Choosing the Right F-Gas Qualification in 2025

Holding a current F-Gas qualification is mandatory for UK refrigeration and air conditioning engineers. With heat pump installations rising rapidly under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and refrigerant phase-downs accelerating, demand for trained engineers has never been higher.

Main UK F-Gas Qualifications

City & Guilds 2079

The most widely recognised UK F-Gas qualification. Units cover installation, maintenance, recovery and leak checking across stationary refrigeration, AC and heat pumps. Unit 1 is core knowledge required by all engineers.

BPEC F-Gas

Aimed at plumbers and heating engineers entering the heat pump market. Accepted for domestic heat pump installation and popular with MCS contractors.

BESA Programmes

Sector-specific for commercial HVAC engineers, often employer-sponsored.

What the Assessment Covers

  • Refrigerant properties and environmental impact
  • Leak detection techniques and equipment
  • Recovery, recycling and reclamation procedures
  • Safe handling of A2L refrigerants including R32
  • F-Gas record keeping and compliance obligations

Refrigerants to Know

Familiarise yourself with the gases you will handle: R32, R410A, R134a and R404A. Browse our full refrigerant range to understand trade cylinder sizes and handling requirements.