LEESBURG, Va. – The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has announced its 2015 version of the Refrigerant Recovery & Recycling Review and Quiz Program. ASE says the new program meets EPA requirements and is shown on the agency’s list of authorized providers at
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/technicians/609certs.html. The new program can be taken online at www.asecampus.com. A printed booklet also is available.

“The new ASE Section 609 program has been completely updated to reflect new EPA requirements,” said Tim Zilke, ASE president and CEO. “This includes information on R-1234yf, R-744 (CO2) and R-152a refrigerants, which are three new alternatives found acceptable subject to use conditions in MVAC systems under the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.”

Under Section 609, the EPA requires technicians who service Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) systems to be trained and certified by an EPA approved organization. To earn certification, technicians must review the training material and then pass a test demonstrating knowledge of that material. This credential is only deemed a certification in the context of the EPA and is not the equivalent of technical certification from the main ASE testing and certification program.

In addition to EPA approval, ASE says its new Section 609 program meets approval by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to be in conformance with SAE J2845, “R-1234yf [HFO-1234yf] and R-744 Technician Training for Service and Containment of Refrigerants Used in Mobile A/C Systems” through SAE J2911, “Procedure for Certification that Requirements for Mobile Air Conditioning System Components, Service Equipment and Service Technician Training Meet SAE J Standards.”