Recognition of Prior LearningCertificate IIIElectrical & electronics

Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration through RPL

Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is a nationally recognised Certificate III in the electrical and electrotechnology industry. It reflects the skills of people working in roles such as air conditioning and mechanical services technician and air conditioning technician. If you already do this kind of work, Recognition of Prior Learning may let a registered training organisation assess your experience against it.

Check if RPL could work for youWhy genuine RPL matters

Roles this qualification reflects

An assessor looks for evidence that you can do work like this to the required standard.

  • Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services Technician
  • Air Conditioning Technician

About this qualification

Live from training.gov.au

Qualification description

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:…

Packaging rules

To be awarded, a learner completes 1070 core points plus 140 elective points — 1210 points in total. The specific units and elective choices are listed on the official record.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

Source: training.gov.au · release 1, 24 March 2025.View the official record

What evidence do RTOs usually accept?

Genuine RPL is assessed on real evidence. Every RTO sets its own requirements, but these are the kinds of things assessors commonly look for. You don’t need all of it to start — we’ll help you work out what you have.

  • Proof of work historyPayslips, employment contracts, letters from employers, an ABN and invoices if you’ve worked for yourself, or a detailed resume.
  • References and verificationStatements or referee reports from employers, supervisors or clients who can confirm the work you’ve done.
  • Samples of your workPhotos or videos of completed jobs, project lists, plans you’ve worked from, or examples of what you’ve produced.
  • Tickets, licences and short coursesAny cards, tickets, white cards, licences or short-course certificates you already hold.
  • A practical demonstrationMost RPL also involves showing your skills directly — a practical task or a competency conversation with a qualified assessor.

Licensing and registration

In many trades, a qualification is only one part of being allowed to do the work. Licensing is set by each state and territory — here’s where to check. Links go to the relevant regulator.

Electrical licence

Electrical work is licensed in every state and territory. A recognised qualification is one requirement — regulators also look at supervised experience, safety assessments and other conditions.

Refrigerant handling licence

Handling fluorocarbon refrigerants requires a national refrigerant handling licence, issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick) — separate to any state electrical licence.

RPL enquiry

Could RPL work for your air conditioning and refrigeration experience?

Tell us about your work. We’ll explain what a registered RTO is likely to need and whether RPL is the right path — or a better one. No cost, no obligation.

Check if RPL could work for you

Tell us about your trade and experience. We’ll be honest about what evidence you’ll need — and whether RPL is the right path.

What evidence could you provide? Tick any that apply

Genuine RPL is assessed on evidence like this, plus a practical assessment by a registered training organisation.

RS Education is not a registered training organisation and does not provide immigration assistance. Qualifications are issued only by RTOs; we never sell or guarantee qualifications.

Other qualifications in electrical & electronics

RS Education (RecogniSKILL Pty Ltd, ABN 66 666 375 819) is not a registered training organisation. We do not deliver training, assess competence, issue qualifications or guarantee outcomes, and we do not sell qualifications. This page is general information only. Assessments are conducted and qualifications issued solely by RTOs registered on training.gov.au; licensing is determined by the relevant state, territory or national regulator. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing body.