EPA Section 609 Certification: Who Needs It for A/C Work and How to Get It

Updated 2026-10-17. Sources are listed at the end.

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If you plan to offer A/C service, mobile or in a shop, there’s one federal credential you can’t skip.

The rule

The U.S. EPA states: “Any person who repairs or services a motor vehicle air conditioning system for consideration (payment or bartering) must be properly trained and certified under section 609 of the Clean Air Act by an EPA-approved program.” It adds that all technicians servicing “MVAC-like appliances” must be certified (EPA, Section 609 programs).

Key words: for consideration. Taking cash, trading favors, or bartering counts. The BLS also notes that A/C technicians “must be trained and certified in handling refrigerants” (BLS OOH).

What the training covers

According to the EPA, approved programs teach the proper use of MVAC servicing equipment, the regulatory requirements, the importance of refrigerant recovery, and the effects of improper refrigerant handling on the ozone layer and climate. To be certified you must be trained by an approved program and pass a test (source).

EPA-approved programs (open to the public)

EPA’s list includes, among others: ASE, MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association), ESCO Institute, ComplyAuto, ComplyNet, Ferris State University, KPA, Mainstream Engineering, SkillCat, TEEX (Texas A&M), Tier One EHS, Trade Masters Online, Universal Technical Institute, Wyoming Technical Institute, and the New York State Association of Service Stations and Repair Shops (full list). Some programs on the list are only for their own employees, such as Jiffy Lube and military schools. Contact programs directly for prices and test formats.

If you hold an old card from a program that no longer offers training (IMACA, the NYS DMV, Snap-On and others), EPA tells refrigerant retailers to keep accepting those cards (source).

Running A/C work as a business

Keep your card handy. Under EPA’s sales restriction, MVAC refrigerant can be sold only to Section 609-certified technicians (or their employers, with written evidence), except small cans of 2 lb or less with a self-sealing valve for DIY use. 609-certified techs can’t buy refrigerant meant for stationary equipment (EPA, Refrigerant sales restriction).
Approved equipment is required. EPA says anyone servicing MVAC for payment must use refrigerant handling equipment certified by EPA or an EPA-approved testing organization (currently Intertek and UL). A shop servicing MVAC for the first time must certify to its EPA Regional Office, one time, that it has acquired and is properly using approved equipment. Refrigerant must be recycled or reclaimed before reuse, even back into the same vehicle (EPA, Regulatory requirements; EPA, Certified equipment). Put the equipment in your overhead when you set your rate (pricing formula).
Records. EPA says MVAC service shops must keep records of where recovered refrigerant is sent and on-site records showing technicians are certified (EPA Section 609 fact sheet).
Price A/C diagnosis separately (see how to set a diagnostic fee). A leak search plus recovery and recharge is a multi-step job. Quote it clearly with the free estimate generator.
Check your scan tool’s HVAC functions. Some A/C jobs need bidirectional control or module relearns. Compare tools at ScanToolMatch.
Insurance. Make sure your liability policy reflects that you offer A/C work (insurance types).

Pricing A/C work? See A/C recharge and repair pricing.

Sources

EPA, Refrigerant sales restriction: https://www.epa.gov/section608/refrigerant-sales-restriction
EPA, Regulatory requirements for MVAC system servicing: https://www.epa.gov/mvac/regulatory-requirements-mvac-system-servicing
EPA, Certified equipment: https://www.epa.gov/mvac/certified-equipment
EPA, Section 609 of the Clean Air Act fact sheet: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-12/section_609_of_the_clean_air_act_motor_vehicle_air_conditioning.pdf
EPA, Section 609 Technician Training and Certification Programs (last updated June 25, 2026): https://www.epa.gov/mvac/section-609-technician-training-and-certification-programs
BLS OOH, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm