1300 614 292
  • National Code: UEE32225

Finally, A Fast-Track HVAC Certificate III Pathway with Expert Consulting & Licensing Support!

Designed for experienced HVAC techs, experienced in Australia or overseas, who want real licensing outcomes without spending years stuck in the traditional training system.

*Note: We offer dedicated pathways for new entrants, experienced HVAC professionals, and electricians, helping you take the most efficient route toward qualification and licensing outcomes.

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At a Glance

Licence status
by state.

NSW
01
New South Wales
ARCtick RAC01 RAC Occupational Licence Restricted Electrical Licence
Three licences required. UEE32225 qualifies for all three — ARCtick RAC01, NSW RAC Occupational Licence, and Restricted Electrical Licence for RAC work. Min 2 years experience for non-apprentice pathway →
VIC
02
Victoria
ARCtick RAC01 VBA Registration + 4yr Exp Non-Apprentice Exam Required
VIC classifies RAC as plumbing. ARCtick RAC01 first, then VBA non-apprentice registration exam. Must demonstrate 4 years supervised experience — most demanding state in the series →
QLD
03
Queensland
ARCtick RAC01 QBCC Mechanical Services RAC Electrical Licence
Three licences — ARCtick RAC01 + QBCC Mechanical Services (Air Conditioning & Refrigeration) licence + WorkSafe QLD restricted electrical worker licence for RAC work →
WA
04
Western Australia
ARCtick RAC01 Apprenticeship Required for Electrical
Formal apprenticeship required in WA to obtain Restricted Electrical Licence for RAC. Non-electrical and non-apprentice students cannot achieve the electrical outcome in WA. Licensed electricians — contact us for your specific pathway →
ACT
05
Capital Territory
ARCtick RAC01 Electrical Licence Required
No apprenticeship required for non-electrical students. UEE32225 + ARCtick RAC01 + electrical licence = full commercial RAC technician. Core restricted electrical units meet ACT regulatory requirements →
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Licensing Australia — Alpha Technical Training
UEE32225 Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration ARCtick RAC01 — Full Refrigerant Handling Licence Install · Service · Repair · Fault-Find RAC Systems NSW · VIC · QLD · WA · ACT Residential · Commercial · Industrial Nationally Recognised Qualification Alpha Technical Training UEE32225 Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration ARCtick RAC01 — Full Refrigerant Handling Licence Install · Service · Repair · Fault-Find RAC Systems NSW · VIC · QLD · WA · ACT Nationally Recognised Qualification Alpha Technical Training
0+ Units of competency in UEE32225 — the most comprehensive RAC qualification in Australia
0yrs Minimum supervised experience required alongside the qualification for most state licences
0k+ HVAC&R jobs available annually in Australia — one of the highest demand trades
0% More earning potential for fully licensed RAC technicians vs restricted installers
Why This Matters

Unlicensed RAC Work
Is Illegal & Costly.

01 — Federal Law

Handling refrigerant without an ARCtick RAC01 is a criminal offence

The full RAC01 Refrigerant Handling Licence is required to service, repair, maintain, and diagnose faults in any refrigeration or air conditioning system. Without it, touching refrigerant for anything beyond basic split system installation is illegal under federal environmental law.

02 — Capped Income

Restricted installers earn a fraction of what fully licensed RAC technicians command

With only a split system installer licence (RSS03), you can install — but never service, repair, or maintain. The highest-value RAC work — commercial refrigeration, fault-finding, preventive maintenance contracts — is locked behind the full RAC01 licence that UEE32225 unlocks.

03 — State Licensing

State-specific RAC occupational licences require the full Cert III qualification

NSW requires a RAC Occupational Licence for commercial RAC work. QLD requires a QBCC Mechanical Services licence. VIC requires VBA registration. Each of these state licences is gated behind the UEE32225 — not the restricted Cert II.

Understanding Your Licences

The Full RAC
Licence Stack.

The Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32225) unlocks the most comprehensive licensing outcome of any RAC qualification in Australia. It qualifies you for the ARCtick RAC01 — the full, unrestricted Refrigerant Handling Licence — plus state-specific occupational and contractor licences for commercial RAC work.

Unlike the Cert II (UEE20120) which only covers installation and decommissioning of split systems up to 18kW, the Cert III covers the complete RAC trade: installation, commissioning, servicing, maintenance, fault-finding, repair, and refrigerant recovery across residential, commercial, and industrial systems.

A Trainee ARCtick licence is required before you can handle refrigerant during training. Apply for this before your first practical session — it can take up to two weeks to obtain. You must also hold an unrestricted electrical licence in your state to perform the electrical work component of RAC installations and repairs.

