Complete Strategic Guide: Obtaining the RBQ 15.10 Licence – Refrigeration Contractor

1. What Is the RBQ 15.10 Licence and Who Needs It?

The RBQ 15.10 licence — Refrigeration Contractor (Entrepreneur en réfrigération) — is a comprehensive licence issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) for contractors who install, maintain and service all refrigeration systems, without capacity or refrigerant group restrictions. It authorizes construction work on:

• Air conditioning systems — vapour compression and absorption refrigeration cycles of any capacity;
• Industrial refrigeration — process cooling, cold storage rooms, blast freezers and ice-making equipment;
• Commercial refrigeration — refrigerated display cases, walk-in coolers, refrigerated warehouses;
• All refrigerant groups — A1, A2, A2L, A3, B1, B2 (including ammonia, CO₂ and hydrocarbons);
• Forced-air heating and air conditioning equipment — when combined with licence 15.1, 15.1.1, 15.7 or 15.8;
• Hydronic heating and air conditioning equipment — when combined with licence 15.4 or 15.4.1.

Important distinction: The RBQ 15.10 is the unrestricted refrigeration licence — unlike the RBQ 15.9 which is limited to systems ≤ 20 kW using only A1/A2 refrigerants. The 15.10 covers all capacities, all refrigerant groups and all applications including industrial processes and product preservation. It also introduces environmental regulations (halocarbons) absent from the 15.9.

2. Scope of the Licence: Full-Scope Refrigeration

The RBQ 15.10 covers the installation, modification and servicing of all refrigeration systems — from residential heat pumps to large-scale industrial ammonia refrigeration plants, commercial cold storage facilities and process cooling systems. What distinguishes this licence from the RBQ 15.9 (small systems ≤ 20 kW, A1/A2 only) is its unrestricted scope — no capacity limit, no refrigerant group restriction.

The refrigeration systems encompass two fundamental cycles: the vapour compression cycle (compression, condensation, expansion, evaporation — used in the vast majority of systems from residential AC to industrial cold rooms) and the absorption cycle (using a heat source instead of a compressor — the absorbent/refrigerant pair, typically lithium bromide/water or ammonia/water, produces the cooling effect through absorption and desorption). The candidate must understand both cycles, their components, their thermodynamic properties and their respective applications.

A distinctive feature of the RBQ 15.10 is the environmental dimension — candidates must master the Environment Quality Act and the Halocarbon Regulation (both closed book), which govern the management of refrigerants that deplete the ozone layer or contribute to the greenhouse effect. This includes mandatory leak detection, refrigerant recovery and reporting obligations — regulatory requirements absent from the 15.9 licence.

3. RBQ Exam Format: What to Expect

• Question type: Multiple choice (MCQ)
• Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
• Passing grade: 60%
• Languages: French or English
• Skills assessed: 81 skills across 11 competency elements
• Exam type: Mixed (3 open-book documents + 8 closed-book documents)
• Tools provided: Calculator, ruler, paper and pencil

With 81 skills and 11 reference documents (3 open, 8 closed), the RBQ 15.10 demands both deep technical understanding of refrigeration systems across all scales and thorough knowledge of environmental, pressure vessel and occupational safety regulations.

4. Exam Documentation: Open Book vs. Closed Book

The RBQ 15.10 exam is a mixed exam with 3 documents provided (open book) and 8 to memorize (closed book) — 11 documents total.

Documents PROVIDED During the Exam (Open Book)

• Quebec Construction Code, Chapter I — Building (CQLR, B-1.1, r.0.01.01) — Contains the building requirements for mechanical systems, including refrigeration equipment installation, clearances from combustibles and ventilation provisions for equipment rooms.
• Safety Code for Construction Work (CQLR, S-2.1, r.4) — The safety requirements for construction job sites, including confined space entry, working at heights, hazardous material handling and personal protective equipment for refrigerant work.
• CSA-B52-99 — Mechanical Refrigeration Code — The central reference for refrigeration: refrigerant classification by safety groups, maximum allowable refrigerant charges based on room volume and occupancy, installation requirements, piping specifications, pressure vessel provisions and safety devices.

