Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Licensing (RAC-L)

Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Licensing (RAC-L) - 0037S0184

VOCATIONAL

Get trained to meet Victorian Building Authority (VBA) licensing requirements through this skill set.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
11 weeks
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
See Apply for details
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Be equipped with the in-depth knowledge and practical skills required to meet refrigerated air-conditioning licensing with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).

This skill set is designed for refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) tradespeople who have completed or are currently enrolled in UEE32220 Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and are seeking to become licensed with the VBA.

The VBA publishes a set of prescribed units of competency for registration and licensing in refrigerated air-conditioning, commonly referred to as 'gazetted units'.

This specifically designed RMIT skill set provides you with the knowledge and skills to be assessed for a license by teaching the gazetted units required for licensing, meeting VBA requirements and complying with the Plumbing Regulations 2018.

Why study the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Licensing skill set at RMIT?

Compliant skills

Complete this skill set in 11 weeks and apply to the VBA for your RAC license.

Experiential learning

Consolidate industry and legislative understanding through structured learning processes.

Expert guidance

Learn from industry-active trainers with extensive experience in the field.

Capabilities required for licensed RAC work

To competently and safely undertake RAC work, you must be proficient in reading site or building plans to identify installation locations, as well as interpreting and applying manufacturer specifications.

Other skills include locating and rectifying faults in motors, controls, and low voltage composite appliances within RAC systems. The ability to fabricate, assemble, and dismantle industry components, as well as install and commission these systems, is essential.

Additionally, expertise in recovering, pressure testing, evacuating, charging, and leak testing refrigerants, along with selecting appropriate piping, accessories, and controls, is required.

Finally, diagnosing and rectifying system faults and disconnecting/reconnecting composite appliances connected to low voltage wiring are critical competencies.

Details

Learning and teaching

This skill set is taught predominantly face-to-face at our Melbourne City campus or Bundoora Campus. Throughout this course, teaching styles may include guest lecturers, tutorials, class presentations, and group and student-led discussions.

You may work independently or in a team to solve problems, analyse and respond to case studies, prepare or respond to briefs, write case study reports, or participate in managing a company in a computer-based business simulation.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be ongoing during the skill set delivery, and students will be asked to complete various assessment tasks and activities to assess their competence against key performance criteria. These assessment tasks/activities include practical demonstrations, role plays, observation checklists, simulated interpreting assignments, report, in-class exams, and quizzes.

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.

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

Throughout this skill set, you will be required to attend face-to-face classes on campus 3 days per week for 3.5 hours.

You can also expect 5 hours of external study per subject per week to complete required reading and assignments.

This is a specially designed RMIT skill set made up of 8 units of competency—7 VBA gazetted units and 1 pre-requisite:

  1. BSBESB402—Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
  2. CPCCBC4012—Read and interpret plans and specifications.
  3. CPCPCM4011—Carry out work-based risk control processes
  4. CPCPCM4012—Estimate and cost work
  5. CPCPCM4015—Access and interpret regulatory requirements for the plumbing and services industry
  6. UEERA0054—Maintain microbial control of refrigeration and air conditioning systems
  7. UEERA0070—Resolve problems in central plant air conditioning systems
  8. UEECD0007—Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

Course structure

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

Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Licensing (RAC-L)
Program code: S0184
National curriculum code: 0037S0184

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Licensing (RAC-L)
City Campus
11 Weeks
S0184
Location
City Campus
Duration
11 Weeks
Plan code
S0184
CRICOS

Career

Upon completion of this skill set, you will be able to apply for a license in refrigerated air-conditioning, having met the VBA requirements and the Plumbing Regulations 2018.

Entry requirements and admissions

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

There are no minimum academic entry requirements. 

Before you enrol in this skill set, you must be enrolled or have completed a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE3220).

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.

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Upon successful completion of this skill set, students will need to successfully complete the VBA RAC licensing assessment/exam to become a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Worker in the industry.

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.

Fees

2025 fees

This program is only offered as a full-fee program.

  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$3,000* total

*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.
    *Note: *SSAF will be charged per nominal hour at a rate of $0.51 per hour.
  • 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.

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.

Note: SSAF will be charged per nominal hour at a rate of $0.51 per hour in 2025.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

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

There is no fee assistance available for this skill set.

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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