The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Refinery Operations is a prestigious, internationally recognized qualification designed for professionals aiming to excel in the petroleum refining and energy sector. This British Council verifiable certification is MOFA and embassy attestable, making it highly suitable for job placements, Iqama approval, and global career opportunities.
Structured over three years, this comprehensive diploma equips learners with in-depth technical knowledge, practical skills, and leadership abilities required for modern refinery operations. Whether you are new to the industry or an experienced professional seeking formal recognition, this diploma provides a dual-route approach ensuring flexible learning and assessment pathways tailored to individual experience levels.
Graduates will gain expertise in chemical engineering principles, process control, refinery project management, and advanced operational optimisation, preparing them for leadership roles in refinery management, energy transition initiatives, and global industrial operations.
Course Overview
Qualification Title: ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Refinery Operations
Awarding Body: ICTQual AB
Total Units: 36
Credits: 360
Course Study Units
Year 1 – Foundation in Refinery Operations
- Principles of Chemical Engineering
- Introduction to Petroleum Refining
- Crude Oil Properties and Analysis
- Refinery Process Units Overview
- Distillation Principles and Applications
- Heat and Mass Transfer in Refining
- Introduction to Catalysts and Chemical Reactions
- Process Instrumentation and Control Basics
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness
- Industrial Laboratory Techniques
- Technical Report Writing
- Introduction to Process Simulation Software
Year 2 – Intermediate Refinery Operations
- Advanced Distillation and Separation Techniques
- Hydrocracking and Hydrotreating Processes
- Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Operations
- Process Control and Automation in Refineries
- Energy Management and Efficiency in Refining
- Reactor Design and Optimisation
- Process Safety Management
- Refinery Production Planning
- Quality Control and Assurance in Refining
- Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Petroleum Product Blending Techniques
- Data Analysis and Technical Communication
Year 3 – Advanced Refinery Operations
- Advanced Process Optimisation and Troubleshooting
- Refinery Project Management
- Catalysts and Reaction Kinetics in Depth
- Advanced Process Simulation and Modelling
- Corrosion and Maintenance in Refineries
- Energy Transition and Cleaner Refining Technologies
- Risk Assessment and Hazard Analysis
- Advanced Laboratory Techniques and Process Testing
- Supply Chain and Logistics in Refining
- Capstone Project in Refinery Operations
- Professional Development and Leadership in Energy
- Strategic Decision-Making in Refinery Management
Course Learning Outcomes
Year 1 – Foundation Level
- Understand principles of chemical engineering and petroleum refining
- Analyse crude oil properties and refinery processes
- Apply basic distillation, heat, and mass transfer principles
- Demonstrate knowledge of catalysts, chemical reactions, and process control
- Implement health, safety, and environmental standards in laboratory operations
- Prepare accurate technical reports and use process simulation software
Year 2 – Intermediate Level
- Apply advanced separation and hydroprocessing techniques
- Operate FCC units and refinery automation systems effectively
- Manage energy consumption and optimise reactor performance
- Conduct process safety management and quality assurance activities
- Implement environmental management and petroleum blending techniques
- Analyse refinery data and communicate technical findings
Year 3 – Advanced Level
- Optimise complex refinery processes and troubleshoot operational issues
- Lead refinery projects and implement strategic decision-making
- Understand catalysts, reaction kinetics, and advanced process simulation
- Conduct risk assessments and manage corrosion and maintenance strategies
- Navigate supply chain and logistics for refinery operations
- Demonstrate leadership and professional development in energy management
Course Benefits
This diploma offers unparalleled advantages for professionals seeking to establish or advance a career in refinery operations. It ensures learners gain practical expertise, global recognition, and compliance-ready certification.
Key Benefits
- British Council verifiable, MOFA, and embassy attestable qualification
- Ideal for job placements, career progression, and Iqama approval
- Hands-on experience through practical exercises, labs, and simulation
- Recognition of prior work experience through dual-route assessment
- Comprehensive knowledge from foundational to advanced refinery operations
- Enhanced leadership, project management, and technical decision-making skills
Ideal Learner
This program is designed for individuals aspiring to lead in the petroleum and energy sector, whether entering the industry or advancing their professional status.
Suitable For
- Aspiring refinery operators and chemical engineers
- Industry professionals seeking formal recognition of experience
- Technical staff aiming for supervisory or managerial roles
- Students and graduates interested in petroleum refining careers
Entry Requirements
To enrol, learners must meet minimum academic and professional criteria.
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Educational qualification: Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent in a related field
- Language proficiency: Good command of English (reading, writing, speaking)
- For experienced candidates: Minimum 6 years of verified professional experience
Who Can Enroll
This course is open to a diverse range of learners aiming to gain or formalize expertise in refinery operations.
Eligible Candidates
- Fresh graduates seeking specialized refinery knowledge
- Industry professionals pursuing career advancement
- Managers requiring technical and strategic insights
- Candidates aiming for globally recognized certification
Future Progression
Completing this diploma opens multiple career and academic pathways in the energy and industrial sector.
Progression Opportunities
- Leadership roles in refinery operations and project management
- Technical specialist positions in process optimisation and quality control
- Further studies in chemical engineering, petroleum technology, or energy management
- International assignments and opportunities in multinational energy corporations
Certification Route:
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This pathway is designed for learners who are new to Refinery Operations and do not have prior work experience. The process is structured as follows:
Admission: Learners enroll in the programme at an ICTQual AB Approved Training Centre. They must meet entry requirements, including minimum age, educational background, and English language proficiency.
Training: Learners complete comprehensive training covering all core and specialized units. The programme combines theoretical lessons, practical exercises, laboratory work, and process simulation activities to ensure hands-on learning.
Assessment: Learners are evaluated through assignments, projects, and practical assessments. These assessments measure both technical knowledge and applied operational skills.
Certification: Upon successfully completing all training and assessments, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Refinery Operations.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
This pathway is intended for professionals who already have relevant work experience in Refinery Operations. The process includes:
Eligibility: Learners must demonstrate a minimum of six years of verified professional experience related to the diploma’s learning outcomes.
Competency Assessment: Experienced learners can bypass full training and undergo a competency assessment to validate their existing knowledge and skills.
Evidence Submission: Learners provide documentation of prior work experience, including roles, responsibilities, projects, and achievements aligned with the programme outcomes.
Knowledge and Understanding: Training centres ensure that learners are familiar with all required learning outcomes. A skills gap assessment may identify additional training needs, if necessary.
Certification: Upon verification of competence and experience, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Refinery Operations without completing the full training programme.
This dual-route approach ensures flexibility, allowing learners to either acquire full technical expertise through structured training or receive formal recognition for their existing competence. It provides an accessible and professional pathway aligned with global standards in the refinery and petroleum industry.