Documents to MEMORIZE (Closed Book)

• Building Act — The foundational statute governing construction, safety, and contractor qualifications in Quebec.
• Regulation Respecting the Professional Qualification of Contractors and Owner-Builders — The regulation setting out licence categories, qualification requirements and conditions for maintaining an RBQ licence.
• Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety — The statute governing workplace health and safety, including employer and worker obligations on construction sites involving refrigerants.
• Regulation Respecting Occupational Health and Safety — The regulation detailing the specific workplace safety requirements, including exposure limits for refrigerant gases and confined space entry procedures for equipment rooms.
• Environment Quality Act — The statute governing environmental protection in Quebec, including provisions for substances that deplete the ozone layer and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Halocarbon Regulation — The regulation governing the management of halocarbons (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs): mandatory leak detection, refrigerant recovery during service, annual reporting of refrigerant quantities and prohibition of intentional venting.
• Pressure Vessels Act — The statute governing the design, fabrication, installation and inspection of pressure vessels — directly applicable to refrigeration system components operating under pressure.
• Pressure Vessels Regulation — The regulation detailing the technical requirements for pressure vessels, including registration, inspection intervals and safety device requirements for refrigeration equipment.

5. The 4 Training and Competency Modules

Module 1 — Definitions and Types of Systems

Covers the fundamental principles of refrigeration across all system types and scales: the vapour compression cycle (compression, condensation, expansion, evaporation — with all compressor types: reciprocating, scroll, screw, centrifugal), the absorption cycle (lithium bromide/water and ammonia/water pairs, generator, absorber, condenser, evaporator), types of refrigerants and their classification per CSA-B52 (A1, A2, A2L, A3, B1, B2 — including ammonia NH₃, carbon dioxide CO₂ and hydrocarbon refrigerants), thermodynamic properties (boiling point, latent heat, pressure-temperature relationships, superheat, subcooling, coefficient of performance), types of condensers (air-cooled, water-cooled, evaporative), types of evaporators (direct expansion, flooded, plate), metering devices (thermostatic expansion valves, electronic expansion valves, float valves for flooded systems), defrost methods (hot gas, electric, reverse cycle, off-cycle), and the physical principles of heat transfer, psychrometrics and fluid mechanics as applied to refrigeration.

Module 2 — Legislative, Normative and Regulatory Framework

Covers the complete regulatory framework for refrigeration systems — 11 documents to master. Tests the candidate's knowledge of: the Building Act, the Quebec Construction Code Chapter I, CSA-B52 (refrigerant classifications, charge limits, installation and testing requirements), the Safety Code for Construction Work, the OHS Act and OHS Regulation (including exposure limits for refrigerant gases and confined space requirements), the Environment Quality Act and the Halocarbon Regulation (mandatory leak detection, recovery, reporting — a major differentiator from the 15.9), and the Pressure Vessels Act and Regulation (registration, inspection, safety devices for all refrigeration pressure components). Candidates must understand the interplay between environmental, pressure vessel and building code requirements.

Module 3 — Plans, Specifications and Estimation

Covers the ability to read and interpret refrigeration plans and specifications across all system scales: piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), equipment layouts showing compressor rooms, condenser locations and evaporator placements, refrigerant piping diagrams (suction, liquid, hot gas and oil return lines), electrical and control diagrams, thermal load calculation worksheets, equipment schedules specifying capacity, refrigerant type and charge quantities, material take-offs for piping, insulation and fittings, and cost estimation for refrigeration projects. This module also tests the candidate's ability to perform thermal load calculations for sizing systems ranging from small commercial coolers to large industrial cold rooms.

Module 4 — Standards and Work Execution

The most heavily weighted module on the exam. Covers the complete installation workflow for refrigeration systems of all sizes: refrigerant piping installation (copper and steel — sizing, routing, supports, brazing and welding techniques), system evacuation and dehydration (vacuum pump procedures, triple evacuation for large systems), refrigerant charging (liquid and vapour methods, weighing, superheat/subcooling verification), leak testing (nitrogen pressure test, standing pressure test, electronic leak detection), system start-up and commissioning (operating pressures, oil levels, safety device verification), calibration of controls and safety devices (thermostats, pressure switches, oil pressure safety controls, defrost timers), refrigerant recovery, recycling and reclamation per the Halocarbon Regulation, halocarbon management (leak detection programs, annual reporting, record-keeping), welding and brazing on refrigeration circuits (copper brazing with nitrogen purge, steel welding for ammonia systems), pressure vessel compliance (registration, testing, safety relief devices), and health and safety — including handling of toxic (B-group) and flammable (A2, A3) refrigerants, ammonia emergency procedures and confined space entry.