National — ARC Administered
ARCtick RAC01 — Full Refrigerant Handling Licence
No restrictions. Covers all stationary refrigeration and air conditioning work — residential, commercial, industrial. Installation, commissioning, servicing, maintenance, fault-finding, and repair. Issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council. Qualification pathway: UEE32225.
NSW — Fair Trading
NSW RAC Occupational Licence + Restricted Electrical Licence
UEE32225 (with core restricted electrical units) qualifies for both the NSW RAC Occupational Licence for refrigeration work AND the Restricted Electrical Occupation Licence for RAC-related electrical work above 50V AC. Contact NSW Fair Trading to confirm current requirements. Minimum 2 years experience required for non-apprentice pathway.
QLD — QBCC
Mechanical Services — Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Licence
UEE32225 satisfies the QBCC Mechanical Services (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) occupational licence requirement. Restricted Electrical Worker Licence (RAC class) via WorkSafe QLD required for RAC electrical work. Both licences are required to contract for commercial RAC work in Queensland.
VIC — VBA / BPC
Refrigerated Air Conditioning — BPC Registration
VIC classifies refrigerated air conditioning as a plumbing class. Non-apprentice applicants must demonstrate 4 years supervised experience and pass a non-apprentice registration exam. Must hold ARCtick RAC01 or RSS03 before applying to VBA. Contact VBA directly before commencing work in Victoria.
WA / NT — Important Note
Apprenticeship Required for Restricted Electrical Licence
In WA and NT, completing UEE32225 via a formal apprenticeship is required to obtain a Restricted Electrical Licence for RAC work. Non-electrical students in WA and NT are not eligible to enrol in the non-apprentice pathway for this reason. All other states have no apprenticeship requirement.
Student Visa Holders

On a visa.
Building a
future.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are on Australia's skilled occupation list. The UEE32225 is the qualification that opens the full skilled migration pathway — giving you a nationally recognised trade credential that supports PR applications across multiple visa subclasses.

Step 01
Complete UEE32225
Complete the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration — via apprenticeship, non-apprentice pathway, or RPL for experienced technicians. Minimum 2 years RAC experience required for non-apprentice RPL.
Step 02
Obtain ARCtick RAC01 + State Licence
Apply to the ARC for your full RAC01 Refrigerant Handling Licence. Then apply for your state occupational or contractor licence to work commercially in your state or territory.
Step 03
Skills Assessment & PR Application
Use your qualification and work experience for a formal skills assessment, then lodge your skilled migration visa application. The RAC trade has consistently strong points scores and employer demand across all states.

Whether you trained as an RAC mechanic overseas, hold an RSS03 and want to upgrade, or are an electrician expanding your trade — we can map your fastest pathway to the full RAC01 licence.

Talk to Us Today →
Interactive State Guide

Your State.
Your Rules.

New South Wales

RAC Occupational
Licence + Restricted
Electrical Licence

ARCtick RAC01 RAC Occupational Licence Restricted Electrical Licence

NSW requires three licences for full RAC contracting: the national ARCtick RAC01, the NSW RAC Occupational Licence (issued by NSW Fair Trading for refrigeration and air conditioning work), and the Restricted Electrical Occupation Licence for RAC-related electrical work above 50V AC. UEE32225 with core restricted electrical units qualifies you for all three. Non-apprentice pathway requires at least 2 years documented experience.

  • UEE32225 qualifies for ARCtick RAC01 — full unrestricted refrigerant handling
  • NSW RAC Occupational Licence — issued by NSW Fair Trading for RAC work
  • Restricted Electrical Occupation Licence — for RAC-related electrical work above 50V AC
  • Non-apprentice pathway: minimum 2 years experience + RPL assessment
  • Must be currently employed in the RAC industry for non-apprentice enrolment

Evidence Required

  • Government-issued ID (21+ for non-apprentice)
  • Unrestricted electrical licence (if applicable)
  • Resume — minimum 2 years RAC experience
  • Employer letter confirming current employment
  • ARCtick Trainee Licence (obtained before practical)
NSW requires three licences. UEE32225 qualifies you for all three when core restricted electrical units are included. RPL can fast-track the qualification for experienced technicians with 2+ years documented experience.
Start My NSW Pathway →
Victoria

ARCtick RAC01
+ VBA / BPC
Registration

ARCtick RAC01 VBA Assessment Required

VIC classifies refrigerated air conditioning as a specialised plumbing class under the VBA/BPC. UEE32225 qualifies you for the national ARCtick RAC01. For the state registration to work commercially in Victoria, non-apprentice applicants must demonstrate 4 years supervised experience under a licence holder, pass a non-apprentice registration exam conducted by the VBA, and hold an existing ARCtick licence (RAC01 or RSS03) before applying.

