FAQ
Documentation and forms
Competency and qualification requirements
Certification rules
Additional capabilities
Appeals and complaints
Accreditation
Contact information
Certification of personnel for making permanent joints in brazing is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of connections in various industrial applications, with particular emphasis on pressure equipment and assemblies. The brazing process requires not only precise technical skills but also knowledge of relevant standards and procedures that guarantee the durability and reliability of the joints.
The Central Refrigeration Centre "COCH" provides the opportunity to obtain authorizations for brazing (approval of personnel for making permanent joints) or voluntary certification confirming competence in brazing.
Apply for:
European Pressure Qualifications
Standard: PN-EN ISO 13585:2025-01
Personnel Competence Certification
PN-EN ISO 13585:2025-01
Brazing certification can be conducted for:
- Brazers
- Brazing operators
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Certification required by law (Authorizations / Approval of personnel for making permanent joints) PED 2014/68/EU + PN-EN ISO 13585:2025-01 |
Voluntary certification PN-EN ISO 13585:2025-01 |
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Certification required by law in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Directive PED 2014/68/EU and based on the requirements of the PN-EN ISO 13585 standard is carried out by the European Notified Body No. 1462 (COCH), which:
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Voluntary certification in the field of competence of brazers and brazing operators is carried out by the COCH Personnel Certification Body, which holds accreditation from the Polish Centre for Accreditation No. AC 056 for the certification of specialists in the field of joining and bonding materials (brazing) in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 13585 standard. The following may apply for voluntary certification:
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Requirements for the qualification of brazers and brazing operators for metals are specified in the standard PN-EN ISO 13585 "Brazing — Qualification testing of brazers and brazing operators".
The certification of brazers and brazing operators at COCH is carried out based on the current edition of the standard PN-EN ISO 13585:2025-01 (EN ISO 13585:2024), which replaced PN-EN ISO 13585:2012 (EN ISO 13585:2012).
What is legally required certification?
The PED Directive was implemented into Polish law through the “Regulation of the Minister of Development of July 11, 2016, on requirements for pressure equipment and pressure equipment assemblies”.
- A notified body;
- A third-party organization recognized by a Member State (in accordance with Article 20 of the Directive).
Approval of operating procedures:
[ CLICK HERE ]How to check the pressure category of a device?
[ DOWNLOAD PDF ARTICLE ]What is voluntary certification?
Voluntary certification is an independent confirmation of the competence of a brazer or brazing operator in accordance with international standards (PN-EN ISO 13585) by an independent third party. It can be carried out for both businesses and individuals. It is applicable to entities whose business does not involve pressure equipment (and which are not subject to the PED 2014/68/EU directive) and to individuals not conducting business activities.
What does the certification process consist of?
The certification process includes:
Submission of the application.
Registration and evaluation of the application.
Assessment of theoretical knowledge (written exam) and practical skills (practical exam).
Laboratory tests and trials.
Certification decision.
Issuance of the certificate.
Surveillance of the certificate holder.
What documents must be submitted with the application?
Confirmation of completion of theoretical and practical training in making permanent joints, relevant to the requested certification.
A current medical certificate stating no contraindications for work in the specified position. Information regarding any need to adapt the certification process to the applicant’s special needs should also be included.
Approved brazing technology instructions prepared by the Manufacturer (for PED 2014/68/EU) or the Employer (voluntary certification), including the specified maximum joint completion time.
What is the validity period of the certificate?
The validity period for brazing qualifications is 5 years according to the PN-EN ISO 13585:2025-01 (EN ISO 13585:2024) standard, provided the following conditions are met:
The brazer/operator should be employed, preferably continuously, in work requiring brazing within the scope of their qualifications (an allowable break in work is no longer than 6 months).
The brazer’s work must generally align with the technical conditions under which the exam was conducted.
There should be no specific reasons to question the brazer’s skills or knowledge.
Note: The above conditions must be confirmed on the certificate every 6 months by the signature of the person responsible on behalf of the employer.
Which regulations govern personnel certification in brazing?