6. Key Competencies and Technical Requirements (Official Context)

Vapour Compression and Absorption Refrigeration Cycles

The RBQ 15.10 tests both refrigeration cycle types — a significant expansion over the 15.9 which covers only vapour compression. The vapour compression cycle operates on four processes: compression (raising refrigerant pressure and temperature), condensation (rejecting heat to the environment), expansion (reducing pressure through a metering device) and evaporation (absorbing heat from the conditioned space). At the 15.10 level, candidates must understand the full range of compressor types: reciprocating (small to medium capacity), scroll (residential and light commercial), screw (medium to large industrial — continuous compression, oil-injected or oil-free) and centrifugal (large capacity chillers — dynamic compression using impeller speed). The absorption cycle replaces the compressor with a thermal-chemical process: the generator uses a heat source (gas flame, steam, hot water) to separate the refrigerant from the absorbent, the refrigerant vapour condenses and expands as in the vapour compression cycle, and the absorber recombines the refrigerant with the absorbent solution. The two common pairs are lithium bromide/water (LiBr absorption chillers for large commercial buildings — water is the refrigerant) and ammonia/water (industrial applications — ammonia is the refrigerant). The exam tests the candidate's understanding of coefficient of performance (COP) for both cycle types.

Refrigerant Classification: All Safety Groups per CSA-B52

Unlike the 15.9 (A1/A2 only), the RBQ 15.10 covers all refrigerant safety groups defined by CSA-B52. The classification uses two characters: the letter indicates toxicity (A = lower toxicity, B = higher toxicity) and the number indicates flammability (1 = no flame propagation, 2L = lower flammability with low burning velocity, 2 = lower flammability, 3 = higher flammability). The exam tests all groups: A1 — R-410A, R-134a, R-404A (dominant in residential and commercial AC); A2L — R-32, R-1234yf (low-GWP alternatives gaining market share); A2 — R-152a; A3 — R-290 propane, R-600a isobutane (natural refrigerants — highly flammable, used in small charge systems); B1 — R-123 (low-pressure centrifugal chillers); B2L — ammonia NH₃ R-717 (the dominant industrial refrigerant — toxic, mildly flammable, excellent thermodynamic properties, zero ODP and zero GWP). The candidate must understand each group's charge limits per CSA-B52, the specific safety requirements (ventilation, detection, emergency procedures) and the environmental implications under the Halocarbon Regulation — particularly the distinction between ODP (ozone depletion potential) and GWP (global warming potential) in the transition from HFCs to low-GWP alternatives.

Halocarbon Management and Environmental Regulations

The environmental dimension is a major differentiator between the 15.10 and 15.9 licences. The Environment Quality Act and the Halocarbon Regulation (both closed book) impose strict obligations on refrigeration contractors: mandatory leak detection — systems containing more than a threshold quantity of halocarbons must be tested for leaks at specified intervals; mandatory recovery — before opening any refrigeration circuit for service, the refrigerant must be recovered into approved cylinders — intentional venting is prohibited; annual reporting — contractors must report to the Ministry the quantities of halocarbons acquired, recovered, recycled and destroyed during the year; record-keeping — detailed records of all refrigerant transactions (charging, recovery, disposal) must be maintained for each system serviced; certification — personnel handling halocarbons must hold the appropriate environmental certification. The exam tests the candidate's knowledge of these obligations, the applicable thresholds and reporting requirements. This regulatory layer adds complexity absent from the 15.9 licence and reflects the environmental responsibility inherent in full-scope refrigeration work.

