Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration - UEE32220

VOCATIONAL

Build the skills you need to work in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Fees:

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Next intake:
See Apply for details
Location:
Melbourne City
Entry score:

Not applicable

Fees:

Not applicable

Overview

The Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration is for people who are employed as air-conditioning and refrigeration apprentices.

This is an apprenticeship program.

This certificate provides you with the skills to select components, install, set up, test, repair and maintain refrigeration systems, large-scale equipment for food storage and preservation, and air-conditioning and air distribution equipment.

It includes regulatory requirements for purchasing and handling refrigerants. On-the-job training with your employer is combined with studying at RMIT.

You’ll complete practical and theoretical classes to gain the skills and knowledge to work at a trade level in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.

You'll have access to online resources through the student portal.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, reports, oral classes, and practical workshops.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

As an apprentice, you will learn while on-the-job. You may be able to be assessed in your workplace.

Feedback from work supervisors and others can be used as evidence of competency, and an RMIT University assessor can visit your workplace to observe your work practice.

One day on-campus per week or block release of 7 weeks per year.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Throughout your study in this certificate, you will learn to:

  • identify work health and safety hazards and document control measure
  • fix, secure, mount, do basic fitting and fabrication techniques
  • use drawings, diagrams, cable schedules, standards, codes and specifications
  • carry out basic connections of refrigeration and air-conditioning piping/ tubing and fittings
  • install refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and associated equipment
  • test and visually inspect refrigeration and air-conditioning system and components for safety
  • locate and rectify faults in appliances intended to operate to a connected supply up to 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Program code: C3408
National curriculum code: UEE32220
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
City Campus
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
C3408
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
C3408
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics work in commercial food storage, air-conditioning, transport refrigeration and industrial processing systems, in offices, technical laboratories, workshops or onsite.

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When you graduate, you'll be eligible for a full refrigerant handling license through the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC).

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

This program is delivered as an apprenticeship. To enrol in this program as an apprentice you should:

  • Make contact with Australian Apprenticeship Support Network who can explain Apprenticeship and assist with finding employment as an apprentice
  • Sign a training contract with your employer and the Apprenticeship Network provider
  • Nominate RMIT as your preferred Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

You will be contacted by RMIT after we are notified by the Apprenticeship Network to organise your enrolment.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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You must meet the entry requirements to gain access to this course. Please contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

When you successfully complete this certificate, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options or browse our courses.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$650* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$3,250* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$8,250* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information