How to get the NYC Q-01 refrigeration license

One license, many names

The official title is the Certificate of Qualification for Refrigerating System Operating Engineer (Q-01), often shortened to RSOE. You will also hear it called the NYC refrigeration license, the refrigeration engineer license, the refrigeration machine operator license or just "the Q-01". The two exams are the Z-51 (written) and the Z-52 (practical), now also called RSOE Exam Part I and Part II. Passing the practical gets you the Q-99 letter.

The Q-01 lets you supervise refrigerating systems at the registered work locations on your certificate. Whether a system needs personal or general supervision depends on its size and type under the NYC Fire Code.

Who can apply

Per the FDNY notice of examination, you need:

• A high school diploma or GED (foreign diplomas must be evaluated by an accepted service).
• Evidence of EPA Universal Technician Certification.
• One of the following:
  • a current NYC High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer license, a current U.S. Coast Guard marine engineer certificate, or a current U.S. Professional Engineer license; or
  • an FDNY-certified refrigeration operating engineer training course of at least 200 hours, with at least 25 hours of field or shop work; or
  • at least 1 year of qualifying practical experience within the last 3 years on refrigeration systems of the size the notice describes.

Source: FDNY Notice of Examination, Q-01 RSOE. Check the notice for the exact experience criteria and documents.

The steps, in order

1. Apply for the Z-51 online and pay the application fee.
2. Pass the Z-51 written exam at FDNY Headquarters. Passing gives you a temporary Z-52 letter.
3. Apply for the Z-52, pay the practical exam fee and schedule an appointment.
4. Pass the Z-52 practical on the 3D simulator. Passing gives you a temporary Q-99 letter.
5. Get your Q-01 card by bringing the Q-99 letter and the required documents to FDNY.

Sources: FDNY Quick Instruction and Application Guideline for Q01/Q99 applicants and the notice of examination.

Z-51 written exam (RSOE Part I)

• Computer-based, 110 multiple-choice questions in 193 minutes, including questions from the Building Operation, Maintenance and Recordkeeping (BOMR) manual.
• Passing score: at least 70%. Application fee: $60, paid online.
• Taken at FDNY Headquarters, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn. A unit conversion sheet and a sample SDS are provided.
• The FDNY announced a new written exam curriculum from July 1, 2026 with reorganized categories. Use the current notice to study.

Z-52 practical exam (RSOE Part II)

• A 3D simulator exam on a centrifugal and a reciprocating system: a 45-minute practice session, then a 240-minute exam.
• Six question categories on each system: operations, validation of repairs and maintenance, refrigerant handling, troubleshooting, multi-step and scenarios.
• Passing score: at least 70%. Fee: $225 per attempt. Up to 3 attempts.

Read the full Z-52 practical exam guide, or practice it right now in the free trainer.

Q-99 letter and your Q-01 card

After you pass the Z-52 you receive a temporary Q-99 letter. To get the Q-01 card, the FDNY notice says to bring to 9 MetroTech Center the Q-99 letter, a copy of the FDNY permit for the refrigerating system, and a recommendation letter from your current work location on business letterhead. A certificate only works at registered work locations; you can register additional locations for an extra fee.

Renewal

To renew a Q-01 or Q-99, the FDNY notice requires proof of a 7-hour A2L refrigerant training course from an FDNY-approved school (waived for people who took the FDNY computer-based test after January 1, 2025). Check the current notice for renewal details.

Q-01 questions