CompEx Certification in UAE & Qatar: Training, Costs, Courses & IECEx Comparison
CompEx Certification: Fast Overview for UAE, Qatar & Saudi Arabia
CompEx certification—short for Competency in Explosive Atmospheres—is the internationally recognized scheme that proves professionals can design, install, inspect, and maintain equipment in hazardous areas where flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dusts create explosion risks. For anyone working across UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, or Kuwait in upstream or downstream oil and gas, LNG facilities, refineries, or petrochemical plants, holding a valid CompEx certificate has become essential for both safety compliance and career progression.
KL Training Academy / Kingsmen Group operates the CompEx Certification Centre UAE with facilities in Abu Dhabi and an approved training centre in Doha, Qatar, making it the go-to provider for professionals across the GCC region.
Key highlights at a glance:
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Core courses offered: ExF (Foundation), Ex01–Ex04 (Gas & Vapours), Ex05–Ex06 (Dust), Ex14 (Responsible Person)
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Training locations: Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Doha (Qatar)
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Typical course durations: 2–5 days depending on module
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Certification validity: 5 years with refresher required
Explore more:
What is CompEx Certification?
CompEx stands for “Competency in Explosive Atmospheres” and represents a UKAS-accredited, internationally recognised course and assessment scheme owned by CompEx Certification Limited (formerly JTL Group, UK). The scheme was developed to address competency gaps outlined in standards like IEC 60079, ensuring that personnel working in potentially explosive atmospheres have both the underpinning knowledge and practical skills required for safe operations.
At its core, CompEx assesses core competence through a combination of written theory exams and practical assessments conducted at accredited centres. Candidates demonstrate their ability to work safely across different zone classifications:
Gas/Vapour zones: Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2
Dust zones: Zone 20, Zone 21, Zone 22
Industries where CompEx is essential:
Upstream and downstream oil and gas (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia)
Refineries and petrochemical complexes
LNG terminals and FPSO operations
Power generation facilities
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Food manufacturing and bulk handling (dust hazards)
With more than 60,000 CompEx core competence certificates issued globally, it stands as the most widely accepted Ex personnel qualification in the industry. Each CompEx certificate remains valid for 5 years, after which holders must complete a compex refresher through the Recognised Practitioners Programme (Ex01R–Ex04R) to maintain their certified status.
Key benefits of CompEx qualification:
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Enhanced workplace safety through verified competence
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Compliance with IEC 60079 and ATEX requirements
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Stronger employability for electricians, technicians, inspectors, and engineers
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Recognition by major operators worldwide (Shell, BP, ADNOC, QatarEnergy)
CompEx Training in UAE: Abu Dhabi & Wider GCC Access
KL Training Academy / Kingsmen Group operates the CompEx Certification Centre UAE, delivering accredited training and assessments from a purpose-built facility in Abu Dhabi—the heart of the UAE’s oil and gas industry.
The Abu Dhabi training centre features state-of-the-art Ex training rigs, ATEX and IECEx demonstration panels, and modern classrooms designed to replicate real-world hazardous area installations. This hands on training environment ensures candidates gain practical experience with actual electrical equipment and protection types before sitting their practical assessment.
CompEx courses regularly delivered in UAE:
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ExF (Foundation) – 2 days
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Ex01–Ex04 Gas & Vapours – 5 days
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Ex05–Ex06 Dust – 3 days
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Ex14 Responsible Person – 2 days
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Ex01–04 Theory and Practical Resits
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Ex01R–Ex04R Refresher (Recognised Practitioners Programme)
Schedule flexibility is a priority for shift-based technicians and contractors. Courses run on weekday, weekend, and evening schedules, with special holiday batches available. This accommodates professionals working across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates.
Typical attendees in UAE include:
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ADNOC contractors and maintenance teams
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EPC companies based in Abu Dhabi
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Engineering consultancies in Dubai
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Maintenance crews from Ruwais, Jebel Ali, and Hamriyah Free Zone
Learn more: CompEx Certification in UAE | CompEx Centre Abu Dhabi | CompEx Training Centre
CompEx Training in Qatar: Doha & GCC Regional Hub
The Doha, Qatar training centre serves as a regional hub for candidates from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. Its strategic location makes it accessible for professionals working across major GCC industrial sites without requiring long-distance travel.