  • UEE32225 qualifies for ARCtick RAC01 — full unrestricted refrigerant handling
  • VBA/BPC registration required for Refrigerated Air Conditioning class in Victoria
  • Non-apprentice pathway: 4 years supervised experience under a licensed RAC holder
  • Must pass VBA non-apprentice registration exam for the RAC class
  • Must hold ARCtick RAC01 or RSS03 before applying for VBA registration

Evidence Required

  • Government-issued ID
  • Unrestricted electrical licence (if applicable)
  • Resume — 4 years RAC experience under licence holder
  • Supervisor declaration of experience
  • ARCtick Trainee Licence (obtained before practical)
VIC is the most demanding state. 4 years experience + VBA exam + existing ARCtick required. Contact VBA directly before commencing work in Victoria. ATT can help you build a compliant evidence portfolio for the non-apprentice pathway.
Start My VIC Pathway →
Queensland

ARCtick RAC01
+ QBCC Mechanical
Services Licence

ARCtick RAC01 QBCC Mechanical Services RAC Electrical Licence

QLD requires the national ARCtick RAC01 plus a QBCC Mechanical Services — Air Conditioning and Refrigeration occupational licence for commercial RAC contracting. WorkSafe QLD also requires a Restricted Electrical Worker Licence (RAC class) or unrestricted electrical licence for electrical work on RAC systems. UEE32225 satisfies the technical requirement for both the QBCC licence and the ARCtick RAC01.

  • UEE32225 qualifies for ARCtick RAC01 — full unrestricted refrigerant handling
  • QBCC Mechanical Services (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) licence required for contracting
  • Restricted Electrical Worker Licence (RAC class) from WorkSafe QLD for electrical work
  • No minimum experience requirement stated beyond the qualification for QBCC application
  • ARCtick Trainee Licence required before handling refrigerant during training

Evidence Required

  • Government-issued ID
  • Unrestricted or restricted RAC electrical licence
  • Resume and RAC experience history
  • Supervisor reference letter
  • ARCtick Trainee Licence (obtained before practical)
QLD has three licence layers: ARCtick RAC01 + QBCC Mechanical Services + WorkSafe electrical licence. UEE32225 covers the technical qualification for all three. ATT guides you through the application sequence for each.
Start My QLD Pathway →
Western Australia

ARCtick RAC01
+ Electrical Licence
(Apprentice Required)

ARCtick RAC01 Apprenticeship for Electrical

In WA, the UEE32225 via formal apprenticeship is required to obtain a Restricted Electrical Licence for RAC work. Non-electrical students and non-apprenticeship pathway students in WA are not eligible for the Restricted Electrical Licence outcome. However, completing UEE32225 via apprenticeship qualifies for the national ARCtick RAC01 and the WA restricted electrical licence, enabling full commercial RAC work in the state.

  • UEE32225 qualifies for ARCtick RAC01 — full unrestricted refrigerant handling
  • Formal apprenticeship required in WA to obtain Restricted Electrical Licence for RAC
  • Non-electrical students in WA cannot achieve the restricted electrical outcome via this pathway
  • Licensed electricians in WA should contact ATT regarding their specific pathway options
  • ARCtick Trainee Licence required before handling refrigerant during training

Evidence Required

  • Government-issued ID
  • Training contract (apprenticeship) documentation
  • Resume and RAC experience history
  • Employer confirmation of apprenticeship
  • ARCtick Trainee Licence (obtained before practical)
WA requires apprenticeship for electrical outcome. If you're a licensed electrician in WA looking to add RAC, contact ATT — your pathway options differ. The ARCtick RAC01 remains accessible regardless of pathway.
Start My WA Pathway →
Australian Capital Territory

ARCtick RAC01
+ Electrical Licence

ARCtick RAC01 Electrical Licence Required

In the ACT, completing UEE32225 qualifies you for the national ARCtick RAC01 for full refrigerant handling. The core restricted electrical units in UEE32225 meet the electrical regulatory requirements for RAC-related electrical work above 50V AC in most states and territories including the ACT. An unrestricted or restricted ACT electrical licence is required for the full electrical scope. Licensed electricians adding the RAC trade in the ACT follow the same pathway as QLD and NSW.

  • UEE32225 qualifies for ARCtick RAC01 — full unrestricted refrigerant handling
  • Core restricted electrical units meet ACT electrical regulatory requirements for RAC work
  • Unrestricted or restricted ACT electrical licence required for full electrical scope
  • No apprenticeship required for non-electrical students in the ACT (unlike WA/NT)
  • ARCtick Trainee Licence required before handling refrigerant during training

Evidence Required

  • Government-issued ID
  • Unrestricted ACT electrical licence (if applicable)
  • Resume and RAC experience history
  • Employer letter confirming current employment
  • ARCtick Trainee Licence (obtained before practical)
ACT follows the national pathway. UEE32225 + ARCtick RAC01 + electrical licence = full commercial RAC technician. No apprenticeship required for the non-electrical pathway in the ACT.
Start My ACT Pathway →
The Pathway

From Installer to
Full RAC Tradesperson.

