REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate)
in Germany, matched in minutes from 15,000 CVs with the power of AIIdentify freelancers who can analyse work processes, carry out time and method studies, and support shopfloor improvement with REFA methods. Get fast, precise matching with vetted freelancers holding the REFA-Grundschein.
Meet FRATCH REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany
Steffen K.
Last position:
BORA
- Sales | OKR for Growth & European Expansion | 2026
- Development and implementation of an OKR system to manage growth and expansion in European markets.
- Facilitation of target planning with C-level executives and managers.
- Training and development of internal OKR Champions for sustainable implementation.
Thomas H.
Last position:
Project Manager & Tender Manager at GEA Group AG
- Introduction of an access control solution and preparation of a tender for a visitor management system.
- As project manager, I am responsible for the successful introduction of a cloud-based access control system at two sites with approximately 4000 employees.
- Responsible for the successful implementation of the project.
- Preparation and coordination of project plans and status reports with all stakeholders.
- Preparation/coordination of an initial effort or cost estimate and related planning for the implementation of operational services.
- Identification of interfaces.
- Compliance with the budget and schedule.
- As Tender Manager / Demand Manager, I am responsible for the following specific tasks:
- Analysis of potential providers.
- Elicitation of requirements.
- Preparation and coordination of the requirements catalog.
- Preparation of an evaluation matrix.
- Preparation of tender documents.
Siegfried D.
Last position:
Head of Work Preparation at Scheuerle/TII-Group
- Reorganization of work preparation (4 work preparation, 6 production control and 1 Lean employees)
- Optimization of SAP processes (PS/PP planning and control)
- Interface management (purchasing, production, sales, logistics)
- Maintenance of master data
Heike G.
Last position:
Interim Manager at Ypsotec AG
- Assignment to the Project Management Office (PMO) for professional consulting and support of several parallel projects, focusing on savings potential and process optimization
- Analysis of existing workflows and development of optimization proposals in close cooperation with specialist departments
- Monitoring of project progress, deadlines and achievement of objectives
- Increasing efficiency and digitalization in procurement
- Process optimization in logistics
- Temporary staffing support in operational procurement
- Savings in procurement equivalent to a total of 1.6 FTE
Mario P.
Last position:
Owner & Interim Manager at MaPa Consulting FZ-LLC
- Project and interim management for manufacturing companies nationally & internationally
- AI implementation and consulting for SMEs
- Restructuring, reorganization, factory planning (greenfield & brownfield)
Jean S.
Last position:
Introduction to ISO 27001 at Software Developer
- Introduction of an information security system into an existing management system according to ISO 9001
Norbert K.
Last position:
Interim Executive I Operation – Transformation - Performance at Hatko Electronics
- Restructuring of toolmaking based on the Lean Method module TPM, including tool costing, design, manufacturing setup and cycle times
- Optimization of production process structures and documentation with wear and spare-parts management using standard-part suppliers (consignment warehouse)
- Optimization of tool setup times according to Refa study and MTM
- Revision of organizational and planning processes
- Detailed coordination of equipment availability with logistics
Jürgen S.
Last position:
Owner / Project Manager at SIC, Schäfer-Industrie Consulting
Andreas K.
Last position:
Consultant / Interim Manager Engineering (Machining) at Neumayer Tekfor GmbH
Process optimization and automation
Development and documentation of savings potential to reduce manufacturing costs
Analysis of production processes to identify weak points
Coaching the Engineering department to improve ways of working and lean philosophy
Elimination of work steps with annual savings of approx. €150k
Increase in machine shift output from 3,600 to 4,250 pieces (18%)
Increase in shift output of two machines from 105 to over 120 pieces (14%)
Preparation for the integration of automated 100% inspections and laser marking into the machine process
Material optimization to stabilize machining processes
Karlheinz G.
Last position:
Consultant / Test Analyst / Supporter at Insurance office, Spaichingen
Project: Process optimization & IT support in an insurance broker office.
Project activities:
- Analysis of processes and definition of requirements
- Consulting for the implementation of a cloud solution (soho)
- Installation and verification of new infrastructure HW
- Cloud installation & configuration
- Definition and creation of use cases
- Performing user acceptance tests (UAT)
- User training / training
- IT support (cloud, PC, server, printer, network)
Label: Insurance, infrastructure, configuration, training, support
Ahmet B.
