Practice Test GeeksStudy Forums

Failed CORES exam twice — what am I missing in my prep?

by Mike_T 3 views3 replies
M
Mike_TOP
May 27, 2026

Okay so I'm kind of embarrassed to even post this but I've failed the CORES exam twice now and I'm genuinely at a loss. I've been working in refrigerant recovery for about three years and figured I knew enough to just walk in and pass. First attempt I got a 68, needed a 70. Second time I got a 69. It's honestly maddening being that close.

My study routine has been pretty scattered — I'd read through the EPA 608 materials, watch some YouTube videos, and call it a day. A coworker mentioned I should actually be using a dedicated CORES study guide instead of just the raw regulation text, which honestly I hadn't considered. He also said timed CORES practice test sessions helped him a lot because the actual exam is more time-pressured than people expect.

Has anyone else struggled with this? I'm booked for a third attempt in six weeks. Would really appreciate exam tips from people who've actually passed, especially around the refrigerant handling and leak detection sections — those seem to be where I keep losing points.

C
Chris D.
May 27, 2026
I was in the exact same spot last year, failed once by 4 points. What turned it around for me was drilling practice questions every single day for two weeks straight — not just reading, actually answering timed questions. The leak detection section tripped me up too. Once I understood the pressure differential concepts cold, that whole section clicked. Give yourself at least 45 minutes daily and track which topics you're missing.
J
James R.
May 28, 2026
Honestly the time pressure thing is real. I passed on my first try but I only had like 8 minutes left when I finished. The questions on refrigerant recovery equipment certification requirements are worded in a sneaky way — double negatives, 'which of the following is NOT' type stuff. Read every question twice before answering. Also make sure you know your refrigerant types and their specific handling rules cold, not just generally.
C
Carlos B.
May 28, 2026
Six weeks is plenty of time if you're focused. I studied about 30 minutes a day for three weeks and passed with an 82. The section on refrigerant sales restrictions tripped up a few people in my class — don't overlook it.

Join the Discussion

Sign in or register to reply with your account, or reply as a guest below.

Related Discussions

← Back to Forum