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Qualification Details

Regulated Qualification in Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases on Refrigerant Systems (F-Gas Category I-IV)

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General Information

Regulated Qualification in Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases on Refrigerant Systems (F-Gas Category I-IV)
Refrigeration & F-Gas Qualifications
F-Gas CI, F-Gas C2, F-Gas C3, F-Gas C4
Level 3 (Cat I & II), Level 2 (Cat III & IV)
Category l: 31 GLH: 31 TQT: Category ll: 31 GLH: 31 TQT: Category lll: 7 GLH: 7 TQT: Category lV: 14 GLH: 14 TQT:

Qualification Content

The Installation and Maintenance of Equipment and Appliances Containing Fluorinated Gases

These regulated RQF qualifications are for learners that wish to work in the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industries with fluorinated greenhouse gasses.

These qualifications are designed for learners to meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2015/2067.

  • LCL Awards Level 3 Award in F-Gas: Install, Service, Maintain, Recovery, Decommission and Leakage Checking of Systems (Category I)
  • LCL Awards Level 3 Award in F-Gas: Install, Service, Maintain, Recovery, Decommission and Leakage Checking of Refrigerant Systems with a Charge of less than 3kg (6kg if hermetically sealed) (Category II)
  • LCL Awards Level 2 Award in F-Gas: Recovery of Refrigerant Systems with a Charge of less than 3kg (6kg if hermetically sealed) (Category III)
  • LCL Awards Level 2 Award in F-Gas: Leakage Checking of Refrigerant Systems (Category IV)

 

In GB & NI, the EU F-Gas Regulation is implemented by the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015 (SI No. 310) & NI (SI No. 425).  LCL Awards is a named personnel certification and evaluation body as set out in Part 3, Article 8(1) and (NI Part 2, Article 6(1)) of these Regulations, which relate to the certification and evaluation bodies for the purposes of Article 4 of Commission Regulation (EU 2015/2067 (issue and contents of certificates).

Confirmation can be viewed on the Gov.Uk web site here
  • The learner will know the fundamental principles of thermodynamics.
  • The learner will know the environmental impact of refrigerants and corresponding environmental regulations.
  • The learner will be able to carry out checks before putting in operation, after a long period of non-use, after maintenance or repair intervention, or during operation.
  • The learner will be able to check for leakage.
  • The learner will be able to handle the system and refrigerant during installation, maintenance, servicing or recovery in an environmentally friendly manner in accordance with the regulations.
  • The learner will be able to put into operation and maintain reciprocating, screw and scroll compressors, single and two-stage.
  • The learner will be able to install, put into operation and maintain air cooled and water cooled condensers.
  • The learner will be able to install, put into operation and maintain air cooled and water cooled evaporators.
  • The learner will be able to install, put into operation and the servicing of Thermostatic Expansion Valves (TEV) and other components.
  • The learner will be able to build a leak-tight piping system in a refrigeration installation.

The learner will know the information on relevant technologies.

Prerequisites and Assessment Methods

Category I & II are Level 3 CPD qualifications designed for learners working within the Refrigeration and or related service sector. Learners wishing to undertake Category (I) or (ll) qualifications must hold a recognised qualification in Refrigeration, Heating & Ventilation or other related industry sector or have a minimum of 2 years auditable experience working within the Refrigeration or Heating & Ventilation sector.

All learners must have a good practical working knowledge of different soldering and brazing methods to undertake this type of work. 

Learners registered on and undertaking an apprenticeship or qualification which has a requirement for Category I or II F-Gas classification are exempt from the published pre-requisites above.

Category III & IV are Level 2 qualifications and have no pre-requisites, they may be undertaken by any learner after initial assessment by the approved centre.

The Installation and Maintenance of Equipment and Appliances Containing Fluorinated Gases

E-Examination and a Practical Assessment

Related Qualifications and Resources

DEFRA ACRIB guidance on careers and training

Fees and Additional Information

£62.15 Cat I, £62.15 Cat II, £53.70 Cat III and £53.70 Cat IV

Additional Learner and Centre Information

What careers can these qualification lead to?

A Level 3 Certificate for F-Gas in Refrigerant Systems Category I-IV is legally required for anyone working with F-Gases in the refrigeration, air conditioning, or heat pump sectors. It supports roles such as:

  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer
  • F-Gas Licensed Installer, Technician, or Service Engineer
  • Heat Pump Installer (where systems involve F-Gases)
  • HVAC maintenance engineer

By gaining this award, you demonstrate compliance with UK and EU regulations, boosting your professional credibility and ensuring you can continue to work in this highly regulated sector.

What progression opportunities are available when I complete the qualifications?

Completing these qualifications opens opportunities to progress within your role as a licensed F-Gas engineer. It will also support you if you wish to move into specialist or supervisory positions in refrigeration, air conditioning, or heat pump technologies or broaden your expertise with additional renewable energy or building services qualifications. 

With the five-year revalidation requirement, the qualifications also support ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and ensure you remain up to date with the latest environmental regulations and technical practices.

What is involved in delivering these qualifications?

To deliver the regulated RQF qualifications in Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases on Refrigerant Systems (F-Gas Category I-IV), a training centre must be approved by LCL Awards and meet their quality assurance requirements.

Centres must employ qualified teachers and assessors with current industry experience in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems, along with appropriate teaching and assessing credentials. Teachers should also have specific expertise in F-Gas handling, leak detection, recovery, and system servicing to ensure learners are trained to the required legal and technical standards.

Assessment involves: 

  • An online multiple-choice knowledge exam, set and marked by LCL Awards.
  • A practical performance assessment (set by LCL Awards and marked by centre-approved assessors).

Centres must therefore have secure IT facilities for knowledge-based exams, well-equipped workshops for practical tasks, and robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment consistency and compliance.