Refrigerant and Coolant Test Prep & Certificate (EPA 608)

WHES-003 Refrigerant and Coolant Test Prep & Certificate (EPA 608)

Hours: 100
Fee: No Cost for Eligible Participants
Instruction: In-person/Lecture

Program Description

The HVAC/R Technician Certificate – Refrigerant and Coolant Test Prep & Certificate program prepares participants for careers in the HVAC/R and refrigeration industry while supporting compliance with federal environmental and safety regulations. Through hands-on training and industry-focused instruction, students build the technical knowledge, refrigerant management skills, and safety practices needed to safely service and maintain refrigeration and cooling systems.

Participants gain practical experience with refrigeration systems, refrigerant recovery and recycling procedures, leak detection methods, and system diagnostics. The program also introduces heat pump system fundamentals to support workforce readiness in today's evolving clean energy and high-efficiency HVAC sector.

Students are introduced to:

  • Refrigeration cycle operation and cooling system fundamentals
  • EPA Section 608 regulations and environmental compliance requirements
  • Refrigerant recovery, recycling, storage, and leak detection procedures
  • Core and Type I, II, and III EPA 608 certification exam preparation
  • HVAC/R system diagnostics and troubleshooting techniques
  • Safe refrigerant handling practices and workplace safety standards
  • Heat pump system fundamentals and high-efficiency HVAC applications
  • Electrical controls, gauges, charging procedures, and system performance testing
  • Low-GWP refrigerants and emerging clean energy refrigerant technologies
  • Industry standards, code compliance, and environmental best practices
  • Workplace safety practices, PPE, and hazard recognition
  • Industry certification preparation and HVAC/R career pathway guidance

Participants also receive guidance on workforce expectations, professional practices, and pathways toward advanced HVAC/R certifications and specialized refrigeration training opportunities.

Credentials Earned

EPA Section 608 Certification Preparation (Core, Type I, II, and III)

Program Details

Fees: Free including books and materials

*Additional Funding Sources

This course may be eligible for funding for qualified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients as well as additional funding available under other grants. Please email Alisa Feliberty at afeliberty2601@stcc.edu. Please refer to the USDA Non-Discrimination Statement.

Section: 2027SCB WHES-003

Dates: May 1 - August 7, 2027
Days: Saturday
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Course Cancellation Policy

The STCC Workforce Training office reserves the right to cancel any course that does not meet minimum enrollment requirements.

Student Handbook Policies

As a participant in this program/course I understand that I am bound by all the rules, regulations, and policies of STCC as outlined in the Springfield Technical Community College Student Handbook.

Disability-Related Accommodations

In compliance with Springfield Technical Community College's policy and equal access laws, disability-related accommodations are available. Students who desire such accommodations should provide documentation of a disability to register with the Office of Disability Services (ODS). Proper registration will enable ODS counselors to verify the disability and determine reasonable academic accommodations

Is there an enrollment deadline for this course?
Yes, we close enrollment 2 weeks before the start date of the class?

Are there a limited number of seats available for this course?
Yes, there are only 8 available seats per class session.

Do I need a high school diploma to take this course?
No, you do not need a high school diploma to take this course but it is preferred.

Is there any age requirement for this course?
Participants must be 16 years or older to attend this course.

Do I need to be an MA resident to take this course?
Yes, you do need to be an MA resident to take this course and be eligible for grant funding./p>

Is there grant eligibility for this course?
Yes, this course is funded through a grant. We will contact you to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for this course./p>

Is this a SNAP/DTA eligible program?
Yes. If you receive SNAP benefits through DTA, you may be eligible to take this course./p>

Do I need to take an intake assessment before I start this course?
No

Are there any health requirements needed to take this course?
No

Do I need to complete a background check (CORI) prior to taking this course?
No

Are there any prerequisites (i.e. courses; work experience) needed to take this course?
Yes. You will need to have either completed the Bridge to High Efficiency Energy module or have 12-18 Months of experience as Oil Burner/HVAC technician./p>

Are course materials required for this course? If so, are course materials an additional cost?
All course materials are provided to students at no additional cost.

For questions or interest in our current or future programs, please complete our Workforce Development Program Inquiry Form, and one of our Recruitment and Retention Specialists will contact you promptly. For all other questions, please use the contact below.

The STCC Workforce Development Center
Building 27, Second Floor

Enrollment Process

To apply for this program, please submit the High Efficiency Energy Systems Inquiry Form, and we will contact you regarding your next steps.