Based on responses received from visitors (you) on our website, we have compiled a list of commonly asked questions and doubts about our offerings (products).
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What is EPA certification?
EPA certification (EPA 608 certification) is an EPA-approved testing program for any HVAC or Refrigeration technicians who will be handling refrigerant. Basically, if you want to work in HVAC, you need your EPA certification. SkillCat is offering our EPA online course and EPA test for anyone who wants it - 100% online from the comfort of your home.
What are the benefits of EPA certification?
An EPA Certification is tremendously beneficial if you want to work as an HVAC or Refrigeration technician. It helps you get a job and get a leg up over other job applicants. More importantly, it lets you do your job as a technician - only technicians with an EPA 608 certification are legally allowed to work with refrigerant.
What are the types of EPA certification? What EPA certification do I need for HVAC?
For HVAC, technicians need the EPA 608 Certification.
There are four types of EPA certification:
1. EPA Type 1 Certification- for small appliances
2. EPA Type 2 Certification- for high pressure appliances
3. EPA Type 3 Certification - for low pressure appliances
4. EPA Universal Certification - includes Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3
If you're not sure which one you need, EPA Universal Certification is the best choice! It gives you the flexibility to work with many different kinds of equipment.
How much does EPA certification cost?
If you want to get your EPA certification through SkillCat! We have a really well-taught online EPA training course, tons of EPA 608 practice tests, and we're approved by the EPA to proctor EPA exams and provide certificates fully online.
Unlike other training organizations, our goal is not to make money through our training and EPA certifications. We help technicians get great jobs; if more technicians are EPA certified, there are more technicians we can place into amazing jobs!
How hard is it to get EPA certified?
Getting your EPA certification is a piece of cake with SkillCat - 3 simple steps:
1. Go through our online EPA course and refresh key concepts
2. Sign up for our online proctored exam - Universal, Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3
3. Take the exam and print out your official EPA certificate immediately after you finish the course
Super and easy to get EPA certified in no time at all!
How long does it take to get your EPA certification?
If you've already worked in the industry, and you're already an expert on EPA rules and refrigeration fundamentals, you can take our online EPA test today. Get your certificate in 1 hour :)
If you need to take our online EPA course, that will take you 1-2 days and then you can get your EPA certification.
Can I get EPA certified online?
Yes, yes, yes! You can get your EPA certification for every level - Universal, Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 - all 100% online with our online proctoring system. Our proctor watches you through your webcam and takes random pictures as you go through the exam. Then, if you pass the test, you get your EPA certificate to print out immediately after you finish the course.
We're approved by the EPA to deliver EPA certification 100% online! Save time and money over going to a classroom exam provider.
Do we provide CFC Certification?
CFC Certification is the same as EPA Certification. So, yes we provide CFC Certification too.
How is our EPA test fully online?
The EPA has approved SkillCat to offer the EPA test for EPA 608 certification 100% online. We have a virtual proctor that monitors to make sure you're not cheating through your device webcam.
Through our program, you can get your EPA certification from home in hours! Take our online course, finish your proctored exam, and print out your EPA card. It's that easy.
How Is the online HVAC Training course set up?
When building the course, our goal was to make online HVAC training fun, engaging, and exciting! With that goal in mind, we have put a tremendous amount of multimedia material into our courses. As a student, you will never just be reading or listening to text- this is not a textbook!
Every single part of our courses is full of compelling graphics, informative animations, and real-life images from HVAC systems. After each lesson- and within many lessons- you will be asked to answer HVAC technician questions or do HVAC system calculations focused on what you just learned. These HVAC system exercises make learning a lot more interactive and fun.
Will you help me get hired after the course?
Once you complete the online HVAC training, you will have the option to join our talent network. We have partnered with leading HVAC companies, and they are all hiring right now! Companies will look for new hands from this talent pool since you have proven your ability through training simulations and testing.
How much does the online HVAC training cost?
$10/month! We took out all the filler, which can cause similar programs to take up to a year, and worked with hiring managers to teach you the skills that you need to know to start your career in HVAC.
How do the simulations work?
We developed the HVAC training simulations based on real-world scenarios that you will encounter as an HVAC technician. These simulations allow us to test you on the information you just learned, and they teach you how to apply the knowledge to practical tasks.
Do I need a computer for online HVAC training?
To take our online HVAC course, you will need a phone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection. A lot of our graduates took classes while they were on the job site or in between jobs. The HVAC course is super convenient and always accessible.
Is there a textbook for the online HVAC training?
No textbooks here! We wanted to design an online HVAC course that wasn't boring. All of our courses use animations, simulations, and quizzes to teach you the skills you will need to become an HVAC tech.
Do hiring managers like online courses like this?
Absolutely. We designed these courses with hiring managers from large HVAC companies to be sure that everything in the course is essential and approved by them. Also, hiring managers love simulations since it gives them a better understanding of how you apply the knowledge you learned in the course. That gives you an advantage over anyone who has just been studying a textbook.
