Finally passed my EPA 608 after two failed attempts — here's what worked

Okay so I want to share my experience because I spent way too long figuring this out the hard way. I'm an HVAC apprentice and my employer gave me a deadline to get certified before the summer rush. Failed the Core section twice — scored a 67 and a 71, and you need a 70 to pass each section. I was frustrated and honestly kind of embarrassed.

What finally clicked for me was stopping the random YouTube rabbit hole and actually using a structured EPA practice test to figure out my weak spots. Turns out I kept bombing the refrigerant recovery questions and anything related to the Montreal Protocol. Once I identified those gaps, I drilled them specifically instead of just re-reading the whole HVAC Excellence study guide front to back like an idiot.

Passed Core + Type II on my third attempt with an 84 and a 79. If you're studying for this, don't skip the exam tips in the practice materials about pressure-temperature relationships — probably 8-10 questions on that alone. Happy to answer questions if anyone's stuck where I was.