Stichting Emissiepreventie Koudetechniek

What Stichting Emissiepreventie Koudetechniek does

Stichting Emissiepreventie Koudetechniek (STEK), founded in 1992 and headquartered in Naarden, Netherlands, is a Dutch foundation serving as the government-appointed certification body for the refrigeration, climate-control, and heat-pump sectors. It operates a two-tier certification regime: personal certifications covering categories A1, A2, B, C, D, E, hardsoldering, and basiskennis, and company certifications across five modules (A through E). Its public directory lists 851 certified companies and 3,509 issued company certifications, all of which are required under Dutch and EU regulation for technicians and firms handling F-gases and refrigerants.

STEK's product surface is built on standardized examination and credentialing infrastructure rather than software. It administers exams through a network of 13+ recognized exam locations and partners with SGS INTRON, Kiwa, CerVaKo, EPEE, and NEN for exam delivery and standards alignment. The Vakpaspoort digital platform stores and displays certified-technician credentials, and STEK holds ISO 17024 personnel-certification accreditation, RvA accreditation, and NTA 8813 certification. In response to EU F-gas Regulation 2024/573 (effective September 2025), STEK transitioned its A1 and A2 exams to the nationally standardized CerVaKo format in March 2026, followed by B and C exams in July 2026.

STEK's business model is a per-transaction certification and registration fee structure. Exam fees range from €395 (D and E categories, hardsoldering prerequisites) to €870 (A1 full exam), with accelerated A1/A2 routes priced at €785. Company registration and module certifications provide recurring revenue, and the legally mandated nature of F-gas handling certification produces a recurring recertification tail. As a stichting, STEK is mission-driven rather than profit-maximizing, reinvesting surplus into sector standards and examiner infrastructure; financial transparency is limited because revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Stichting Emissiepreventie Koudetechniek

Legal name

Stichting Emissiepreventie Koudetechniek

Website

https://stek.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Stichting Emissiepreventie Koudetechniek (STEK) is the Dutch government-appointed certification body, founded in 1992, that certifies technicians and companies in the refrigeration, climate-control, and heat-pump sectors under EU F-gas regulations, serving HVAC/R contractors and related employers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Refrigeration & Climate Certification Services

NAICS

Building Inspection Services (541350)

SIC

Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYHSAOAKAJ

Propane (LP) Gas Line Installation & Conversion

Home & Personal Services/Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Services/Gas Line Installation, Inspection & Repair

Keywords

• Refrigeration certification services
• F-gas regulatory compliance
• Personal certification examinations
• Company certification audits
• Heat pump installer certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Naarden

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Company Certification Fees: STEK generates revenue through company certification fees. Companies pay STEK-affiliated certification bodies (SGS INTRON and Kiwa) for audits and certification against STEK's scheme. Modules include F-gassen (Module A), Transport (Module A/Transport), CO₂ (Module B), EPBD (Module C), Warmtepompen (Module D), and Brandbare koudemiddelen (Module E). Fees are set by the certification bodies and quoted upon inquiry.
2. Personal Certification / Exam Fees: STEK charges examination fees for individual certifications. The A1 exam costs €870 (theory + practice), A2 costs €810, A1 accelerated costs €785, A2 accelerated costs €785, B costs (not fully specified), D costs €395, E costs €395, Hardsoldering costs €556 (€425 for re-exam). Basiskennis Klimaattechniek and Koudetechniek each cost €195 (theory) or €145. All prices exclude 21% VAT. Re-examinations are charged per component.
3. Webshop Sales: STEK operates a webshop selling educational materials including Leergang Koelmonteur modules (A1/A2 at €100, Module C at €80, Module B CO₂ at €80), textbooks, and learning platforms. Delivery typically within 5 business days.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

STEK is a Dutch independent foundation designated by the government as the examination institution for F-gassen and EPBD certification in the refrigeration, climate control, and heat pump sector. The company delivers personal certification examinations (A1, A2, B, C, D, E plus Hardsolderen and Basiskennis) and company certification modules (F-gassen A, CO2 B, EPBD C, Warmtepompen D, Brandbare koudemiddelen E), with audits executed by accredited partner certification bodies SGS INTRON and Kiwa under an RvA-accredited scheme aligned with EU Regulation 2024/573.

