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Free Skills Review
Tell us about your experience. We provide a preliminary review against UEE32225 with no obligation.
Accepting ApplicationsNationally RegisteredCertificate III
UEE32225 · Construction & Engineering
Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
You have the technical expertise from years in the HVAC and refrigeration industry. We guide you through presenting that lived experience as formal evidence to meet national standards.
The qualification
About This Qualification
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.
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.
RPL It status: Accepting applications
New to RPL?
What Is Recognition of Prior Learning?
Recognition of Prior Learning is a formal assessment process that evaluates skills, knowledge, and experience you have gained through your career against the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification.
You gather relevant workplace evidence and a qualified assessor from the delivering Registered Training Organisation evaluates that evidence. If the assessor determines every competency requirement is met, the RTO issues the qualification.
Your Qualification Pathway in Four Steps
2
Evidence Portfolio
Your consultant guides you through identifying and organising relevant workplace evidence for the RTO.
3
RTO Assessment
A qualified assessor from the delivering Registered Training Organisation evaluates the evidence against the national standard.
4
Qualification Outcome
If the RTO determines every requirement is met, the RTO issues the nationally recognised qualification.
Explore Roles Associated With This Qualification
Select a role to review its database-listed outcome and examples of evidence that may help an RTO understand your experience.
Air Conditioning Technician
Overseeing the installation and repair of heating and cooling systems while managing resources and staff.
Examples of workplace evidence that may help an RTO assessor understand this experience include:
- A detailed CV or resume outlining your industry experience
- Position descriptions from current or past employers
- Letters of service or employment references
- Photos of installed refrigerant pipework and accessories
- Commissioning reports for low or medium temperature systems
- Pressure test logs and evacuation records
What Kind of Experience Can Support Your Application?
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
Not sure whether your evidence is relevant?
Start with a free preliminary skills review. We can help you understand the evidence an RTO may need to assess.
Start My Free Skills ReviewPathway comparison
RPL and Traditional Study
Two pathways that use the same RTO competency standards.
Compare
RPL pathway
Traditional study
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
Everything You Need to Know Before Enrolling
Fees, timeframes, the delivering RTO, and any qualification-specific conditions are confirmed before you make an enrolment decision.
Pricing is confirmed before you commit
You will receive a detailed, personalised quote before enrolment. It includes the total fee, payment terms, and the name of the delivering RTO.
What affects your timeline
Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4 to 6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. Individual timeframes vary.
What RPL It supports
- Guidance through evidence gathering
- Preparing a complete portfolio for submission
- Following up on your behalf
What the RTO controls
- Assessment workload and evaluation timeline
- Requests for more evidence or gap training
- The qualification issuance process
Delivering Registered Training Organisations
The current database lists the following active partner RTOs for this qualification. The delivering RTO is confirmed before enrolment.
RPL It supports the pathway; the RTO makes the decision
RPL It Australia
- Preliminary skills review or interest registration
- Evidence gathering guidance
- Student support and pathway information
Delivering RTO
- Formal assessment by qualified assessors
- Competency and gap-training decisions
- Qualification issuance and assessment appeals
Additional licensing requirements may apply
This qualification meets the training components for the national Refrigerant Handling Licence and restricted electrical work in most jurisdictions. Please note that while the qualification is a prerequisite, you must apply directly to the relevant authority to obtain your formal licence.
NSW: NSW Fair TradingVIC: Victorian Building Authority (VBA)QLD: Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)WA: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and SafetySA: Consumer and Business Services (CBS)TAS: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)NT: NT WorkSafeACT: Access Canberra
Free Skills Review
Start Your Free Skills Review for UEE32225
Tell us about your background and we will provide a free preliminary review of your experience against the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
- Preliminary review of your experience against UEE32225
- Guidance on whether an RPL pathway may suit your background
- No commitment or guaranteed assessment outcome
- Formal assessment and qualification issuance remain with the RTO
Prefer to talk? Call 1300 93 60 93
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How do I get started with RPL for this qualification?
The process begins with a free skills review to determine if your experience aligns with the qualification. If suitable, we guide you through building an evidence portfolio; including work samples, photos, and references; which is then formally evaluated by a qualified assessor from our partner RTO.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?
Yes. A qualification achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning is identical to one earned through traditional study. It is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and carries the same weight with employers and licensing bodies.
How long does the process typically take?
Most candidates complete the RPL process within 4 to 6 weeks after their evidence portfolio is submitted to the RTO. The total timeframe depends on how quickly you can gather documentation of your past work and industry experience.
Will this qualification help me get my ARC licence?
Yes, the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32225) is the core qualification required to apply for an Arctick (ARC) Full Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Licence. RPL ensures your existing trade skills are formally counted toward these regulatory requirements.
What kind of evidence do I need for HVAC and refrigeration units?
Evidence typically includes job cards, service reports, photos or videos of you performing installations or repairs, and references from licensed supervisors. These documents must demonstrate your ability to test, fault find, and maintain refrigeration and air distribution systems.
Does the RPL process cover refrigerant handling units?
Yes. To be found competent, you must provide evidence that you can safely select components, install systems, and handle refrigerants according to current Australian regulations. We help you identify the specific documentation needed to prove these competencies to the assessor.
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 to 6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. 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.
Related Qualifications
Other qualifications in the Electrotechnology Training Package training package.
Ready when you are
Turn Your Construction & Engineering Experience Into Evidence
Start a free preliminary review for Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. The delivering RTO makes every formal assessment decision.
This is a preliminary discussion, not a formal assessment or a guarantee of outcome. RPL It Australia does not issue qualifications.