RPL Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Last Updated on April 17, 2025 by Ozlinks Education

If you are an air conditioning and refrigeration technician who hasn’t yet qualified, you’re in the right place. The RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) program offers a pathway to convert your skills and work experience into a formal Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration through one of our Registered Training Organisation partners.

Find out more about recognition of prior learning.

Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Overview

The UEE32225 Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration provides essential skills for selecting parts, installing, setting up, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining refrigeration systems and equipment used for storing and preserving food. It also addresses air conditioning and air distribution systems within buildings, as well as the regulations pertaining to the purchase and handling of refrigerants. Additionally, it includes the regulatory requirements for the procurement and management of refrigerants.

Refrigerant Handling Licence:

A Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL) is a legal requirement for anyone in Australia who handles or works with refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) equipment. This licence ensures the implementation of safe practices and aims to prevent refrigerant emissions. Proper training and assessment are essential components for obtaining an RHL, as they equip individuals with the necessary knowledge to manage refrigerants responsibly. Holding this licence signifies a commitment to environmental protection and compliance with national regulations.

Job title: 

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Find out if you qualify for this certificate

Why do I need the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration?

Certificate III in air conditioning and refrigeration includes both practical and theoretical sessions designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for working in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry at a trade level. This certificate can enhance individuals’ career prospects by enabling them to obtain a registered air conditioning and refrigeration licence, thereby increasing their confidence and credibility with clients and employers alike. Licencing requirements vary across states and territories, and additional criteria may need to be met to attain this qualification.

International students and migrants may require this certificate for their migration skills assessment if they intend to apply for a skilled visa as air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. This certificate acts as proof of their qualifications and experience in the field, ensuring they satisfy the necessary standards set by the relevant assessing authorities.

Ozlinks Education can assist you in transforming your skills and work experience into a formal Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program with one of our Registered Training Organisation partners. Our expert team will assess your individual circumstances and provide tailored support to ensure that you achieve the qualifications necessary to advance your career.

Skills assessment for migration

rpl certificate iii in air conditioning
rpl certificate iii in air conditioning

What does an air conditioning and refrigeration technician do?

An Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician assembles, installs, maintains and repairs industrial, commercial and domestic air conditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment that can contain refrigerant gases and liquids.

Registration or licensing is required.

Their job involves:

  • Installs air conditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment in industrial, commercial and domestic settings
  • Assembles components and parts to construct air conditioning and refrigeration systems
  • Repairs and maintains air conditioning and refrigeration components such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators and pumps
  • Repairs and maintains air conditioning and refrigeration lines used for refrigerating, liquids and gases in the air conditioning, heating or cooling process
  • Tests operational air conditioning and refrigeration systems to prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal performance
  • Fills systems with gas or fluid to check for leaks, and removes gas and fluids with vacuum pumps
  • Recovers and fills refrigerant in air conditioning and refrigeration systems

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which is governed by the Australian Government’s Department of Education in consultation with the states and territories, gives all students the right to have their prior education, relevant work experience, and training acknowledged to facilitate their advancement towards and between qualifications. Every registered training organisation (RTO) has its own policies and procedures for determining your RPL eligibility, but the fundamentals are the same. The experience and skills you’ve gained through your work can help you complete a qualification faster and reduce the time commitment of taking a course to get you closer to your dream job.

The advantages of using RPL program

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program offer numerous benefits, including time and cost savings by validating existing skills and experience, expedited qualification achievement, and improved employment prospects. RPL program helps you:

  • There is no need to relearn what you already know.
  • It saves both your time and tuition fees.
  • Assist you in achieving your career change objectives in Australia.
  • Gaining an Australian qualification requires less time.
  • You do not need to attend classes or redo the training you have already completed.
  • Open new career opportunities in the conditioning and refrigeration industry.
  • Acquire a qualification that meets the skills assessment requirements for migration purposes.

Evidence requirements

Below is the general list of documents that you are required to provide to support your RPL assessment application:

  • 100 points of identification documents (ID)
  • A current resume outlines your relevant employment history
  • Student USI number
  • Australian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary visa holder with a full-time working right.
  • A white card or any other relevant license
  • Must have a minimum of 3 years of work experience full-time in Australia in an air conditioning and refrigeration repair service and work under the supervision of an air conditioning registered license.
  • Employment evidence, including an employment reference letter, employment contract, payslips, income statement, and superannuation.
  • Workplace photos and videos that showcase you performing your tasks in accordance with the job duties outlined above demonstrate your competency in the relevant qualification. 

Note: Additional gap training may be necessary to address any areas for improvement and to ensure a positive assessment outcome. An RTO assessor might conduct a competency interview with you to identify any existing training gaps.

General Skilled Migration

The RPL process is done in 3 simple steps.

The RPL process consists of three stages and typically takes between six and eight weeks to complete from the time an applicant applies to an RPL assessment institute. During this period, applicants gather evidence of their skills and experiences, which is then evaluated against the relevant qualifications. This thorough process ensures that the recognition of prior learning accurately reflects the applicant's capabilities and knowledge.

Register / Enrolment

Step 1: During the enrolment stage, you will have to demonstrate your skill level in relation to your chosen qualification by completing a self-assessment related to the required skills and knowledge to determine the relevance of the RPL pathway.

Assessment/ Evidence Review

Step 2: The RPL assessor will give you tests in the subjects of your applied qualification to find out what skills you have and match them to the skills needed to work in the industry and for the qualification you have chosen.

You will need to provide proof of the necessary documents, photos, and videos to show that you know how each subject in your qualification.

Result

Step 3: If you meet all units of competency under the qualification, you will be issued with a Certificate and Statement of Results.

Register / Enrolment

Step 1: During the enrolment stage, you will have to demonstrate your skill level in relation to your chosen qualification by completing a self-assessment related to the required skills and knowledge to determine the relevance of the RPL pathway.

Assessment/ Evidence Review

Step 2: The RPL assessor will give you tests in the subjects of your applied qualification to find out what skills you have and match them to the skills needed to work in the industry and for the qualification you have chosen.

You will need to provide proof of the necessary documents, photos, and videos to show that you know how each subject in your qualification.

Result

Step 3: If you meet all units of competency under the qualification, you will be issued with a Certificate and Statement of Results.

What RPL qualification are you looking for?

To enhance your chances of securing a well-paying job in the Australian market, consider assessing your skills and work experience, as well as obtaining formal recognition of your qualifications. If you are a skilled welder, electrician, fabricator, or mechanical technician, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Choose a qualification that best aligns with your needs and circumstances from the list provided below.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of questions that our customers often ask us. If you need more information, don't hesitate to contact Ozlinks Education now.

Why should you consider RPL?

The RPL is generally a faster way to an Australian qualification than completing a formal training course because it recognizes your previous work experience.

Yes. The RPL evaluation process is just as thorough as any other evaluation. But the evidence you need to show may be different from what is usually asked in a class assessment.

When the criteria for each of the subjects are met, a degree may be partially or fully accredited. For example, only completed subjects can be counted towards the qualification.

Even if your credits aren't enough to qualify, you can still receive written certification of the courses you've completed.

This will depend on the complexity of your qualification, how many subjects you apply for and how long it takes you to gather proof of work experience, collate and submit proof. Usually, the RPL process is 6 to 8 weeks from the date of application to the RPL assessment institute and also depends on your industry and qualifications.