To work on stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, heat pumps or refrigeration systems in refrigerated trucks or trailers, air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles or other mobile refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, you must hold a certificate of competence.
For the certificate of competence, you normally complete a training course followed by a certificate of competence examination. The examination is offered both by state-approved, private providers and by public bodies such as chambers of industry and commerce (IHK) or chambers of skilled crafts (HWK).
To be admitted to the expert knowledge examination, you must prove that you have completed technical or craft training. The IHK or HWK can exempt you from this requirement if you can prove that you have acquired the prescribed craft skills elsewhere.
If you have successfully completed training as a refrigeration and air-conditioning fitter or refrigeration and air-conditioning fitter, the IHK will certify your expertise upon presentation of your examination certificate. For motor vehicle mechatronics technicians and other apprenticeships in the motor vehicle sector, the IHK can issue you with a certificate for activities on vehicle air conditioning systems.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce or Chamber of Crafts can also recognize the equivalence of foreign certificates of expertise, provided that they meet the technical requirements in Germany.