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
Train as an air-conditioning and refrigeration technician. Learn to install, service and repair systems.
This qualification covers competencies to select components, install, set up, test, fault find, repair and maintain refrigeration systems and equipment that apply to food storage and preservation, and air conditioning and air distribution equipment in buildings and premises. It includes regulatory requirements for purchasing and handling refrigerants.
Competency development activities in this qualification are subject to regulations directly related to licencing. A relevant contract of training through an apprenticeship or relevant employment may be required to enable the application of the required knowledge and skills to on the job work activities and environments.
Refrigerant Handling Licence:
The achievement of the qualification meets the training components for the full national Refrigerant Handling Licence which is required to work on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment that carries the risk of a fluorocarbon refrigerant being emitted while decanting the refrigerant or manufacturing, installing, commissioning, servicing, maintaining or decommissioning refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Occupational Licence:
Additional and/or other conditions may apply in some jurisdictions subject to regulations related to refrigeration/air conditioning work. Practice in the workplace and during training is also subject to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations.
Electrical Occupation Licence:
The achievement of this qualification with the core restricted electrical units meet the electrical regulatory requirements for related restricted electrical work in most state/territories. This is required to work on electrical installations which are designed to operate at voltages greater than 50 volt (V) alternating current (a.c.) or 120 V direct current (d.c.).
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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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.
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On-the-job training
- Complete this course through an apprenticeship to work in this industry in Queensland.
This apprenticeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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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:
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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 |
|---|---|
| Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector | Core |
| Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace | Core |
| Attach cords and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to a single phase 230 Volt supply | Core |
| Attach cords, cables and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c. | Core |
| Diagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning and refrigeration control systems | Core |
| Disconnect - reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring | Core |
| Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work | Core |
| Establish the basic operating conditions of air conditioning systems | Core |
| Establish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systems | Core |
| Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components | Core |
| Find and rectify faults in single phase motors and associated controls | Core |
| Find and rectify faults in three phase motors and associated controls | Core |
| Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment | Core |
| Install refrigerant pipe work, flow controls and accessories | Core |
| Install, commission, service and maintain air conditioning systems | Core |
| Install, commission, service and maintain low temperature systems | Core |
| Install, commission, service and maintain medium temperature systems | Core |
| Locate and rectify faults in low voltage (LV) electrical equipment using set procedures | Core |
| Participate in refrigeration and air conditioning work and competency development activities | Core |
| Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings | Core |
| Recover and charge refrigerants | Core |
| Safely handle refrigerants and lubricants | Core |
| Select refrigerant piping, accessories and associated controls | Core |
| Solve problems in ELV single path circuits | Core |
| Solve problems in low voltage refrigeration and air conditioning circuits | Core |
| Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications | Core |
| Verify functionality and compliance of refrigeration and air conditioning installations | Core |
| Apply safety awareness and legal requirements for ammonia refrigerant | Elective |
| Apply safety awareness and legal requirements for carbon dioxide refrigerant | Elective |
| Apply safety awareness and legal requirements for flammable refrigerants | Elective |
| Comply with scheduled and preventative maintenance program processes | Elective |
| Deliver a service to customers | Elective |
| Develop, enter and verify discrete control programs for programmable controllers | Elective |
| Inspect, test and repair fire and smoke control features of mechanical services systems | Elective |
| Install and commission ammonia refrigeration systems, components and associated equipment | Elective |
| Install and commission carbon dioxide refrigeration systems, components and associated equipment | Elective |
| Install and commission flammable refrigerant air conditioning and refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Install, commission, service and maintain variable refrigerant flow air conditioning systems | Elective |
| Maintain documentation | Elective |
| Maintain microbial control of refrigeration and air conditioning systems | Elective |
| Operate ammonia refrigeration plant | Elective |
| Operate application software packages | Elective |
| Perform rescue from a live low voltage panel | Elective |
| Prepare to work safely in the construction industry | Elective |
| Provide basic instruction in the use of electrotechnology apparatus | Elective |
| Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provide quotations for installation or service jobs | Elective |
| Repair and service ammonia refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Repair and service carbon dioxide refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Repair and service secondary refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Repair and service self-contained carbon dioxide refrigeration and heat pump systems | Elective |
| Resolve problems in beverage dispensers | Elective |
| Resolve problems in central plant air conditioning systems | Elective |
| Resolve problems in dairy refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Resolve problems in hydronic systems | Elective |
| Resolve problems in ice making systems | Elective |
| Resolve problems in industrial refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Resolve problems in post-mix refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Resolve problems in refrigerated beverage vending cabinets | Elective |
| Resolve problems in transport refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Resolve problems in ultra-low temperature refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Service and repair self-contained flammable refrigerants air conditioning and refrigeration systems | Elective |
| Source and purchase material/parts for installation or service jobs | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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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 -
Electrician (General)
ANZSCO 341111
Electricians (General) install, test, connect, commission, maintain and modify electrical equipment, wiring and control systems.
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
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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CQUniversity Australia (RTO code 40939)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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AXIAL TRAINING PTY LTD (RTO code 2437)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Get Skilled Training (RTO code 40569)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Volt Edge (RTO code 32137)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Airhygiene Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 45782)
Contact this provider
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ALPHA TRAINING & RECOGNITION PTY LTD (RTO code 45282)
Contact this provider
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Australia Institute of Business and Technology (RTO code 41138)
Contact this provider
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Australian Ultimate Training College Pty Ltd (RTO code 45003)
Contact this provider
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CAPITAL COLLEGE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 46083)
Contact this provider
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CONSTRUCTION COLLEGE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 45235)
Contact this provider
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ISMT (RTO code 45032)
Contact this provider
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NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC OF AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 45960)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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VETASSESS (RTO code 21097)
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.