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Nationally Recognised RPL Pathway

Certificate II in Split Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems

UEE20120

You have developed practical expertise in the installation and commissioning of split system air conditioning and heat pumps. We are currently working to establish partnerships with Registered Training Organisations to provide a recognition pathway for your skills. Register your interest today to be notified as soon as this qualification becomes available for assessment.

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About This Qualification

This qualification covers competencies to install, commission and decommission single head, split air conditioning and heat pumps systems to a prescribed routine where the maximum plant capacity for each system does not exceed 18 kilowatt (kW) refrigeration. This includes wall hung, floor and ceiling suspended, cassette and ducted fan coil split systems and water heating heat pump systems. This qualification excludes competencies required for service, repair, maintenance, diagnostic/fault finding and electrical work or the safe and proper installation of commercial refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump plant and equipment. 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 qualification meets only the training components for a national restricted heat pump, split system, installation and decommissioning Refrigerant Handling Licence, which is required to work on equipment that carries the risk of a fluorocarbon refrigerant being emitted while decanting the refrigerant, installing, commissioning 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.

Qualification Code

UEE20120

Training Package

UEE — Electrotechnology Training Package

AQF Level

Certificate II

Total Units

370 (350 core + 20 elective)

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

RPL It Status: Available

Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Career Outcomes

According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:

RoleResponsibilities
Air-conditioning Split System InstallerInstalling and commissioning single-head wall-hung and cassette split systems in residential and small office environments.
Electrical Trades AssistantSupporting licensed technicians in the fabrication, assembly, and installation of climate control and electrotechnology components.

Licensing

STATE SPECIFIC

⚠️ Important

This qualification is a primary requirement for obtaining a national restricted Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL) through the Australian Refrigeration Council. Please note that holding the qualification is one part of the licensing process, and additional state-based requirements may apply.

NationalAustralian Refrigeration Council (ARC)
NSWNSW Fair Trading
VICVictorian Building Authority (VBA)
QLDQueensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
WADepartment of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
SAConsumer and Business Services (CBS)
TASConsumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)
NTNT WorkSafe
ACTAccess Canberra

Delivering Registered Training Organisations

All assessment and qualification issuance for this qualification is carried out by one of the following partner RTOs, each of which holds UEE20120 on their scope of registration with ASQA:

Which RTO will deliver my qualification? The delivering RTO will be confirmed during your skills review and prior to enrolment. Your qualification will be issued directly by the delivering RTO and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Fees

Final pricing will be confirmed before enrolment.

You will receive a detailed, personalised quote — including the total fee, payment terms, interest-free payment plan options, and the name of the delivering RTO — before you are asked to enrol or make any payment.

Refund policy:If RPL It is unable to process your application, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid to RPL It. Once your portfolio has been submitted to the RTO for assessment, the RTO's refund policy applies. Details will be provided before enrolment.

Indicative Timeframes

✓ What we control

  • • Guiding you through evidence gathering
  • • Submitting a complete portfolio to the RTO
  • • Following up on your behalf

⏳ What we don't control

  • • The RTO's assessment workload
  • • The assessor's evaluation timeline
  • • The qualification issuance process

Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. Individual timeframes vary based on qualification complexity, evidence completeness, and RTO capacity.

Roles & Responsibilities

RPL It AustraliaDelivering RTO
RoleStudent support serviceRegistered Training Organisation
Initial skills review
Evidence gathering guidance
Formal assessment✅ Qualified assessors
Assessment judgement✅ Made by the RTO
Gap trainingAvailable if required (delivered by RTO)
Qualification issuance✅ Issued by the RTO
Complaints & appealsOwn complaints process✅ RTO process applies to assessments

RPL It Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 55 689 826 917) is not an RTO and does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

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Could RPL Be Right for You?

Experience can be evidence.

RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.

RPL typically involves:

📋

A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

💼

Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

👤

Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

🎯

If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise

ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice

RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.

Our approach:

“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”

What Kind of Experience Counts?

If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:

🛠️

Work History & Roles

  • A detailed resume outlining your experience in the air conditioning industry
  • Position descriptions for roles involving split system installation
  • Employer references or letters of service verifying your technical tasks
❄️

Technical Installation

  • Photos of indoor and outdoor unit placements and mounting
  • Commissioning checklists for systems under 18kW capacity
  • Decommissioning records for wall-hung or ceiling-suspended units
🧪

Refrigerant Handling

  • Logs detailing refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and charging processes
  • Pressure and leak test reports for split system pipework
  • Evidence of safe handling and storage of fluorocarbon refrigerants
📏

Tools & Fabrication

  • Photos of prepared refrigerant tubing, including flaring and bending work
  • Evidence of using technical drawings, schedules, and manufacturer specifications
  • Records of fixing and securing electrotechnology equipment to various surfaces
🛡️

Safety & Compliance

  • Site-specific Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and JSA records
  • WHS risk assessment documentation for electrotechnology environments
  • Records of participation in personal competency development plans
📜

Training & Certifications

  • Current Construction Induction Card (White Card)
  • Current CPR certification (HLTAID009)
  • Records of any relevant restricted electrical or safety training

Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

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This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.

Is this qualification currently available through RPL It?
We are currently in the process of establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to offer this specific qualification. While not immediately available, registering your interest ensures you are the first to know when the pathway opens.
Why should I register my interest?
Registering allows us to gauge demand and accelerate the onboarding of RTO partners for this trade. It also ensures you receive direct updates regarding evidence requirements and availability.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?
Yes. A qualification earned through Recognition of Prior Learning is issued by a Registered Training Organisation and carries the same national weight and validity as one earned through traditional classroom study.
What is the 18kW capacity limit mentioned in the qualification?
This qualification specifically covers split systems and heat pumps with a refrigeration capacity up to 18kW. This typically includes residential and light commercial units, but excludes large-scale industrial or complex commercial plant.
Does this qualification allow me to do electrical wiring?
No. This qualification focuses on the installation and decommissioning of the refrigeration components. Electrical work, including wiring to the switchboard, generally requires a separate electrical licence or a restricted electrical registration.
How does this relate to the ARCtick licence?
Completing this qualification provides the necessary training component required to apply for a Restricted Refrigerant Handling Licence through the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC).
Is an RPL qualification the same as one obtained through full-time study?
Yes. RPL is a legitimate form of assessment within the Australian VET system. The qualification issued is identical to one obtained through any other mode of delivery and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Who assesses my evidence?
Your evidence is assessed by a qualified assessor employed or contracted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation (RTO) — not by RPL It. The assessor holds the credentials required under the 2025 Standards for RTOs and has current industry experience.
What if gaps are identified in my skills?
If the assessor identifies areas where your evidence does not fully demonstrate competency, the RTO can provide gap training. The RTO will discuss any associated requirements or costs with you if this becomes necessary. Gap training is targeted to the specific areas identified and is designed to help you meet the full requirements of the qualification.
What if I don’t have enough experience for RPL?
If the initial skills review indicates that RPL is not suitable for you at this time, we’ll let you know honestly and discuss alternative options. We would rather direct you to the right pathway than enrol you in a process that won’t lead to a successful outcome.
How long does the RPL process take?
Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. However, this is an average based on past outcomes — not a guarantee. Factors include qualification complexity, evidence completeness, whether gap training is required, and the RTO’s current assessment capacity.
Can I do this from outside Australia?
This depends on the specific qualification. Many qualifications are based on Australian codes, standards, and legislation, and some require access to an Australian workplace for assessment. If you are based outside Australia, please contact us to discuss whether RPL is feasible for your circumstances.

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