The single most common question we get: "Which Type do I actually need?" Short answer — if you're going to work on more than one kind of equipment in your career, take Universal. Long answer below.
#Type I — Small appliances
Any factory-sealed product with 5 lb or less of refrigerant.
- Window A/C units and PTACs
- Household refrigerators and freezers
- Dehumidifiers
- Water coolers, vending machines, ice makers
Type I is the shortest, easiest section. If you only ever fix window units and household fridges, this alone is legally sufficient.
## Type II — High-pressure and very-high-pressureAnything using a refrigerant with a boiling point below −50 °F at atmospheric pressure, plus most modern systems.
- Residential split systems and heat pumps
- Rooftop package units
- Supermarket refrigeration racks
- Commercial ice machines above 5 lb
- Most systems using R‑410A, R‑454B, R‑32, R‑22, R‑404A, R‑407C
For a residential or light-commercial HVAC tech, this is the bread-and-butter certification.
#Type III — Low-pressure
Refrigerants with a boiling point above 50 °F at atmospheric pressure — essentially, centrifugal chillers. Think R‑123, R‑1233zd, R‑514A.
- Water-cooled centrifugal chillers in commercial buildings
- Some large industrial process cooling
If you work in commercial chiller service — you need Type III.
#Universal
Core + Type I + Type II + Type III passed in the same sitting. Same seat, same day. One card, no restrictions.
The exam is longer (100 questions total), but the incremental effort past Type II is small and it's the last time you'll ever have to think about which "Type" you hold. We recommend Universal for anyone still building their career.
## Quick decision guide| You service… | Minimum you need |
|---|---|
| Only window units and household fridges | Type I |
| Residential and light-commercial A/C | Type II |
| Centrifugal chillers only | Type III |
| A mix, or you don't know yet | Universal |
The certification does not expire. Pass once, keep the card for life.