What is the EPA Universal Curriculum?
Core: Introduction
Introduction - Identify technician responsibility to be up-to-date on federal and state regulations and discuss administrative logistics of Section 608 certification.
Core: Ozone
The Ozone Layer - we will introduce the Ozone layer and talk about how it is essential to life on Earth.
Ozone Depletion - we will discuss how chemicals used in refrigeration systems destroy the ozone layer and also take a look at the effects of depleting the ozone layer.
Core: Regulations & Guidelines
Clean Air Act - we will walk through the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the regulations that apply to us as HVAC technicians.
Venting Prohibition - we will walk through what venting is and discuss the venting prohibition included in the Clean Air Act.
Montreal Protocol - we will walk through what the Montreal Protocol is.
AHRI Standard 700 - we will go over AHRI Standard 700 and what it means for us as technicians.
Section 608 Overview - we will look at the purpose of Section 608 and determine which refrigerants it regulates.
Section 608 Regulations - we will walk through the specific regulations of Section 608.
Core: Refrigeration Cycle
Essential Chemistry - we will go over concepts in chemistry that will help you better understand how HVAC systems work.
Physical States of Matter - we will go over the physical concepts that are the foundation of how refrigeration equipment works.
Refrigeration Cycle Overview - we will go over the basic concepts behind the refrigeration cycle and also discuss how the refrigeration cycle powers your air conditioning and refrigerator.
Refrigeration Cycle Components - we will go over the individual components of the refrigeration cycle and also discuss what happens to the refrigerant in each component and the function of each component.
State and Pressure Changes - we show how refrigerant state and pressure changes through each piece of refrigeration equipment.
Core: Refrigerants
Introduction to Refrigerants - we will define refrigerants and also discuss different types of refrigerants.
CFCs and HCFCs - we will discuss the first two types of refrigerants -- CFCs and HCFCs.
HFCs, HFOs, and Natural Refrigerants - we will delve further into different types of non-ozone depleting refrigerants.
Refrigerant Naming - we will discuss different naming conventions for the refrigerants.
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) - we will define ozone depletion potential and how it is used to determine the harmfulness of different refrigerants.
Global Warming Potential (GWP) - we will discuss the properties of different refrigerants.
ASHRAE Safety Classification - we will discuss how the refrigerants are classified based on their flammability and toxicity.
Core: Refrigerant Blends
Purpose of Refrigerant Blends - we will introduce refrigerant blends and discuss how to use them in HVAC practices.
Types of Refrigerant Blends - we will dive deeper into the different types of refrigerant blends and discuss how they are used in HVAC practices.
Properties of Refrigerant Blends - we will discuss various properties of refrigerant blends.
Retrofitting systems - we will define the term ‘retrofitting’ and explain how existing refrigeration equipment can be retrofitted to operate on new refrigerant blends.
Core: Refrigerant Oils
Refrigerant Oils (Overview) - we will introduce how oils are used in HVAC.
Refrigerant Oil Properties - we will discuss the purpose of refrigerant oils and also go through their properties.
Types of Refrigerant Oils - we will discuss the different types of refrigerant oils and their applications in HVAC systems.
Core: Equipment
Equipment Classifications - we will take a look at the properties of equipment used in HVAC systems.
Equipment and Components - we are going to take a look at the different types of equipment used to service HVAC systems.
Equipment Malfunction - we will discuss what procedures to follow when the equipment malfunctions.
Core: Servicing
The Three Rs - we will discuss three important processes within the HVAC industry.
Recovery Equipment - we will discuss the various recovery equipment and techniques used in the industry.
Factors Affecting Recovery Time - we will define the term 'recovery time' and, we will also discuss various factors affecting recovery time.
Dehydration - we will take a look at the term dehydration and its affects on the HVAC systems.
Recharging - we will go over the details of recharging the refrigerant and, we will also discuss the precautions to take while servicing the equipment.
Core: Leaks
Causes of Leaks - we will discuss the various causes of leaks and their effect on the HVAC system.
Leak Detection Methods - walks through the various leak detection methods used in the HVAC industry.
Standing Pressure Test - we will discuss various procedures and techniques that need to be followed while performing the standing pressure test.
Core: Safety
Safety Equipment - we will take a look at the different safety procedures that need to be followed in the HVAC practices.
Safety Precautions - will look at the different safety precautions that need to follow in the HVAC practices.
Handling Flammable Refrigerants - will look at the different techniques that need to follow while handling flammable refrigerants.
Handling Cylinders - we will discuss how to use refrigerant cylinders and also discuss specific safety procedures for the different types of cylinders.
Disposable Cylinders - we will discuss how disposable refrigerant cylinders are used and what restrictions apply to them.
Recovery Cylinders - we will discuss how recovery cylinders are used and also discuss specific safety procedures for the recovery cylinders.
Shipping - we’ll go over considerations we have to make when shipping refrigerant cylinders.