Typical audience in Qatar:
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Technicians from QatarEnergy and contractor companies
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Personnel from LNG facilities in Ras Laffan
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Maintenance teams from Mesaieed industrial city
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Offshore platform crews and onshore project staff
Key courses offered in Doha:
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CompEx ExF (Foundation)
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Ex01–Ex04 Gas and Vapours (full 5-day course)
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Ex05–Ex06 Dust qualification
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Theory and practical resits for Ex01–04
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Compex recognised practitioners programme (refresher)
Compressed schedules are available for corporate groups, and closed in-house sessions can be arranged for large teams requiring dedicated training in Doha. CompEx certification cost in Qatar and package options—including travel, accommodation, and group discounts—are detailed in the cost section below.
Explore: CompEx Training Center in Doha Qatar | CompEx Certification Training Centre in Qatar | CompEx Exam in GCC
Why Choose KL Training Academy / Kingsmen Group for CompEx Certification Centre UAE & Qatar?
KL Training Academy / Kingsmen Group (Extrainings.com) operates as a dedicated Ex training and services provider—not a generic training vendor. The focus is exclusively on hazardous areas competency, which means every resource, instructor, and facility is optimized for Ex training excellence.
What sets the academy apart:
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Specialist instructors: CompEx-approved assessors with 15–25+ years of field experience across GCC projects (ADNOC, QatarEnergy, Aramco). These aren’t classroom-only trainers—they bring real operational insight.
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State-of-the-art facilities: Realistic Ex training bays with live installation and inspection rigs, ATEX/IECEx sample equipment, and environments compliant with IEC 60079 requirements.
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Flexible delivery: Public batches in Abu Dhabi and Doha, on-site corporate training anywhere in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, plus selected online theory modules for foundation-level courses.
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Standards alignment: All course content maps to IEC 60079 series, ATEX Directives 2014/34/EU and 1999/92/EC, and supports progression toward IECEx CoPC certification.
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Integrated services: Beyond training, the team supports Ex inspections, hazardous area audits, and assistance with IECEx/ATEX documentation. Learn more about IECEx Certification.
Core CompEx Course Types: From Awareness to Advanced
The compex scheme offers modular courses covering different competency levels and industry needs. Understanding which course suits your role is the first step toward the right qualification.
Foundation and awareness levels:
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ExF (Foundation) and ExF+ – For engineers, supervisors, and HSE personnel needing theoretical understanding of hazardous areas
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ExA (Awareness) – For non-technical staff, visitors, and management requiring basic hazard recognition
Technician-level courses (electrical):
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Ex01–Ex04 Gas & Vapours – For electrical and instrument technicians working on installation, inspection, and maintenance
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Ex05–Ex06 Dust – For personnel handling combustible dust atmospheres
Non-electrical and mechanical:
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Ex11 Mechanical – For mechanical engineers and technicians dealing with rotating equipment and non-electrical ignition sources
Advanced and management:
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Ex12 Design – For design and project engineers covering IEC 60079-14 and ATEX design principles
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Ex14 Responsible Person – For supervisors overseeing inspection regimes and competency management
KL Training Academy can guide candidates to choose the right course based on their specific role—whether electrician, inspector, supervisor, design engineer, or HSE professional.
Dive deeper: Understanding Different Levels of CompEx Training | CompEx Training Overview
CompEx Foundation (ExF) & Foundation Plus (ExF+)
The compex foundation qualification—ExF—is a 2-day course focusing on hazardous area concepts. It covers ATEX, DSEAR, IECEx frameworks, zone classifications (Zone 0/1/2 for gas, Zone 20/21/22 for dust), ignition sources, and equipment protection concepts.
ExF is largely theoretical learning, making it ideal for:
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Engineers and project managers who need a basic understanding of Ex requirements
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Supervisors and HSE personnel requiring competency standards awareness
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New graduates entering hazardous industries
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Non-electrical staff needing strong Ex awareness before progressing further
ExF+ (Foundation Plus) extends the foundation course by adding basic hands-on Ex installation exercises. Candidates work with glands, cable terminations, and small Ex enclosures, receiving a simple skills assessment alongside the theory content.