Product overview

STEK (Stichting Emissiepreventie Koudetechniek) is a Dutch independent certification foundation offering a comprehensive two-tier certification system for the refrigeration, climate, and heat pump sector. The portfolio consists of: (1) Company Certifications (Bedrijfscertificaten) organized in five modules - F-gassen (Module A for stationary and transport sectors), CO₂ (Module B), EPBD (Module C), Warmtepompen (Module D), and Brandbare Koudemiddelen (Module E) - all built on STEK General Requirements as the foundation; (2) Personal Certifications (Persoonscertificering) including A1/A2 (F-gases and hydrocarbons for all/smaller installations), B (CO₂), C (Ammonia NH₃), D (F-gas recovery), E (leak detection), plus Hardsoldeer (brazing) and Basiskennis entry-level exams; (3) A Bedrijvenplatform online portal with knowledge areas, e-learning (YourSTEK), and exclusive member benefits; and (4) a Webshop for study materials and training modules. All certifications are accredited by the Raad voor Accreditatie (RvA) and aligned with European F-gas Regulation EU 2024/573.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• STEK Bedrijfscertificering – F-gassen Module A Company certification for working with F-gasses in stationary climate, air conditioning and heat pump installations. Demonstrates quality, sustainable and safe work practices for downstream clients and regulators.
• STEK Bedrijfscertificering – F-gassen transportsector Module A Company certification for working with F-gasses in mobile transport sector installations, meeting all safety requirements for refrigerated vehicles.
• STEK Bedrijfscertificering – CO2 Module B Company certification for safe and expert work with CO2 installations, covering design, installation, maintenance and operational use of CO2 systems.
• STEK Bedrijfscertificering – EPBD Module C Company certification demonstrating expertise for mandatory inspections of air conditioning, ventilation systems and heat pumps of 70 kW or more under the EPBD directive.
• STEK Bedrijfscertificering – Warmtepompen Module D Company certification demonstrating quality advisory, system design, installation and maintenance of heat pumps; supports ISDE subsidy eligibility for installers.
• STEK Bedrijfscertificering – Brandbare Koudemiddelen Module E Company certification for safe work with flammable refrigerants such as propane and R32, meeting NEN NPR 7600 requirements for safety, environment and health.
• A1-examen Persoonscertificering Personal certification exam for all work with F-gases and hydrocarbons (propane, isobutane); certificate valid 7 years and covers all installations regardless of refrigerant type or quantity.
• A2-examen Persoonscertificering Personal certification exam for work with F-gases and hydrocarbons in smaller installations up to 3 kg refrigerant (or 6 kg hermetically sealed).
• B-examen Persoonscertificering Personal certification exam for work with carbon dioxide (CO2) in refrigeration, climate systems and heat pumps according to BRL200 version 2.0.
• C-examen Persoonscertificering Personal certification exam for work with ammonia (NH3) in refrigeration, climate systems and heat pumps according to BRL200 version 2.0.
• D-examen Persoonscertificering Personal certification for recovery of F-gas from equipment with less than 3 kg refrigerant (or 6 kg hermetically sealed) without opening the cooling circuit. Exam fee €395.
• E-examen Persoonscertificering Personal certification for leak detection where the cooling circuit is not opened, applicable to stationary refrigeration, climate systems and heat pumps. Exam fee €395.
• Hardsoldeer-examen Brazing qualification exam for refrigeration technicians, required for PED category 2 installations and those with flammable refrigerants; certificate issued via EU-CBI Energie Consult Holland. Exam fee €556 (€425 per re-exam component).
• Basiskennis Klimaattechniek Entry-level certification exam demonstrating basic knowledge for those working in climate systems as beginning mechanics or office staff. Theory exam €195, reduced €145.
• Basiskennis Koudetechniek Entry-level certification exam demonstrating basic knowledge for those working in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems. Theory exam €195, reduced €145.
• STEK Bedrijvenplatform (Members Portal) Members-only online portal for STEK-certified companies providing access to knowledge areas (F-gassen, CO2, warmtepompen, brandbare koudemiddelen), tools, forums, webinars, marketing materials, and exclusive webshop products.
• STEK Webshop Direct-to-consumer online store selling Leergang Koelmonteur study materials and training modules (Module A1/A2 €100, Module C €80, Module B CO2 €80), with delivery within 5 business days.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,509 company certifications issued, with 851 certified companies listed in the public STEK-check directory
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SGS INTRONcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSGS INTRON is one of two accredited certification bodies authorized to execute STEK company certifications (auditing and issuing STEK certificates for modules A through E). Contact: 088-214 51 33 / [email protected]. STEK schema's are RvA-accredited and SGS INTRON's procedures are assessed and approved by the RvA.
• KiwacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKiwa is one of two accredited certification bodies authorized to execute STEK company certifications. Contact: 088-998 32 20 / [email protected]. Like SGS INTRON, Kiwa is RvA-accredited and its working methods have been assessed and approved by the RvA.
• Het Branche Bureau (HBB)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHet Branche Bureau provides execution support to STEK. HBB handles administrative functions, manages the STEK website and communications, and provides operational infrastructure. STEK is supported by HBB in its day-to-day operations.
• EPEE (European Partnership for Energy and the Environment)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTEK is an associate member of EPEE, which represents the cooling, air conditioning, and heat pump industry in Europe. EPEE comprises 40 companies and associations representing approximately 200,000 people in Europe. Through EPEE membership, STEK stays informed about EU policy developments and can influence effective EU regulation.
