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FAQs

What is the Section 609 Certification?

  • 609 Certification is part of the U.S. Clean Air Act of 1990. Since 1992, federal law has required technicians working for pay to be certified to recover and recycle refrigerant. In addition, only certified technicians are allowed to purchase R-12. As of January 1, 2018, purchasing two pounds or more of refrigerants is also now restricted to certified technicians. Before purchasing refrigerant, you must display a Section 609 card.
  • Visit this web page for more information and EPA links to federal regulations about EPA 609 Certification.

What refrigerants are covered under Section 609?

  • The five mobile A/C refrigerants covered under Section 609 are R-12, R-134a, R-152a, R-744 (CO2), & R-1234yf

How can an automotive technician become Section 609 Certified?

  • MACS provides the Section 609 Certification test. The cost of the test is $24 per technician and is available online and at-home. Online is the fastest way for technicians to obtain their 609 Certification. Training classes for groups can be arranged by calling (215) 631-7020 ext. 308.

How do I access my online Section 609 test?

  • You can access your test by logging in to our website with the username and password you entered when creating an account. Upon logging in you will be taken to your “Personal Information” page, and there below your profile picture will be a “View my Test & Courses” button. This is a link to take you to the testing site where you can access the free practice exam and any purchased tests or recorded webinars.

How can I access my account if I forgot my login? Who can I contact?

  • If you have forgotten your username or password, when going to sign in, there should be two buttons below the password slot. These read Forgot Username? & Forgot Password? Click on either of these depending on what your forgot, then enter your current email or username depending on which you forgot. You will then receive an email on how to reset your username and/or password.
  • Still having trouble or not receiving the email? Contact the MACS office by emailing info@macsmobileairclimate.org or calling the office at (215) 631-7020 and someone from the office will reset your account with a temporary username and password until you regain access to change the credentials.

What score do I need to pass the online Section 609 test?

  • To pass the ONLINE Section 609 Certification Test, you will need a score of 84 or higher.
  • We STRONGLY RECOMMEND taking the practice test prior to the actual test to ensure a passing score.

What Happens If I do Not Pass the Section 609 Certification Test?

  • If you do not receive a score of 84 or higher on the Section 609 Certification Test the first time, you will be eligible to rebuy the test for $24 to retake.
  • We STRONGLY RECOMMEND taking the practice test prior to the actual test to ensure a passing score.

How many questions are on the test and how long do I have to take it?

  • There are approximately 25 multiple choice questions on the test. We recommend completing the test within two weeks of purchase or viewing of the live webinar. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND completing the test in one sitting, if you log out and return to complete the test at a later time you may be assigned a completely different set of questions.

Will the slides be provided after the webinar?

  • You will have access to the webinar slide deck via the link provided to the webinar for up to two weeks after the original run of the webinar.

How long does it take to receive my MACS 609 Card?

  • Your MACS Section 609 Card will be mailed from our office 24hrs after satisfactory completion of our MACS Section 609 Test. It takes up to 3 weeks to be delivered via USPS. You will, however, be able to print a temporary certificate to use until your permanent credentials arrive in the mail.

What does a MACS Section 609 Certification card look like?

  • See picture of the most recent looking card. Older Cards will not say HFO-1234yf and very old cards say CFC-12 (and do not say Section 609). However, they are still valid. If a distributor disputes a technician’s card, have the distributor call the MACS office at 215-631-7020.

Hand holding a 609 Certification Completion cardSection 609 Card example

What happens if I lose my Certification Card?

  • MACS can provide technicians a reprint of their 609 Certification credentials ONLY if they were certified by MACS or IMACA. For MACS to search for the record, they need to completely fill out this online form. In addition, $12 will be charged for all searches of MACS’ database even if MACS is unable to find the technician’s credentials. Apply online at MACS website for a reprint of your credential.
  • Please do not submit the reprint request more than once. Duplicate requests slow down MACS’ ability to serve requests quickly and efficiently. If a technician was certified by another provider, they need to contact that provider.
  • MACS requests that technicians do not request a copy of their certification unless they’re absolutely positive they took a MACS or IMACA Section 609 test. If they can’t remember, they are better served taking the test again. MACS is one of several Section 609 providers.

Do technicians who already have a 609 Certification need to be re-certified?

  • If a technician was certified anytime since 1991, there is no required re-certification. Their certification is good for life. However, in 2015, the 609 Certification program was updated to include training for working with R-1234yf. If a technician plans to service R-1234yf vehicles, it’s strongly recommended they re-certify.

Are there penalties for not complying with Section 609 Certification?

How can someone become a MACS Section 609 Proctor?

  • Click here and navigate to the Section 609 section for information on becoming a proctor. Fill out the forms and send them to MACS by fax at (215) 631-7017, or email them to info@macsmobileairclimate.org

 

How can someone become a member of MACS?

  • Click here to read about becoming a MACS member. MACS members can draw from a community of shared knowledge and resources to aid in better job completion. Please note: Section 609 Certification is not a MACS membership.

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