This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) tradesperson within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries.
This qualification must be undertaken through a Training Contract associated with an Australian Trade Apprenticeship, or through formal trade recognition assessment processes.
The skills associated with this qualification are intended to apply to a wide range HVACR work, including assembling, installing, testing, fault finding, maintaining and repairing industrial, commercial and domestic air conditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment.
This qualification is designed to provide an industry recognised skills profile related to trade work as a heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning tradesperson.
Assessment of some units of competency must, where indicated, include evidence of the candidate's performance in a functioning workplace where there is a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application of those units. All outcomes must reflect the standard of performance inherent in the job.
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 and the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Gas Management Regulations 1995 apply to this qualification which incorporates national Refrigerant Handling Licences and Refrigerant Trading Authorisations.
Refer to the Australian Refrigeration Council website for required units of competency to meet the Refrigerant Handling Licence requirements. Licensing and regulatory information is included in the relevant units of competency.
-
Financial help
-
Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
-
-
Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
-
VET Student Loans are not available
-
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
-
-
On-the-job training
- Complete this course through an apprenticeship to work in this industry in Queensland.
This apprenticeship is available:
-
Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
-
Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through apprenticeship:
4 years
- Through apprenticeship:
-
Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Assist in the provision of on-the-job training | Core |
| Interact with computing technology | Core |
| Interpret technical drawing | Core |
| Organise and communicate information | Core |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | Core |
| Perform computations | Core |
| Perform engineering measurements | Core |
| Plan work activities | Core |
| Undertake manual handling | Core |
| Use hand tools | Core |
| Use power tools/hand held operations | Core |
| Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering | Core |
| Apply basic engineering design concepts | Elective |
| Carry out mechanical cutting | Elective |
| Commission and decommission split air conditioning systems | Elective |
| Commission programmable controller programs | Elective |
| Disconnect/reconnect fixed wired equipment up to 1000 volts a.c./1500 volts d.c. | Elective |
| Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components | Elective |
| Enter and change programmable controller operational parameters | Elective |
| Fault find and repair electrical equipment/components up to 1000 volts a.c./1500 volts d.c. | Elective |
| Fault find and repair electrical equipment/components up to 250 volts single phase supply | Elective |
| Fault find and repair/rectify basic electrical circuits | Elective |
| Fault find and repair/rectify complex electrical circuits | Elective |
| Handle fluorocarbon refrigerants according to regulations | Elective |
| Handle/move bulk fluids/gases | Elective |
| Install and test electrical wiring and circuits up to 1000 volts a.c. and 1500 volts d.c. | Elective |
| Install pipework and pipework assemblies | Elective |
| Install refrigeration and air conditioning plant and equipment | Elective |
| Install split air conditioning systems and associated pipework | Elective |
| Install, service and repair domestic air conditioning and refrigeration appliances | Elective |
| Maintain and repair central air handling systems | Elective |
| Maintain and repair commercial air conditioning systems and components | Elective |
| Maintain and repair cooling towers/evaporative condensers and associated equipment | Elective |
| Maintain and repair industrial refrigeration systems and components | Elective |
| Maintain and repair multistage, cascade and/or ultra-cold industrial refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Maintain water treatment systems for cooling towers | Elective |
| Maintain, repair/replace and adjust refrigerant flow controls and associated equipment | Elective |
| Operate as a team member to conduct manufacturing, engineering or related activities | Elective |
| Operate fixed/moveable load shifting equipment | Elective |
| Operate mobile load shifting equipment | Elective |
| Order materials | Elective |
| Perform brazing and/or silver soldering | Elective |
| Perform electrical/electronic measurement | Elective |
| Perform emergency first aid | Elective |
| Perform inspection | Elective |
| Perform internal/external customer service | Elective |
| Perform manual soldering/desoldering - electrical/electronic components | Elective |
| Perform operational maintenance of machines/equipment | Elective |
| Perform precision electrical/electronic measurement | Elective |
| Perform precision fitting of engineering components | Elective |
| Perform precision levelling and alignment of machines and engineering components | Elective |
| Perform routine gas metal arc welding | Elective |
| Perform routine manual metal arc welding | Elective |
| Perform soft soldering | Elective |
| Service and repair commercial refrigeration | Elective |
| Service and repair domestic and light commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment | Elective |
| Shut down and isolate machines/equipment | Elective |
| Terminate and connect electrical wiring | Elective |
| Terminate and connect specialist cables | Elective |
| Test, recover, evacuate and charge refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Undertake work health and safety activities in the workplace | Elective |
| Use tools for precision work | Elective |
| Use workshop machines for basic operations | Elective |
| Work safely with industrial chemicals and materials | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
-
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)
ANZSCO 323111
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Avionics) inspect, test, align, repair and install aircraft electrical and avionic system components.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)
ANZSCO 323112
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) inspect, test, repair and install aircraft hydromechanical and flight system components and aircraft engines, subassemblies and components.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)
ANZSCO 323113
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Structures) inspect, dismantle and reassemble aircraft structures, and repair and replace components of aircraft frames.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Fitter (General)
ANZSCO 323211
Fitters (General) fit and assemble metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Fitter and Turner
ANZSCO 323212
Fitters and Turners fit, assemble, grind and shape metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Fitter-Welder
ANZSCO 323213
Fitter-Welders fit, assemble and weld metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Metal Machinist (First Class)
ANZSCO 323214
Metal Machinists (First Class) set up and operate machine tools to shape and form metal stock and castings to fine tolerances, using detailed drawings and specifications.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic
ANZSCO 323215
Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanics set up, adjust and maintain industrial or domestic sewing machines, or machines used in the production of yarn, textiles or footwear.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Metal Fitter and Machinist
ANZSCO 323299
Other Metal Fitters and Machinists includes jobs like Printing Engineer.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Engraver
ANZSCO 323311
Engravers inscribe letters, figures and designs on metal, glass, wood, rubber, plastic and other surfaces.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Gunsmith
ANZSCO 323312
Gunsmiths modify, service and repair rifles, revolvers and other firearms.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Locksmith
ANZSCO 323313
Locksmiths install and maintain locks and related security devices and systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer
ANZSCO 323314
Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers assemble, calibrate, install and overhaul mechanical precision instruments and equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Saw Doctor
ANZSCO 323315
Saw Doctors repair, set and sharpen blades for circular, band and other saws.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer
ANZSCO 323316
Watch and Clock Makers and Repairers make, repair, clean and adjust watches and clocks.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Engineering Patternmaker
ANZSCO 323411
Engineering Patternmakers construct full-size engineering models usually made out of timber, which are used in manufacturing to produce metal castings, copy models, vacuum form tooling and tooling for the automotive, aircraft or fibreglass industries.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Toolmaker
ANZSCO 323412
Toolmakers make and repair tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other precision parts and equipment to fine tolerances, for machine tools and other production machinery.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
ANZSCO 334112
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumbers install, maintain and repair piping, ducting and equipment for heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings or vessels.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
ANZSCO 342111
Install, service and repair refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Boiler and Engine Operator
ANZSCO 712911
Boiler or Engine Operators operate and maintain stationary engines, boilers, refrigeration and airconditioning systems, and associated mechanical plants.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
-
AXIAL TRAINING PTY LTD (RTO code 2437)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
-
Outsource Institute (AUS) (RTO code 31560)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
-
Australian Skills Group Pty Ltd (RTO code 32519)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.