Procedure for recognising the equivalence of a foreign certificate

Background

Member States ensure that their certification systems or equivalent qualification systems are available to installers of renewable energy systems. Each Member State recognises certificates issued by other Member States in accordance with these criteria. These criteria are set out in the EU Directives 2009/28/EC and 2023/2413.

Procedure

To apply for recognition of the equivalence of a foreign certificate, you must follow the procedure set out below. This recognition procedure is available to both Belgian and non-national applicants.

1. Apply for recognition online.
   • Create a personal account on our website (link)
     or
     log in to our website using your personal account (link)
   • Submit the application by clicking on New application for certification. The online application procedure is available in Dutch and French.
   • Type of application Equivalence of a foreign certificate
     
   • During the procedure, you must demonstrate that your foreign certificate was issued in accordance with the provisions of the European Directive.
   • The administrative fee for applying for certification is EUR 325.13, excluding VAT.
2. You receive an update on the status of your application within 20 working days of payment confirmation.
3. If the application is approved:
   • You do not receive a new certificate.
   • Your name is added to the list of ‘non-national installers with an equivalent certificate’.
   • You are issued with a RESCert identification number.
   • Recognition is valid for as long as the relevant foreign certificate remains valid.

How can you prove that your foreign certificate is equivalent?

During the application procedure, you must upload supporting documents.

• A copy or scan of your foreign certificate, recognised by the three regions and in accordance with EU Directives 2009/28/EC and 2023/2413.
• A certificate for passing a course completed abroad under the same EU Directive.
• A reference to the (online) list of certified installers made available by the Member State concerned. This list must be recognised by the three regions.
• You may need to provide other documents proving your foreign qualification.

Last change: 2/10/2026