Type 1: Regulations
Introduction: Type I - we will take a look at how the EPA defines small appliances and what the Type I certification covers.
Regulation Review - we will review the key regulations of the HVAC industry.
SNAP Substitutes - we will discuss how the SNAP program affects our use of refrigerants. We will also take a look at why SNAP considers a refrigerant acceptable or unacceptable and specific examples in each category.
Refrigerant Management - we will review retrofitting and discuss restrictions on using hydrocarbons in retrofit applications and also look at how mixed refrigerant affects appliances and talk about how to prevent the mixing of refrigerants.
Type 1: Recovery
Refrigerant Properties - we will take a look at how to read Pressure-Temperature charts and also discuss the pressure- temperature relationship of refrigerants and talk about how to use it to see whether there are non-condensable present.
Recovery Requirements - we will take a look at the two main methods of recovering refrigerants and discuss the different requirements for each method.
Recovery Procedure - we will take a look at how to recover refrigerant and ways to speed up our recovery process.
Recovery Equipment - we will take a look at pieces of equipment that are commonly used when recovering Type I small appliances and the EPA’s Section 608 regulations for these pieces of equipment.
Type 1: Servicing
Service Equipment - we will take a look at the requirements for equipment we use in servicing Type I appliances and discuss recovery devices, process tubes, vacuum pumps, and charging cylinders.
Diagnosing Issue - we will take a look at maintenance guidelines and some common issues we have to deal with when servicing small appliances.
Type 1: Safety
Safety - we will take a look at safety equipment and practices that will help us avoid injury or harm.
Type 2: Introduction
Introduction - we will go over the EPA’s classification method for the types of systems included in Type II.
Type 2: Key Secondary Components
Key Secondary Components - we will learn about a few components that are not a part of the primary refrigeration cycle but play an important role for the refrigeration appliances to work correctly.
Type 2: Leak Detection
Leak Detection - walks through different methods to detect a leak in a refrigeration system.
Type 2: Leak Repair
Leak Repair - we will learn about EPA’s classification system and leak rates defined for the particular systems. We will also learn about the process defined by EPA for repairing leaks
Leak Repair Timeframe - we will discuss the time frame to repair any leak. We will also learn some EPA regulations and recordkeeping requirements after the leak has been repaired.
Leak Repair Regulations - we will discuss the regulations to repair any leak. We will also learn some EPA regulations and recordkeeping requirements after the leak has been repaired.
Type 2: Refrigerant Recovery
Refrigerant Recovery - we will discuss the pieces of equipment used for the recovery process. We will also discuss a few processes to be done before starting refrigerant recovery.
Recovery Equipment - we will discuss the different precautions to be taken during a recovery process and also go about some techniques to be followed during recovery.
Recovery Precautions - we will discuss the process of evacuating a system. We will also learn many tips and techniques to perform a successful evacuation.
Type 2: Evacuation
System Evacuation (Dehydration)
Type 2: Charging
Refrigerant Charging - we will discuss the correct methods of charging a system back with refrigerant.
Type 2: Problems and Repairs
Problems and Repairs - we will discuss some problems related to oil foaming in a system. We will also learn about EPA’s classification of major repairs.
Type 2: Safety
Safety - we will learn about a few safety practices that need to be kept in mind while dealing with EPA Type-2 appliances.
Type 3: Introduction
Introduction - we will learn about the meaning and different types of appliances included in EPA Type 3. We will go through the features of Type 3 appliances in this introductory module.
Type 3: Key Components
Key Components - we will learn about the chillers and different components used in Type 3 appliances.
Type 3: Low-Pressure Refrigerants
Low-Pressure Refrigerants - we will have a detailed look at Type 3 refrigerants. We will look at their characteristics and their significance.
Type 3: Leak Detection
Leaks in Low-Pressure System - we will learn about leaks in low-pressure systems. We will see the different indicators of a leak and the common areas that can leak in a Type 3 system.
Leak Detection - we will learn about the methods to detect leaks in low-pressure systems.
Type 3: Leak Repair
Leak Repair - we will learn about EPA’s classification system and leak rates defined for the particular systems. We will also learn about the process defined by EPA for repairing leaks in Type 3 appliances.
Leak Repair Regulations - we will discuss the regulations to repair any leak. We will also learn some EPA regulations and recordkeeping requirements after the leak has been repaired.
Type 3: Refrigerant Recovery
Recovery - we will discuss the different refrigerant recovery methods and a couple of techniques for faster recovery. We will also discuss the pieces of equipment used for the recovery process.
Type 3: Evacuation
Evacuation - we will discuss the process of evacuating a system. We will also learn many tips and techniques to perform a successful evacuation.
Type 3: Charging
Charging - we will discuss the correct methods of charging a system back with refrigerant.
Type 3: Repairs
Major and Minor Repairs - we will learn about EPA’s classification of major and minor repairs.
Type 3: Safety
Safety - we will learn about a few safety practices that need to be kept in mind while dealing with EPA Type-3 appliances.