electronic micron gauge (vacuum gauge)
28. What does it mean when a recovery machine 'cycles off on low pressure' during the recovery process? → The refrigerant recovery is substantially complete for that section of the system
29. Which action is PROHIBITED under EPA Section 608 during the refrigerant recycling process? → Knowingly venting recovered or recycled refrigerant during operations
30. What is the purpose of the EPA certification program for technicians handling refrigerants? → To certify compliance with EPA regulations