Access to the refrigeration installer profession

Are you thinking of starting a business as a refrigeration engineer? Would you like to start a business installing or maintaining refrigerators, cold rooms or refrigerated counters? Or are you planning to add any of these services to your existing business? In this case, you need to prove that you have the skills to start up such a business. If you don't have a diploma or experience in this field, you can obtain a certificate by sitting the central jury exam.

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  • Which activities require professional skills in refrigeration engineering?

    This includes the design, assembly, maintenance and repair of refrigeration circuits for household refrigerators and commercial or industrial refrigeration installations and/or assemblies such as counters or cold rooms.

    If your project involves a new business, in addition to all these construction-specific skills, you'll also need to prove that you have basic management knowledge. 

    If in doubt, contact a Business Counter. They can advise you on your personal situation.

  • How can I prove my skills?

    Skills can be proven in two ways:

    • With an educational or training diploma;
    • With 5 years' uninterrupted professional experience over the past 10 years

    If you don't have either, you can obtain a certificate by sitting the exam for professional skills as a refrigeration installer (20034) before the Central Jury.

  • Frequently asked questions about access to the profession

    How do I know if my diploma grants me access to a profession?

    A database of diplomas, degrees and certificates from all over the world helps you determine whether your qualifications meet entrepreneurial requirements. You can look up your diploma to find out which activities it gives you access to. If in doubt, contact a business counter. The Central Jury Service is not able to validate your qualifications.

    See the DIPLO database

    Other than the company manager, who else can bring entrepreneurial skills to the business?

    For a self-employed person (natural person), this person can be:

    • A spouse;
    • A legal cohabitant;
    • A partner who has been cohabiting with the individual for at least 6 months;
    • A self-employed assistant, parent or relative up to the third degree;
    • An employee with a permanent employment contract.

    For a business (legal entity), this person can be:

    • The management body (e.g.: a manager of a limited liability company or a managing director of a public limited company);
    • A company director (e.g.: an active partner in a limited liability company or a director of a public limited company);
    • An employee with a permanent employment contract.

    If in doubt, contact a Business Counter. They'll be able to tell you if you have the required skills for your activity.

  • What skills are tested on the exam? What content does the exam cover?

    Your technical knowledge of: 

    • Metals and raw materials: origin, composition and use; 
    • Commercial measures used in this field;
    • Tools and machinery; 
    • Usage, maintenance; 
    • General description of refrigeration systems; 
    • Compressors, evaporators, condensers, piping and accessories; 
    • Refrigeration theory; 
    • Basic theory of heat transmission: conduction, convection, radiation; concepts of specific, sensible and latent heat. 
    • Physical and chemical basics; 
    • How to use refrigerants; 
    • Thermal efficiency, measuring devices; 
    • Basic calculation of heat loss; 
    • General calculations for refrigeration systems. 

    Your professional practice: 

    • Assembly, good practice, tools; 
    • Basic electrical concepts; 
    • Simple safety, control and regulation devices; 
    • Pumps, fans, motors; 
    • Specifications and standards; 
    • General calculations for refrigeration systems; 
    • Calculating specifications, drawing up plans; 
    • Social obligations relating to the profession; 
    • Professional liability.

  • How does the exam work? 

    The exam consists of a written section and an oral section before a jury. 

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