An EPA certification, or 608 certification, is official recognition by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that a technician is knowledgeable about the laws and regulations related to refrigerants and their handling. EPA manages various certification programs such as air-conditioning and refrigeration technicians, lead-safe renovation, and waterSense professional certification program. Technicians are required to pass an EPA-approved test to earn Section 608 Technician Certification, which is specific to the type of equipment the technician seeks to work on. The certification is required for technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. The certification programs are delegated to state authorities and/or authorized testing organizations. EPA certification means that the United States Environmental Protection Agency has examined the work that the company does and has certified that they are meeting the EPA’s standards for protecting the environment.