What Is EPA 609 certification?
The EPA 609 certification is a program that is overseen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and regulates any who repairs or services a motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) system. The program’s goal is to ensure that all technicians who work on MVAC systems have the proper training and knowledge in order to safely and effectively repair these systems.
Only technicians who have successfully passed an EPA 609 certification exam are allowed to call themselves “certified” and perform any repairs on MVAC systems.
This is therefore an essential qualification for any Automotive HVAC Technician.
Automotive HVAC Essentials Certificate
Earn your Penn Foster Certificate in Automotive HVAC Essentials. Your program includes heating and cooling systems, servicing, EPA regulations, testing, troubleshooting, and more.
Students interested in enrolling in this program should have an educational or work-related background in automotive repair basics. Students who do not have the necessary prerequisites should consider Penn Foster’s Auto Repair Technician Career Diploma Program.
A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this program.
There are a number of different types of EPA 609 certifications, each geared towards a specific area of MVAC system repair. Some of the most common certifications include:
- Refrigerant Handling Certification
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems Technician Certification
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification in Engine Performance or Automobile Air Conditioning
EPA-approved technician training and certification (TT&C) programs provide the necessary knowledge and skillsets required to work on MVAC systems. TT&C providers are authorized by the EPA to offer certification exams to technicians. Many of the largest and most well-known automotive schools offer EPA 609 certifications as part of their curriculum. These include:
- AM General Corporation
- ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)
- ESCO Institute
- Ferris State University (FSU)
- The Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association
- KPA
- Mainstream Engineering Corporation
- Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association
- Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy
- Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS)
- National Fluid Power Institute (NFPI)
- New York State Association of Service Stations and Repair Shops, Inc.
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)
- Universal Technical Institute
- Wyoming Technical Institute
If you’re interested in becoming an EPA 609 certified technician, be sure to research the different TT&C programs available and find one that best suits your needs. With the right training and certification, you can rest assured knowing that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to work on MVAC systems safely and effectively.
See also EPA 608 certification.
The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification in Engine Performance or Automobile Air Conditioning is one of the most popular EPA 609 certifications. It is also one of the most respected certifications in the automotive industry. Many employers look for ASE certified technicians when hiring for open positions.
If you’re looking to become an ASE certified technician, there are a few things you can do:
- Get hands-on experience working on MVAC systems by completing an EPA 609 certification program or an ASE training program
- Take and pass the ASE certification exam
- Maintain your certification by renewing it every five years and completing continuing education requirements