Last position:
Self-employed entrepreneur at AVS Inh. A. Baran
- Technical drawings, mechanical design, product development and assembly support for international customers
- Management and organization of the company, financial administration and preparation of business plans
- Sales and trade fair support, project management, as well as hiring and supervision of employees
- Development of automation solutions for recycling plants and international project management
Cavit S.
Last position:
Renovation of own properties at Private building project
- Independent planning and execution of renovation projects on several residential properties, including coordination of trades, budget and schedule control, site supervision, material procurement and quality control
- Experience in interior finishing, building services, exterior areas, as well as compliance with construction and energy efficiency standards
Lisa D.
Last position:
Transformation Architect Project & Process Management at Dilg GmbH
Development of the current-state process with integration of standardized software packages ERP/CRM/BDE/MES
GAP analysis including assessment of the technical capabilities of the existing machine park
Development of a future-state process to improve efficiency in the execution of customer projects in manufacturing
Identification and joint development of solution approaches
Tendering and selection process for an ERP system including BDE and MES capture
Integration of a tool management system
Building customer focus and communication
Introduction of a shop floor system in the company
Tendering and definition for the procurement of a new measuring machine according to DIN 9001
Appointment of key users including training
I work with a simple and clear approach that focuses on reviewing current processes, identifying gaps, and designing future states to improve efficiency and support growth.
I value open and honest communication, making sure every team member feels empowered and has room to develop their potential.
Throughout my career, I have optimized complex workflows in manufacturing, automation, and engineering.
Andreas K.
Last position:
Project Manager at Winkelmann Building+Industry / Reflex Winkelmann
As part of a greenfield project, a new production plant is being built in Slovakia to produce industrial media storage for OEMs and distributors once completed.
Procurement and industrialization of production equipment for prefabrication.
Design, procurement, installation and integration of complete production lines based on stamping, forming and welding technology with integrated, labor-reducing processes.
Establishment of a production environment under strategic aspects according to the latest state of the art.
Overall and continuous communication with the entire greenfield team, adjacent departments and plant and executive management.
Development of concepts together with key suppliers and identification of ratio potentials along manufacturing process chains using value stream analyses.
Collection, assessment and application of process data such as throughput times, manufacturing times, setup times, wait and idle times using time and multimoment studies as well as surveys.
Forward-looking design of production systems and processes with the goal of implementing automated and competitive process solutions as part of comprehensive supply chain management.
Planning of production workflows, definition of manufacturing methods, design of the overall layout and workstations.
Determination and recording of process cost rates, overhead rates, cost evaluation of production processes, machine hourly rates, depreciation as well as expected share of claims and rework costs to optimize manufacturing costs.
Continuous optimizations of product designs for their adaptation into automation-oriented production environments until the plant's SOP.
Multi-project management for the engineering, design, procurement, installation and process integration of all relevant trades with respect to plant engineering, lifting equipment, production equipment and QA installations.
Ongoing establishment of an overall concept in constructive, plant engineering, logistical, IT and QA aspects.
Jürgen D.
Last position:
Consultant at Transformer Factory
Consultant for a transformer factory and authoring a specialist and textbook in novel form.
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
33 years
Position duration
3 years
Positions per freelancer
16
Top business areas
Operations, Quality Assurance, Project Management
Top industries
Manufacturing, Automotive, Professional Services
Certification focus areas
Operations, Quality Assurance, Production
Bachelor's degree or higher
80%
Master's degree or higher
30%
Doctorate
10%
Certifications per freelancer
9
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
85%
Based on our profile pool as of 26 Oct 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of experts holding this certification in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows the share of experts charging within that range.
Average rates for REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 26 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Manufacturing (95%)
- Automotive (66%)
- Professional Services (51%)
- Healthcare (27%)
- Transportation (27%)
- Aerospace and Defense (24%)
- Energy (24%)
- Information Technology (24%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the certification
What it is
The REFA-Grundschein, also known as the REFA Basic Certificate or simply REFA Grundschein, is an entry-level qualification in work study and industrial engineering. It shows that a person understands how work is analysed, described, measured and improved in a structured way.
What it validates
- Basic REFA methods for observing and describing work
- Time study and method study fundamentals
- Process and workplace analysis
- Understanding of performance, effort and standardised work design
- Practical support for planning, improvement and costing tasks
For companies, the certificate signals a freelancer who can work with facts, not assumptions. In Germany, that is useful in production, logistics, operations and process improvement projects where clear methods and clean documentation matter.
