The servicing and repair of motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems is regulated to protect the environment. If you are involved in repairing or servicing MVAC systems for payment, it’s essential to be aware of the EPA Section 609 certification under the Clean Air Act. This certification, often referred to as the Mvac Car Program certification, is mandatory for technicians handling refrigerants.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that any technician who repairs or services MVAC systems for consideration (payment or bartering) must be properly trained and certified under Section 609 of the Clean Air Act. This regulation ensures the responsible handling of refrigerants, substances that can harm the ozone layer and contribute to climate change if improperly managed. This requirement extends to all technicians servicing MVAC-like appliances, emphasizing the broad scope of the MVAC car program.
EPA-approved technician training and certification programs are designed to provide comprehensive education. These programs cover the correct and safe use of MVAC servicing equipment, ensuring technicians are proficient in handling the tools of their trade. Crucially, the training emphasizes the regulatory requirements applicable to MVAC servicing, ensuring compliance with environmental laws. A significant focus is placed on the importance of refrigerant recovery and recycling. Technicians learn why recovering refrigerants is vital for environmental protection and how to properly execute recovery procedures. Furthermore, the training delves into the detrimental effects of improper refrigerant handling. Technicians gain a clear understanding of how mishandling refrigerants can damage the ozone layer and contribute to broader climate issues.
To become certified under the MVAC car program, technicians must complete training through an EPA-approved program and successfully pass a test. This test is designed to verify the technician’s knowledge and understanding of the key areas covered in the training. Passing this test is the final step in demonstrating competency and achieving EPA Section 609 certification.
Numerous organizations and programs across the United States are approved by the EPA to provide this essential training and certification. These programs vary, and it is recommended to contact them directly for specific details about their offerings, schedules, and costs. Below is a list of EPA-approved Section 609 Technician Training & Certification Programs:
Note to refrigerant retailers:
It’s important for refrigerant retailers to be aware that certain companies previously offered Section 609 TT&C programs. Retailers should continue to accept Section 609 TT&C cards from technicians who were certified by these programs, even if the programs are no longer active. These previously approved programs include: E F Technical Institute, Inc.; Geneva Steel; The International Mobile Air Conditioning Association (IMACA)*; Marine Safety Consultants/Tidewater School of Navigation; Mechanic’s Education Association; Minnesota Department of Transportation; New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV)**; Pennsylvania College of Technology; Penske Auto Centers (formerly K-Mart); Rancho Santiago College; Refrigerant Certification Services; Ryder Trucks; Snap-On; The Refrigeration School; Vatterott College; and Waco Chemicals, Inc.
*The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide is the custodian of IMACA’s technician certification records.
**The New York State Association of Service Stations and Repair Shops, Inc. holds the technician certification records for NYS DMV.
Ensuring you and your team are certified through an MVAC car program is not just about compliance; it’s about demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility and professional service in automotive repair. By choosing an EPA-approved program, you’re investing in quality training and contributing to the protection of our planet.
