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A1 Course - F-gases + Hydrocarbons

What is the A1 Certificate?

From March 2026, the A1 certificate will become the new national competency certification for professionals working on refrigeration systems, air conditioning equipment and heat pumps.

Where technicians previously required separate certifications for F-gases and flammable refrigerants, these qualifications are now combined into a single certification: A1.

Our A1 training program prepares you thoroughly for the certification examination, enabling you to continue working on installations with flammable refrigerants without restrictions.

12 days + 1 examination day
A1 Certificate

Why is A1 replacing the F-Gas certification?

The refrigeration and climate technology sector is evolving rapidly. The introduction of new refrigerants, stricter environmental regulations and the increasing adoption of heat pump systems require broader competencies than those covered by the former F-gas certification. In addition, safe handling of flammable refrigerants is becoming increasingly important.

The A1 certification framework brings these requirements together into a single, clearly defined certificate. For technicians, this means one recognized standard that covers safety, quality and regulatory compliance.

Opleidingscentrum GO° supports technicians in transitioning smoothly to this new certification standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are F-gas competencies included in the A1 certificate?
Is the A1 certificate mandatory?
Will my F-gas certificate disappear?
When will the A1 certificate officially take effect?
Do I still need separate certification for hydrocarbons?

No. Flammable refrigerants will be fully incorporated into the A1 certification framework. Since A1 replaces both the F-gas certification and the training for flammable refrigerants, it forms a logical and future-proof starting point for new professionals entering the refrigeration sector. Within a single certification, you will learn everything required to work in accordance with the latest regulations.
Register for the full A1 training pathway

What does the A1 training look like at Opleidingscentrum GO°?

We deliberately focus on clear explanations, effective guidance and a practical learning approach.The transition to a new certification framework creates uncertainty for many technicians. That is why we present the process as clearly and transparently as possible.

At GO°, you can expect:

Clear guidance on the transition from F-gas certification to A1
Support in selecting the right training pathway
Instructors with extensive expertise in refrigeration engineering

Our A1 training program is designed to meet the certification requirements and to prepare you thoroughly for the examination.
After completing the training, participants are able to independently, professionally and safely perform the tasks they learned during the program.

Our A1 training ensures that you are fully prepared so that you can continue your work without interruption.

Training content

F-Gases Module
Theory
- Basic physical principles
- The refrigeration circuit
- Components used in refrigeration systems
- Inspection and fault diagnosis in refrigeration systems
- Preparing a measurement report
- Checking and completing a system logbook
- Verifying the correct operation of a refrigeration system
Practical exercises
- Temperature and pressure measurements
- Pressure testing, evacuation and standing time
- Recovering and charging a refrigeration system
- Leak detection
- Testing and adjusting various components, such as the thermostatic expansion valve, evaporator pressure regulator, and high-/low-pressure switch
- Cutting and bending pipework
- Torch set-up, brazing, and brazing under nitrogen
- Making flare connections
- Installation & Inspection (I&I)
Flammable Refrigerants Module
Theory
- Hazards of flammable refrigerants
- ATEX and EX zoning
- The “caps model”, Zone 2 and Zone 0
- Recovery and flaring of refrigerants
- Installing components
- NPR 7600
- Refrigeration schematic diagrams, components and the log p-h diagram
- Workwear and spark-free tools
- Safety, emergency plan, escape route, work permit, task risk analysis, explosion protection document and logbook
Practical exercises
- Various practical assignments on a refrigeration system charged with flammable refrigerants.

Recertification

One important change is that certifications will no longer remain valid indefinitely. From the introduction of the A1 certificate, every technician must complete a recertification process every seven years. This evaluation process is intended to ensure that technicians remain up to date with the latest regulations, safety protocols and refrigeration engineering practices.

A1 Examination

Aeres Tech, the implementation partner, is also the examination location. The examination is administered by STEK and is based on the refrigeration system you worked on during the training. Examination fees and the examination itself are not included in the training fee and will be invoiced by STEK to your employer. You must register for the examination yourself through STEK.

Contact

Do you have questions or are you unsure about the right route? Please feel free to contact one of our account managers. They will be happy to help.

Christiaan Zijlstra (Southern Netherlands)
Mail: c.zijlstra@aeres.nl
Tel: +31 6 34636872

Joost van der Ziel (Northern Netherlands)
Mail: j.vander.ziel@aeres.nl
Tel: +31 6 34636873

Why choose for Training center GO°?

Learning by doing
For all our training programs, we apply a distinctive and unique didactic concept: learning by doing. Our courses are practical in nature, and in everything we do, the everyday professional practice serves as the starting point.
Learning from Experts

Our experienced and professional trainers possess didactic qualities, a passion for the profession, and a wealth of substantive knowledge.
Immediate returns
Training sessions at Training Center GO provide immediate returns. After a training, participants can independently, professionally, and safely perform what they learned at Training Center GO just a day earlier.
Small Groups

Training at Training Center GO takes place in small groups, allowing for personalized attention to each participant.
Catering and Course Materials

Training sessions include course materials, coffee, tea, and lunch. So, you will never be faced with surprises.
Modern facilities

At Training Center GO, you work with the latest machines in our own modern expertise center.

A1 Course - F-gases + Hydrocarbons

Register now

What is the A1 Certificate?

Why is A1 replacing the F-Gas certification?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the A1 training look like at Opleidingscentrum GO°?

Training content

Recertification

A1 Examination

Contact

Why choose for Training center GO°?

Learning by doing

Learning from Experts

Immediate returns

Small Groups

Catering and Course Materials

Modern facilities

Opleidingscentrum GO° is een samenwerking van: