Build the skills you need to work in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry.
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.
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.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, reports, oral classes, and practical workshops.
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 world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
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.
This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.
In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.
Throughout your study in this certificate, you will learn to:
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
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.
When you graduate, you'll be eligible for a full refrigerant handling license through the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC).
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
This course is delivered as an apprenticeship. To enrol in this course as an apprentice you should:
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.
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
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.
The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.
Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
$34,000.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$652.08 |
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$34,652.08 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
$14,000.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$652.08 |
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$14,652.08 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $14.85 per nominal hour ($18,621.90 total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Concession rate applied
|
Concession rate applied
|
$2,800.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
|
Concession rate applied
|
$125.40 |
| Material fees
|
N/A
|
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$2,925.40 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $18.05 per nominal hour ($22,634.70 total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
$0.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$0.00 |
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$0.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $14.85 per nominal hour ($18,621.90 total).
Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information
VET Student Loan cap for Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (C3419): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSL|
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$0
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$ per nominal hour ($ total).
Choose the specific course plan to see relevant fee information:
VET Student Loan cap for (): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSLUse 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.
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