Documents indicating the necessity of meeting specific requirements (such as completing training or obtaining qualifications) for persons performing brazing work include:
Regulation of the Minister of Economy of April 27, 2000, on health and safety in welding work.
Directive 2014/68/EU (PED) of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of pressure equipment.
The Polish Regulation of July 11, 2016, implementing the PED into national law.
Furthermore, our accredited certification program is based on:
PN-EN ISO 13585 – The standard for brazing, specifying the qualification testing of brazers and brazing operators.
PN-EN ISO/IEC 17024 – The standard for general requirements for bodies operating certification of persons, ensuring the process is objective and high-quality.
Which brazing processes are covered by PN-EN ISO 13585?
Brazing processes with reference numbers (according to ISO 4063) covered by the standard include:
Infrared brazing (911)
Flame brazing (912)
Laser beam brazing (913)
Electron beam brazing (914)
Induction brazing (916)
Resistance brazing (918)
Diffusion brazing (919)
Furnace brazing (921)
Vacuum brazing (922)
Dip brazing (923)
Salt bath brazing (924)
Flux bath brazing (925)
Immersion brazing (926)
Arc braze welding (972)
Detailed information about the certification process
Competency and qualification requirements
Below are the competency and qualification requirements for individuals applying for certification in making permanent joints, in accordance with our certification program:
- Age Requirements: The candidate must be at least 18 years old.
- Training in Permanent Joints: The person registered for the examination should present a certificate of completion for appropriate training in making permanent joints, relevant to the requested certification. An exception is made for re-certification.
- Medical Certificate: The candidate must hold a current medical certificate confirming the absence of contraindications to performing work in the requested scope.
Meeting these requirements is crucial for ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and quality of the brazing process and for fulfilling certification standards.
Certification rules
The rules for certifying personnel performing permanent joints, as detailed in our certification program, include the following stages:
Application Submission: The candidate submits a certification application to the Personnel Certification Body.
Registration and Application Review: The candidate’s application is registered and then undergoes a detailed evaluation for completeness and compliance with the requirements.
Assessment of Knowledge (Theoretical Exam) and Practical Skills (Practical Exam): The candidate undergoes a theoretical exam, which verifies their theoretical knowledge related to the permanent joining process, and a practical exam, during which they demonstrate practical skills (by performing a test joint).
Laboratory Testing and Trials: Test joints are subjected to laboratory tests and trials (non-destructive and destructive), which confirm the candidate’s ability to perform permanent joints.
Certification Decision: Based on the results of the application review, the examinations, and any laboratory tests, a decision is made regarding the granting of the certificate.
Issuance of the Certificate: Following a positive decision, the candidate is issued a certificate confirming their qualifications to perform permanent joints in accordance with the specified requirements.
Surveillance of the Certificate Holder: The certification body maintains surveillance over the certificate holder, monitoring their activities and ensuring that they maintain the required standards.
Re-certification: The certificate has a specific validity period. After it expires, the holder may apply for re-certification, which requires meeting specific conditions and undergoing any additional tests or training.
These stages ensure a comprehensive approach to certification, aimed at providing high quality and safety of the permanent joints performed, in accordance with the requirements of Directive 2014/68/EU (PED) and/or the PN-EN ISO 13585 standard.
Appeals and Complaints
Information on the procedure for handling complaints and appeals can be found at this link.
Additional capabilities
Soldering in refrigeration method 912 - training course
Go to the training page
Certification of refrigeration competence
See what certification opportunities you have in the refrigeration area
Why Choose COCH Certification?
We invite you to discover the world of brazing - a key process in the industry that provides permanent and irreversible connections of structural components and technological installations.
Accreditation
Quality accreditation - a guarantee of trust
The Certification Department is accredited AC 036 and AC 056 by the Polish Accreditation Center and specializes in the certification of refrigeration destination products and personnel competence in the field of refrigeration.
Our team consists of qualified and experienced specialists who offer comprehensive assistance in the certification preparation and certification process, supervision and personnel competence development. With our services, we provide customers with reliable and professional service at every stage of cooperation.