RBQ preparatory course

15.9 - Small refrigeration systems contractor

a 4 hours course from 450$

This training prepares contractors to carry out the installation, maintenance and repair of small refrigeration and air conditioning systems with a capacity not exceeding 20 kW and using A1 or A2 refrigerants, in accordance with the Mechanical Refrigeration Code (CSA B-52). It also covers forced-air or hydronic heating and air conditioning units with a maximum capacity of 40 kW when combined with the appropriate subcategories (15.1, 15.1.1, 15.4, 15.4.1, 15.7 or 15.8). Essential training for those who want to specialize in small residential and light commercial refrigeration systems, a field in high demand where precision, compliance and energy performance are at the heart of the trade.

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  • Offered in French or English
  • Support 7 days a week
  • Exclusive benefits
  • +15,000Contractors trained
  • 4Service locations
  • +95%Success rate
  • +7,000Active members

AN RBQ PREPARATORY COURSE

The module is divided into four main themes assessed in the RBQ's 3-hour exam for subcategory 15.9:

  • Definitions and system types: units of measurement, refrigerant characteristics, and description of how a compression refrigeration circuit and its components (condenser, evaporator, compressor) operate.
  • Legislative and regulatory framework: application of ASHRAE standards, compliance with the Act respecting energy conservation, environmental management of greenhouse gases (ozone layer), and roles of certification bodies.
  • Plans, specifications and estimating: interpretation of refrigeration symbols on plans, analysis of general and special conditions in specifications, thermal load calculations (thermometry), and preparation of complete bids.
  • Standards and execution of work: installation planning, welding techniques, rigorous start-up procedures (vacuum, dehydration, refrigerant charging), maintenance, and safe management of occupational risks.

Learn your way

  • Not offered for this course
    Icon of a 100% online RBQ course, available anywhere in Quebec through the Gestion Solution Construction platform100% onlinePerfect for self-taught people; it lets you study for your licence at your own pace, independently.
  • Icon of an in-class RBQ course given by Gestion Solution Construction in its classrooms in QuebecIn classClassroom training is ideal for those who want maximum direct interaction between trainers and students.
  • Icon of an RBQ course by Zoom videoconference given by Gestion Solution Construction in QuebecVideoconferenceSimultaneous with a classroom session, training via Zoom is ideal for people living far from one of our 4 centres.

The goal of this course

The main objective of this course is to increase general building knowledge and enable contractors to apply better practices. More specifically, it aims to improve knowledge and remind guarantors for execution of construction work of what is at stake in good project management regarding:

  • The fundamental concepts of small air conditioning systems (direct and indirect systems, packaged or split systems), including the properties of group A1 and A2 refrigerants and the applicable physical principles.
  • The legislative, regulatory and standards framework, including the Quebec Construction Code, the Act respecting pressure vessels, environmental standards on halocarbons and the CSA B-52 standard on mechanical refrigeration.
  • Reading and interpreting plans, drawings and specifications specific to small air conditioning systems to assess thermal loads, take off quantities and prepare work estimates.
  • Compliant execution of installation work on refrigeration systems for air conditioning purposes with a maximum capacity of 20 kW, as well as forced-air or hydronic heating and air conditioning appliances with a maximum capacity of 40 kW, that are not reserved exclusively for master pipe-mechanics.

Health and safety standards on the job site, including safe handling of hazardous materials, prevention of high-pressure risks and proper management during refrigerant recovery.

Student testimonials

  • liester reymont

    4 months ago

    Très bon service.

  • Thomas Fortin

    4 months ago

    les professionels et Partenaires de GSC on ete la avec moi tout au long du precessus puis n'arrete pas leur suivi excellent tout au long de mon aventure

  • Eric Charbonneau

    4 months ago

    Peux importe avec quel personnes de leur équipe vous faites affaires, le service et le professionnalisme est incroyable

  • Eric Duclos

    5 months ago

    Très sympathique, patiente et très claire. Prend toujours le temps de répondre et tres pro active. Je recommande GSC. Merci beaucoup a Amélie.

  • Dominic Boudreau

    5 months ago

    Service professionnel communication amical Prix très compétitif Je l'ai recommande

  • Caroline Denis

    5 months ago

    Le service de GSC est simplement incroyable. Roxanne c'est occupé de nous du début à la fin, un immense Merci !!!

  • Alexandre Mayer

    5 months ago

    Service client hors pair. Les retours d’appels ou de courriel sont extrêmement rapide et pris en charge de la bonne façon. On se sent vraiment soutenu par l’équipe !

Frequently asked questions

15.9 - Small refrigeration systems contractor

What is RBQ subcategory 15.9?

Subcategory 15.9 (Small refrigeration systems contractor) is a specialized contractor licence. It authorizes construction work that is not reserved exclusively for master pipe mechanics and that relates to refrigeration systems used for air conditioning with a cooling capacity not exceeding 20 kW. These systems must use a refrigerant classified in group A1, A2 or a blend of these.

Which RBQ exams are mandatory for subcategory 15.9?

To obtain this licence, the future guarantor must pass the common core exams (Administration, Job Site Safety Management, Project and Job Site Management) as well as the specific Execution of Construction Work (ETC) exam for subcategory 15.9.