• NEN (Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTEK participates in the Dutch Norm Committee (NEN) and, through this membership, has access to the European Standards Committee (CEN). STEK holds a seat in norm committee 341094: Cooling Installations and Heat Pumps. This enables STEK to influence and monitor European standards developments.
• CerVaKo (Stichting Certificering Vakmensen Koudetechniek)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCerVaKo is the national examination commission responsible for developing and maintaining the unified examination standards for refrigerant handler certification in the Netherlands. STEK administers the CerVaKo examinations (A1, A2, B, C, D, E). CerVaKo comprises sector specialists and representatives from all recognized examination bureaus working toward one unified examination structure.
• SPARK (Sharing heat Pump, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Knowledge)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSPARK is a European project aimed at harmonizing the training requirements and competency standards for cooling sector technicians across Europe. STEK participates in this project to support cross-border harmonization of certification standards.
• Energieconsult Holland BVminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEnergieconsult Holland BV is engaged by CerVaKo as the independent party for conducting site inspections (schouwingen) of examination locations. They assess whether training centers meet the requirements for hosting A1/A2 practical examinations involving propane-filled installations (with strict ATEX safety requirements).
• EU-CBI Energie Consult HollandminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEU-CBI Energie Consult Holland issues the hardsoldering qualification certificate (certificaat) after STEK administers the practical examination and Röntgen-technisch laboratorium approval. The certificate is issued by Energie Consult Holland, not STEK directly.
• Geluidslabel.comminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSTEK has a partnership with Geluidslabel.com, offering STEK-certified companies a 10% discount on sound level calculation services. This helps installers comply with mandatory noise regulations for heat pumps and air conditioning (max. 45 dB(A) daytime, 40 dB(A) nighttime at property boundary) and the Wkb building quality requirements.
• Refrigerants, Naturally! for LIFE (EU project)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn EU LIFE project focused on climate-friendly cooling for smaller (bio)shops. The project targets smaller retailers and installation companies, aiming to accelerate the transition to climate-friendly cooling and natural refrigerants through training and awareness. STEK is involved in or initiates such European initiatives.
• STEK-recognized Examination and Training Locations (network of 13+)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEK recognizes a network of training organizations across the Netherlands as official examination locations. Partners include Alfa-college, All Natural Opleidingen, Breman Academy, Koning Willem 1 College, Opleidingscentrum GO, ROVC, Studium, Techtec Opleidingen, Techniek College Rotterdam, and WASCO. These organizations provide both training and host STEK examinations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Bureau Veritas: Global TIC incumbent with strong European presence and dedicated HVAC/R / refrigeration industry services. Comparable as a large diversified certification body operating across multiple regulated domains including energy and building services.
• TÜV Rheinland: Global TIC incumbent operating across industrial, energy, and HVAC-adjacent certification. While not specifically focused on Dutch refrigerant certification, TÜV Rheinland competes broadly for industrial and personal certification work in the same European regulatory environment.
• TÜV SÜD: Global TIC incumbent with HVAC/R and refrigeration industry services in Europe. Comparable as a diversified certification body operating across energy efficiency, refrigerant handling, and EPBD-adjacent schemes.
• Intertek: Global TIC incumbent offering personnel and product certification across regulated European industries including HVAC, refrigeration, and energy efficiency. Comparable as a diversified scheme operator with European regulatory reach.
• DNV: Global TIC incumbent with strong energy and HVAC/R sector credentials, including refrigeration and climate control certification. Comparable as a large scheme operator with ISO/IEC 17024-accredited personnel certification capabilities.
• BSI Group: UK-rooted global standards and certification body with European HVAC and refrigeration scheme coverage. Comparable as a broad personnel certification scheme operator in regulated European industries.
• DEKRA: European-rooted global TIC incumbent operating across automotive, industrial, and personnel certification. Comparable as a diversified scheme operator with HVAC and industrial certification adjacencies, particularly strong in the DACH and Benelux regions.

Direct peers

• Hobéon SKO: Dutch certification body accredited for personnel certification including ISO/IEC 17024. Hobéon SKO actually certifies STEK itself and operates competing personal certification schemes in adjacent Dutch industries (HVAC, electrical, safety), making it a structurally comparable peer.
• Kiwa: Dutch-headquartered global testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) body. Kiwa is one of two accredited certification bodies that actually executes STEK company audits and certifications, and also operates competing certification schemes (e.g., BRL100). Directly comparable as a Dutch-rooted certification scheme operator with HVAC/R sector overlap.
• SGS INTRON: SGS subsidiary specializing in construction, infrastructure, and environmental certification in the Netherlands and Europe. SGS INTRON is the other accredited certification body executing STEK company audits, making it the most direct operational peer in scheme execution.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stichting-emissiepreventie-koudetechniek-stek-
• Instagraminstagram.com/stek.certificaat
• Xx.com/stek_cert

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Stichting Emissiepreventie Koudetechniek