Neither ExF nor ExF+ requires an electrical trade background, making them accessible entry points for professionals working in project management, process engineering, or safety roles.
Both courses act as stepping stones toward full technician qualifications like Ex01–04 and Ex05–06. See the full syllabus: Foundation ExF Course
CompEx Ex Awareness (ExA) & Non-Electrical Personnel Training
ExA is the entry-level awareness course designed for visitors, supervisors, and non-technical staff who need to recognize hazardous areas but will not perform hands-on work on Ex equipment.
Typical ExA attendees:
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Plant visitors and management touring offshore platforms or refineries
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Logistics and warehouse personnel
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HSE officers conducting site audits
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Administrative staff requiring site access
The course focuses on hazard recognition, signage interpretation, zoning awareness, and basic safety protocols in potentially explosive environments. It does not cover detailed installation rules or technical maintenance procedures.
KL Training Academy runs ExA as short 1-day or half-day programmes, often delivered on-site at client facilities in UAE and Qatar. This supports compliance training in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and across the region, complementing broader safety and OPEX training programmes.
CompEx Ex01–Ex04 Gas & Vapours (Most Demanded in GCC)
The compex ex01 ex04 Gas & Vapours course is the flagship 5-day programme covering selection, installation, inspection, and maintenance of electrical equipment in gas and vapour explosive atmospheres. It aligns with IEC 60079 requirements and is the most demanded CompEx qualification in the GCC.
Course breakdown:
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Ex01 & Ex02: Preparation and installation of explosion-protected equipment, including wiring and termination
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Ex03 & Ex04: Inspection and maintenance covering protection types ‘d’ (flameproof), ‘e’ (increased safety), ‘i’ (intrinsic safety), ‘n’ (non-sparking), ‘p’ (pressurized), and others
Entry requirements:
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Electrical or instrumentation qualification (e.g., NVQ3/SVQ3, City & Guilds, EAL Level 3)
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Relevant work experience in electrical installation or maintenance
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Photo ID (passport or Emirates ID)
Training in Abu Dhabi and Doha includes intensive practical exercises on real Ex equipment, written theory exams (multiple-choice format), and practical assessments graded on criteria like correct gland installation, enclosure wiring, and fault diagnosis.
This course is critical for electrical personnel working as compex electricians, instrument technicians working in hazardous locations, and maintenance teams on offshore platforms and process plants.
Learn more: Gas and Vapours Ex01–Ex04 | Ex01–Ex04 Electrical Practical Resit | CompEx Exam in GCC
CompEx Ex01–Ex04 Theory & Practical Resits
Candidates who do not pass theory or practical elements on their first attempt can resit within 12 months of the original compex electrical assessment. The compex scheme allows a maximum of two resit attempts per part.
Theory Resit (1 day):
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Focused revision session covering standards, calculations (IP ratings, temperature classes, gas groups), and sample quizzes
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Multiple-choice written theory exam
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Available for candidates who passed practical but need to retake theory component
Practical Resit (compex electrical resit):
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Hands-on re-assessment on specified modules (installation, inspection, or maintenance)
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Candidates use training rigs to demonstrate competency on the specific area requiring reassessment
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Must clearly identify which practical module is being repeated
KL Training Academy offers tailored pre-resit coaching and access to CompEx-style training material to improve success rates. Booking deadlines apply—resits must occur within the 12-month window from the original assessment date.
Documentation from your first attempt is required when booking a resit.
CompEx Refresher – Recognised Practitioners Programme (Ex01R–Ex04R)
Standard compex ex01 04 certification is valid for 5 years. After expiry, practitioners must complete the compex recognised practitioners programme—also known as the RPP refresher qualification (Ex01R–Ex04R)—to maintain their certified status.
Refresher course format:
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Short review of current IEC 60079 standards and best practices
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Targeted practical tasks on installation and inspection
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Timed online exam (approximately 60 questions in 90 minutes) covering general hazardous locations theory, installation rules, and inspection requirements
Who should attend:
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Experienced electrical and instrument technicians working continuously in hazardous areas
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Supervisors maintaining active compex certified status
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Professionals seeking to maintain employability and compliance
KL Training Academy schedules regular refresher batches in Abu Dhabi and Doha. Dedicated sessions can be arranged for corporate teams across the GCC.