Typical holders
The REFA-Grundschein is often held by industrial engineers, process planners, production staff, supervisors and consultants who work close to the shop floor. It is also a good fit for freelancers supporting lean improvement, capacity planning, layout changes or standard work projects.
Freelancers with this background usually know how to translate daily work into usable data. They can talk to operators, document the current state and help teams compare different ways of doing the same task.
Core knowledge
- Work analysis and work structuring
- Time recording and evaluation
- Method comparison and process improvement
- Basic ergonomics and workplace design
- Standard time thinking for planning and controlling operations
The certificate is rooted in REFA methods, so it is especially relevant where companies want disciplined improvement instead of ad hoc changes. It can support projects in manufacturing, technical services and logistics, including sites in Germany that work with German-speaking teams and local shopfloor routines.
What it means for hiring
A freelancer with the REFA-Grundschein is usually prepared for hands-on analysis work. That can include observing tasks, documenting sequence steps, supporting time studies, creating clearer standard processes and helping line managers see where effort is lost.
For employers, this lowers the risk of bringing in someone who knows the theory but not the day-to-day reality of operational work. It is a practical signal for projects that need careful measurement, clear language and acceptance from production teams.
Where it fits
The REFA-Grundschein is not a senior strategy certificate. It is a foundation for applied work study. That makes it useful when a project needs structured analysis at the operational level, especially before larger redesign, automation or capacity decisions.
It is most relevant in settings such as:
- Manufacturing and assembly
- Logistics and material flow
- Industrial planning and operations support
- Shopfloor improvement and standardisation
- Cross-functional process reviews with German-speaking stakeholders
Frequently asked questions
Key details about REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate), drawn from the questions we get asked most.
The REFA-Grundschein proves that a freelancer understands the basics of REFA work study. That includes analysing work steps, documenting processes, and using methodical approaches to improve work organisation. It is a practical signal, especially for operational projects where structure and accuracy matter.
The REFA Basic Certificate is an entry-level qualification. It covers the foundations of work analysis and process design, while more advanced REFA training goes deeper into planning, leadership, specialist methods or broader industrial engineering topics. For employers, the Grundschein is a sign of solid basics rather than full expert-level depth.
This certificate fits people who work close to operations and improvement. Typical profiles include industrial engineers, production planners, consultants, supervisors and freelancers who support time studies or shopfloor optimisation. It is especially useful for anyone who needs to speak the language of the workplace and turn observation into usable data.
Projects that involve method study, time recording, standard work, workplace design or process improvement benefit most. The certificate is also useful in manufacturing, logistics and technical operations where work needs to be analysed in a clear and accepted way. In Germany, it can be especially relevant when teams expect structured documentation and practical communication.
Many people pursue the REFA-Grundschein as a foundation certificate, so it is often suitable before deeper specialist work. Some practical familiarity with production or operations helps, because the content becomes more useful when you can relate it to real work situations. The exact entry path depends on the REFA training route chosen.
Preparation is mainly about understanding everyday work processes. It helps to be comfortable observing tasks, comparing methods, and working with clear definitions, timings and documentation. Candidates who already know a production or process environment usually find it easier to connect the course content to practice.
The REFA-Grundschein is generally treated as a foundation qualification rather than a short-lived licence. In practice, employers care more about whether the holder still applies REFA methods correctly and keeps their skills current. If someone has not used the methods for a long time, recent project experience matters more than the certificate alone.
In Germany, the REFA-Grundschein is well known in industrial and operational settings. Companies look for it because it suggests a shared method vocabulary for work study, process analysis and workplace improvement. That makes it easier to bring in a freelancer who can contribute quickly and work well with local teams.
The average hourly rate for freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany is 115 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 922 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany, 80% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 30% hold at least a Master's degree, and 10% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany have 33 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 3 years.
The most common languages among freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany are German (100%), English (83%), and French (12%).
The most common industries among freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany are Manufacturing (95%), Automotive (66%), and Professional Services (51%).
The most common business areas among freelancers with REFA-Grundschein (REFA Basic Certificate) in Germany are Operations (90%), Quality Assurance (85%), and Project Management (83%).
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FRATCH CEO
