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Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

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.).

Important:RPL it Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation. RPL it does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Qualification overview
UEE32225
LevelAQF 3Certificate III
Units12101070 core, 140 elective
PackageUEEElectrotechnology Training Package
Timeframe
Typically 4 to 6 weeksAfter evidence is submitted to the RTO. Individual timelines vary.
Fees
Personalised quote before you commitIncludes the total fee and payment terms. Any gap training cost is confirmed in writing before you agree to it. 50% of the fee is the RPL it service fee and is non-refundable.Refund and withdrawal policy
A carpenter marking timber framing on a building site, a chef plating a dish in a commercial kitchen, and an aged care worker helping a resident with her walking frame
Recognition of Prior Learning

What is an RPL qualification?

Recognition of Prior Learning assesses skills you already have against a nationally recognised qualification. Demonstrate competency, and you receive the same nationally recognised qualification, issued by a registered training organisation (RTO), as someone who completed the full course.

Who is eligible for RPL?

  • You have years of experience in your field
  • You learned the work on the job, through mentoring or on your own
  • You need the qualification for licensing, promotion or migration
  • You hold overseas qualifications you want recognised in Australia
An RPL it team member sorting an electrician's job photos and reference letter into his evidence folder at a ute tailgate on a building site

How RPL works in four steps

  1. Free Skills Review

    Tell us about your work experience. We’ll match it to valid qualifications.

  2. Build your portfolio

    Your account manager helps you gather your required evidence for your RTO.

  3. RTO assessment

    Your evidence portfolio is submitted to our partner RTO. A qualified assessor evaluates your competency.

  4. Get your qualification

    Once assessed as competent, the RTO issues your nationally recognised qualification.

Career Outcomes

Explore Roles Associated with this Qualification

If your current or past work looks like one of these roles, this qualification may suit you.

  • 01

    Air Conditioning Technician

    Overseeing the installation and repair of heating and cooling systems while managing resources and staff.

  • 02

    Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services Technician

    Designing and maintaining advanced systems including steam distribution and hydronic cooling.

Evidence Checklist

What Suitable Evidence Can Support Your Evidence Portfolio?

Your consultant can help you identify relevant workplace records. The delivering RTO decides whether the evidence is sufficient and current.

Work History & Roles
  • A detailed CV or resume outlining your industry experience
  • Position descriptions from current or past employers
  • Letters of service or employment references

Installation & Commissioning
  • Photos of installed refrigerant pipework and accessories
  • Commissioning reports for low or medium temperature systems
  • Pressure test logs and evacuation records

Maintenance & Fault Finding
  • Service records for air conditioning or vapour compression systems
  • Diagnostic reports for control systems and electrical circuits
  • Fault rectification logs for single and three-phase motors

Regulatory & Safety Compliance
  • Refrigerant recovery and charging logs
  • Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and JSA documentation
  • Electrical safety test results and compliance tags

Qualfication comparison

RPL and Traditional Study

Two routes to the same qualification, assessed against the same RTO competency standards.

RPL PathwaySupported by RPL it, assessed by the RTO
Traditional StudyDelivered and assessed by the RTO
Starting point
Your existing, current workplace skills and evidence
A planned course of learning and assessment
How competency is shown
Workplace evidence mapped to the qualification requirements
Learning activities, assignments, practical work, and assessment
Assessment decision
Made by a qualified assessor from the delivering RTO
Made by a qualified assessor from the delivering RTO
If gaps are identified
Additional evidence or targeted gap training may be required
Learning and assessment continue through the course structure
Qualification outcome
Issued only when the RTO determines all requirements are met
Issued only when the RTO determines all requirements are met

RPL it Australia reviews

What our clients say

Selected Google reviews. Individual experiences vary. Every applicant is assessed against the same requirements, and some require gap training or additional evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Recognition of Prior Learning, your experience, and your next step.

Got more questions?
How long does the RPL process take?

Most candidates who submit a complete evidence portfolio receive their qualification within 4 to 6 weeks from RTO assessment. The total timeline depends on evidence readiness. Strong documentation can help the process move quickly, while evidence gaps or gap training may take longer.

Is an RPL qualification the same as one from TAFE?

Yes. An RPL qualification is issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework, the same framework that governs qualifications from TAFE colleges and all other Registered Training Organisations. It carries the same national recognition. Licensing requirements vary, so check with the relevant authority.

How much does RPL cost?

RPL costs vary by qualification level, complexity, and number of units. Because RPL assesses what you already know rather than teaching new content, it is typically less expensive than full enrolment. Contact our team for a tailored quote. Payment plans are interest-free with no establishment fee, and the instalment schedule and any extension fee that could apply are set out in your quote.

What evidence do I need for RPL?

Evidence can include your resume, reference letters from employers, photos or videos of your work, previous qualifications and certificates, job descriptions, and any other documentation that demonstrates your skills and knowledge. The RTO tells you exactly what evidence it needs for your specific qualification, and your RPL it consultant helps you put it together.

Can I get credit for units I have already completed?

Yes, if you hold a qualification or Statement of Attainment that includes units equivalent to units in this qualification. This is called credit transfer. The delivering RTO checks your AQF certification documents or authenticated VET transcript. Where a unit is equivalent and your certification is authenticated, the RTO must grant credit for it. It can refuse only on limited grounds, for example where a licensing or regulatory requirement calls for reassessment.

Delivering RTO · 1 partner RTOs

Assessed and issued by a partner RTO

Your delivering RTO is confirmed before enrolment. Check any RTO’s registration on training.gov.au.