Thermal Load Calculations and System Sizing

At the 15.10 level, thermal load calculations extend well beyond the residential scope of the 15.9. The exam tests the candidate's ability to calculate cooling loads for industrial cold rooms (product load — specific heat above and below freezing, latent heat of fusion, respiration heat for produce; transmission load through insulated panels; infiltration load through door openings — air curtains, strip doors; equipment load — fans, lighting, forklifts; pull-down load — bringing product from receiving temperature to storage temperature), commercial refrigeration (display case loads, walk-in cooler sizing, compressor rack selection) and process cooling (heat exchanger sizing, glycol loop calculations, cooling tower selection for condenser heat rejection). The candidate must understand thermometry — temperature measurement instruments, calibration procedures and accuracy requirements for verifying storage temperatures and system performance.

Welding and Brazing on Refrigeration Circuits

The RBQ 15.10 expands welding requirements beyond the copper brazing of the 15.9 to include steel welding for ammonia and CO₂ systems. Copper tubing is standard for fluorocarbon refrigerants — joints are brazed using silver-bearing alloys (BCuP series) with mandatory nitrogen purge to prevent internal oxidation. Steel piping is required for ammonia systems (copper is incompatible with ammonia) — joints are welded using appropriate filler metals and procedures. The exam tests: joint preparation (cutting, cleaning, fit-up), filler metal selection (based on base metal and refrigerant compatibility), nitrogen purge procedure (flow rate, duration, verification), pressure testing (test pressures per CSA-B52, holding times, leak detection methods), post-weld inspection (visual, pressure test, leak test) and safety precautions (fire watch, ventilation, PPE — particularly for ammonia system welding where toxic fume exposure is a risk). The exam also covers prohibited practices — lead-based solders in refrigerant circuits and copper in ammonia systems.

Pressure Vessel Compliance

Refrigeration systems contain components that qualify as pressure vessels under Quebec law — receivers, accumulators, shell-and-tube heat exchangers and certain large compressor housings. The Pressure Vessels Act and Pressure Vessels Regulation (both closed book) govern these components: registration — pressure vessels above specified thresholds must be registered with the authorities, design and fabrication — must comply with applicable standards (ASME, CSA), installation — proper supports, clearances, safety relief devices, inspection — periodic inspections at intervals specified by the regulation, safety relief devices — pressure relief valves must be sized, installed and tested per the applicable standards. The exam tests the candidate's knowledge of which refrigeration components are classified as pressure vessels, the registration and inspection requirements, and the safety device provisions. This regulatory layer is shared with the 15.9 licence but takes on greater significance for the 15.10 given the larger system capacities and higher operating pressures encountered in industrial refrigeration.

7. Preparation Strategy and Tips for Success

The RBQ 15.10 exam covers 81 skills across 4 modules with 3 open-book and 8 closed-book documents. Here is a recommended strategy:

Phase 1 — Master both refrigeration cycles. The vapour compression cycle and the absorption cycle are the foundation. Understand each component's function, the pressure-temperature relationships for all refrigerant groups, superheat, subcooling, COP and how to diagnose system problems from operating parameters. Use Prof-RBQ.ca's per-skill quizzes to test your understanding of each concept.

Phase 2 — Learn to navigate CSA-B52. CSA-B52 is the most important open-book document — it defines the refrigerant classifications for all safety groups, charge limits and installation requirements. Practise finding group classifications, calculating maximum allowable charges and locating piping and safety provisions quickly. With 81 skills in 180 minutes (133 seconds per question), efficient navigation is essential.

Phase 3 — Memorize the regulatory framework. The 8 closed-book documents cover legislation (Building Act, OHS Act, Professional Qualification Regulation), workplace safety (OHS Regulation), environmental protection (Environment Quality Act, Halocarbon Regulation) and pressure vessel safety (Pressure Vessels Act and Regulation). Focus on halocarbon management obligations, pressure vessel registration requirements and worker safety provisions.

Phase 4 — Master the practical and calculation skills. Module 4 covers installation, welding, evacuation, charging, leak testing, commissioning and halocarbon management. Practise thermal load calculations for cold rooms and commercial refrigeration, pressure testing procedures and refrigerant recovery protocols. Use Prof-RBQ.ca's calculation exercises to build speed and accuracy.

Phase 5 — Complete full timed simulations. Practice complete exam simulations under timed conditions with Prof-RBQ.ca to build confidence and ensure you can apply your knowledge of both vapour compression and absorption systems efficiently under exam pressure.

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