Important: Allowing your CompEx certificate to lapse creates significant career consequences. Many employers will require a full re-assessment rather than accepting an expired qualification, meaning more time, cost, and effort. Plan your refresher enrolment 3–6 months before expiry.
CompEx Ex05–Ex06 Dust: Pharmaceuticals, Food & Bulk Handling
The Ex05–Ex06 vapours qualification—actually focused on dust—is a 3-day course covering electrical equipment in combustible dust atmospheres (Zone 20, 21, 22) per IEC 60079-31 and related standards.
Typical facilities where this qualification applies:
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Flour mills and sugar refineries
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Animal feed mills and grain handling terminals
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Cement plants and bulk powder processing
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Pharmaceutical tablet production
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Plastic pellet handling and aluminium dust operations
Key skills covered:
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Dust area classification principles
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Equipment marking for dust groups (IIIA, IIIB, IIIC)
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Enclosure selection and IP rating requirements
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Cleaning and preventive maintenance practices that avoid dust layer ignition
This qualification is increasingly requested across the Middle East as UAE and Qatar diversify beyond oil and gas. Food manufacturing zones, pharmaceutical free zones, port terminals, and bulk handling facilities all require personnel working in these potentially hazardous environments to demonstrate competence.
See course details: CompEx Training Courses | CompEx Certification Training Guide
Advanced CompEx Courses: Ex11 Mechanical, Ex12 Design & Ex14 Responsible Person
Beyond the core technician courses, the CompEx scheme offers advanced qualifications for mechanical personnel, design engineers, and those in supervisory roles.
Ex11 Mechanical:
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For mechanical engineers and technicians dealing with pumps, gearboxes, rotating equipment, and non-electrical ignition sources in hazardous areas
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Covers mechanical protection concepts and maintenance practices specific to potentially explosive environments
Ex12 Design:
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5-day advanced course for design and project engineers
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Covers IEC 60079-14 in depth, ATEX design principles, system documentation, and engineering design for Ex installations
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Suitable for those involved in the physical installation planning and specification of hazardous area systems
Ex14 Responsible Person:
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For supervisors and engineering managers overseeing inspection regimes, scheduling, and competency management across sites
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Focuses on certifying personal competency to manage Ex compliance programmes
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Addresses documentation, competency-based assessment of teams, and regulatory obligations
These courses suit senior roles in engineering consultancies, EPCs, and asset owners across UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC. They represent the natural career progression path from technician (Ex01–04) to responsible person (Ex14) and design authority.
CompEx Certification in UAE vs Qatar: Availability & Cost Overview
Course costs vary by type, duration, and whether you’re booking as an individual or part of a corporate group. Here are realistic GCC ranges to help with budgeting.
What’s typically included:
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Exam fees and assessment costs
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Course materials and training documentation
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Light refreshments during training days
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CompEx certificate issuance upon successful completion
What’s usually extra:
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Travel and accommodation for out-of-city candidates
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Resit fees if required
Corporate clients may access group discounts (typically 10–15% for 5+ candidates), flexible billing in AED, QAR, or USD, and combined packages with IECEx training. Contact KL Training Academy to confirm current rates and available discounts.
CompEx vs IECEx CoPC: Which Certification Do You Need?
CompEx and IECEx CoPC (Certificate of Personnel Competence) represent the two main competency routes for hazardous area personnel globally. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right path.
CompEx:
IECEx CoPC:
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Formal international certification under the IECEx system
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Issued by an iecex certification body based on competency assessment
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Assessment-only approach (training not mandatory through the scheme)
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Requires 3+ years of documented experience
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Strong recognition globally, especially in APAC, Australia, New Zealand, and North America
From a GCC perspective: Many UAE and Qatar operators—ADNOC, QatarEnergy, and their contractors—specifically mandate CompEx certification. However, IECEx CoPC supports international mobility if you’re targeting projects in Australia, Southeast Asia, or North America.
The good news: training content overlaps significantly because both are based on IEC 60079 standards. Many professionals pursue both qualifications for maximum career flexibility.
Learn more: IECEx Certification | IECEx vs CompEx Certification UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar
