Air conditioning technicians are some of Australia’s most in-demand trades. As a country with a hot climate, our homes and businesses rely on air conditioning, and that requires skilled trades.
As an air conditioning technician, you can expect to work on installing, testing, repairing, maintaining and decommissioning a variety of refrigeration systems. The extent of your skills and role depends on the qualifications you hold.
In this article, we’ll learn what an air conditioning technician is and see which qualifications you need to hold to work in the industry.
An air conditioning technician is a qualified tradesperson that specialises in the installation, maintenance and repair of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Qualified air conditioning technicians are permitted to work on all residential, commercial and industrial equipment.
Air conditioning technicians are required to hold an ARCtick licence, and they generally require a Restricted Electrical Licence as well.
How to Become an Air Conditioning Technician
There are two common pathways to becoming an air conditioning technician:
The first pathway is intended for electricians, plumbers and gas fitters looking to expand their skill set. Qualified trades (and 3rd or 4th year apprentices) can undertake a Certificate II in Split Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems (UEE20120) as the first step in their career.
Upon successful completion of Cert II training, you can undertake a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220) to become a qualified air conditioning technician.
The second pathway is to study your Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration through an apprenticeship.
Air conditioning apprenticeships typically take 4 years to complete. They include a combination of theoretical learning and practical training at a real workplace. During your apprenticeship, you’ll work under a qualified tradesperson and learn the skills you need to work independently.
Certificate II in Split Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems
Certificate II training is designed for:
- Qualified electricians
- Qualified plumbers or gas fitters
- 3rd and 4th year electrical apprentices
Earning a cert II in air conditioning allows electricians to handle the electrical and refrigeration work that’s involved with installing split system air conditioning.
What can you do with a Cert II in Air Conditioning?
Upon successful completion of the Certificate II in Split Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems, qualified electricians are allowed to install and decommission split system air conditioning systems.
Note that cert II training does not qualify you to fault find, repair or maintain air conditioning systems. You are also not permitted to install other types of air conditioning, such as ducted systems and commercial refrigeration.
Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Successfully completing a certificate III in air conditioning enables you to become a qualified air conditioning technician. Electricians, plumbers and gas fitters may be eligible for streamlined cert III training programs that can be completed within a shorter time frame.
Who is a Cert III in Air Conditioning for?
Studying a certificate III in air conditioning through an apprenticeship pathway is ideal for any skilled people wanting to become qualified air conditioning technicians.
You may be eligible to study a more streamlined course if you are one of the following:
- Electricians who hold a certificate II and want to expand their skills
- Qualified plumbers who have successfully completed their certificate II in air conditioning and their Restricted Electrical Licence
There may be additional course requirements, depending on the RTO you study with. Speak with your course coordinator to find out more.
What can you do with a Cert III in Air Conditioning?
Upon successful completion of your certificate III in air conditioning, you are qualified to install, test, repair and maintain air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Cert III holders can work on all types of residential and commercial air conditioning.
Become Qualified as an Air Conditioning Technician with Get Skilled Training!
Air conditioning and refrigeration is one of Australia’s most in-demand industries. With applications all over the country, becoming qualified to handle air conditioners is a great way to expand your skills and service offering!
Get Skilled Training offers Certificate II and Certificate III qualifications in air conditioning. For qualified electricians and non-electrical trades, our Cert II packages allow you to install and decommission split air conditioners, some of Australia’s favourite appliances.
If you want to take your career a step further, we also provide Cert III training that can get you qualified as an air conditioning and refrigeration technician.
Whether you want to grow your skills, expand your business or switch careers, Get Skilled Training can provide a course that’s tailored to your needs. Contact us to learn more, or enrol in an upcoming course through our website!