What other types of work are included in subcategory 15.9?

This licence notably authorizes work related to air-to-air air conditioners, individual air conditioners and central packaged or split air conditioners. It also allows the installation of forced-air heating and air conditioning appliances or hydronic systems with a maximum capacity of 40 kW, on the express condition that the contractor also holds the other appropriate subcategories (such as 15.1, 15.4, 15.7 or 15.8).

What skills are assessed in the ETC 15.9 exam?

The RBQ execution of construction work exam, which lasts 3 hours, is divided into four main assessment themes:

  • Definitions and types of systems.
  • Legislative, normative and regulatory framework.
  • Reading plans and specifications (as well as estimating).
  • Standards and management of the work.
Are the instructors at GSC available and attentive to our needs?

Whatever type of training you choose, 100 % online, in class or via Zoom, you always benefit from the RBQ educational support provided by our RBQ instructors. Their role goes beyond teaching the material: they are available to answer your questions, guide you and help you better understand the essential concepts.

With our online training platform, contacting the instructors is quick and easy, directly from your student portal through the built-in messaging. You can get support for your contractor training, whether for a general question or a clarification about a specific course.

This ongoing educational support considerably reduces the stress of the RBQ exams and increases your chances of success, letting you move forward with clear, professional and prompt answers instead of lingering in uncertainty.

Does Groupe GSC provide support with the RBQ?
  • Rest assured that you are never alone in your dealings with the RBQ. The RBQ support offered by GSC is available to you as a member and continues until you obtain your licence, and throughout your journey afterwards.

Our team provides human, accessible and ongoing support, in particular for:

  • your RBQ exam application;
  • scheduling or retaking an exam;
  • following up on your file;
  • communicating with the RBQ, when needed.

This RBQ support is included according to your GSC membership status, so you can move forward with peace of mind, avoid mistakes and complete your steps with confidence.

What are the advantages of taking a course with GSC?

Advantages of taking a course with GSC

By choosing Groupe GSC, you get quality RBQ training designed specifically for construction contractors and aligned with RBQ requirements.

Here are the main advantages of our RBQ courses:

Flexibility

  • Courses offered online, in class or by Zoom, according to your schedule and constraints.

Personalized support

  • Human, ongoing support before, during and after the training.
  • Help with exams, administrative steps and understanding the material.

Exclusive member benefits

  • RBQ licence surety bond included (depending on the membership).
  • Discounts with many partners in the construction industry.
  • Free consultation time with our team or one of our many partner professionals.

Recognized expertise and a unique network

  • Courses developed by construction experts.
  • Access to a network of more than 7,000 active members, encouraging sharing, opportunities and comprehensive support, well beyond training alone.

Thanks to this complete approach, our RBQ general contractor courses are not limited to passing the exams: they let you build your business on solid, compliant and lasting foundations.

Join the GSC Group and enjoymany advantages

  • Licence bond included: simplified, hassle-free compliance
  • Exclusive discounts at our partners: save on products and services
  • Free consultation time with industry experts
  • GSC app: all your tools, partners and benefits in one place

Passionate teachers

  • Marc-André Dayan
    Marc-André DayanAdministration
  • Alex Bachand
    Alex BachandFinancial management
  • Sarah Beaudin-Hétu
    Sarah Beaudin-HétuProject management and work execution
  • Jean-Philippe St-Amand
    Jean-Philippe St-AmandAdministration
  • Vincent Bolduc
    Vincent BolducJob site safety management
  • P.-O. Duchesne Lachance
    P.-O. Duchesne LachanceJob site safety management
  • Jonathan Arcouette
    Jonathan ArcouetteProject management and timber frames
  • André Côté
    André CôtéProject management and work execution
  • Maxime Drolet
    Maxime DroletSeptic systems, roads and pipelines
  • Marc-Andrew Brown
    Marc-Andrew BrownElectricity
  • Guillaume Lévesque
    Guillaume LévesquePlumbing

Ready to start your training?

  • Not offered for this course
    15.9 - Small refrigeration systems contractorOnline
    • Full access to the GSC platform
    • Pre-recorded video lessons
    • Interactive modules with quizzes
    • Practice exams for every module
    • Email access to your teacher 7 days a week
    • Optional services: incorporation, bonding, website, accounting
    An agent will contact you to check that this course applies to you
  • 15.9 - Small refrigeration systems contractorBy videoconference
    • Live training, at the same time as the classroom sessions
    • Live interaction with the trainer
    • Full access to the GSC platform
    • Access to the video lessons when needed
    • Interactive modules with quizzes
    • Practice exams for every module
    • Email access to your teacher 7 days a week
    • Optional services: incorporation, bonding, website, accounting
    Join the programAn agent will contact you shortly
  • 15.9 - Small refrigeration systems contractorIn class
    • In-person training in our 4 centres in Quebec
    • Access to the trainer after class
    • Full access to the GSC platform
    • Access to the video lessons when needed
    • Interactive modules with quizzes
    • Practice exams for every module
    • Email access to your teacher 7 days a week
    • Optional services: incorporation, bonding, website, accounting
    • A structured, distraction-free environment
    • Human connections and instant networking
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