01

Get Trainee ARCtick

Apply for your Trainee Refrigerant Handling Licence through arctick.org before your first practical session. Allow up to 2 weeks.

02

Enrol in UEE32225

Complete online theory at your own pace, then attend practical workshops. RPL available for experienced technicians with 2+ years.

03

RPL Assessment

Your experience is assessed against all 35 units. We maximise your RPL credits and identify any gap training needed.

04

Apply for RAC01

Submit your UEE32225 qualification and Work Supervisor Declaration to the ARC for your full RAC01 Refrigerant Handling Licence.

05

State Licence & Go

Apply for your state occupational or contractor licence (NSW Fair Trading, QBCC, VBA etc) and start working as a fully licensed RAC technician.

The Full RAC Trade
Is Closer Than You Think.

If you've been working in air conditioning and refrigeration, you're likely closer to the full RAC01 licence than you realise. Let us map your pathway — free, no obligation.

Book My Free Assessment
What is the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32225)?
+
The UEE32225 is a nationally recognised trade qualification covering the full scope of refrigeration and air conditioning work — selecting components, installing, commissioning, testing, fault-finding, repairing, and maintaining refrigeration and air conditioning systems across residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It is made up of 35 units of competency and is the qualification pathway for the ARCtick RAC01 — Australia's full, unrestricted Refrigerant Handling Licence. It is accepted as the technical qualification for RAC occupational and contractor licences in every state and territory.
What is the ARCtick RAC01 and how is it different from the RSS03?
+
The RAC01 is the full, unrestricted Refrigerant Handling Licence — it covers all stationary refrigeration and air conditioning work including installation, commissioning, servicing, maintenance, fault-finding, repair, and refrigerant recovery. The RSS03 is a restricted licence obtained via the Cert II (UEE20120) — it only covers installation and decommissioning of single-head split systems up to 18kW. With UEE32225 and the RAC01, you have no restrictions on the type or size of RAC system you can work on.
Do I need to be an apprentice to get this qualification?
+
Not necessarily. In most states and territories, a non-apprentice RPL pathway is available for experienced technicians. To enrol via non-apprentice pathway, you must be at least 21 years of age, have a minimum of 2 years documented work experience in the RAC industry, and be currently employed in a relevant role. In WA and NT, a formal apprenticeship is required to obtain the Restricted Electrical Licence outcome — non-electrical students in those states cannot achieve the full electrical licensing outcome via the non-apprentice pathway.
Do I need an electrical licence to enrol?
+
It depends on your background and state. If you are a licensed electrician, UEE32225 with the core restricted electrical units qualifies you for restricted electrical work on RAC systems in most states (NSW, QLD, ACT, SA, TAS). If you are a licensed plumber, UEE32225 also meets the electrical regulatory requirements for RAC-related restricted electrical work in most territories. If you hold neither licence, you can still complete the qualification and obtain the ARCtick RAC01 — the electrical licences are obtained via your state's licensing body separately.
What is the Trainee ARCtick licence and why do I need it before starting?
+
A Trainee Refrigerant Handling Licence (Trainee RHL) is a mandatory requirement before you can handle refrigerant during any practical training or on-the-job work as part of the course. You must apply for this through the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) at arctick.org before attending your first practical session. There are two types — one for classroom-only handling and one for both classroom and supervised workplace handling. Processing can take up to two weeks, so apply early after enrolment. Without it, you cannot legally touch refrigerant during training.
How long does the course take to complete?
+
Via apprenticeship, UEE32225 typically takes 3 to 4 years combining on-the-job training with practical workshops and online theory. Via the non-apprentice RPL pathway, experienced technicians with substantial documented RAC experience can complete the qualification significantly faster — the RPL assessment and any gap training can often be completed within a few months depending on the depth of evidence submitted and any gaps identified. Our advisors will map your specific timeline at the free assessment stage.
What documents do I need to enrol?
+
For the non-apprentice RPL pathway, you will need: government-issued photo ID confirming you are 21 or over, an up-to-date resume detailing your RAC work history with a minimum of 2 years documented experience, a letter from your current employer confirming you are employed in the RAC industry, any existing licences (electrical, plumbing, or ARCtick), and a Trainee ARCtick licence (applied for before practical attendance). Site photos, job records, and reference letters from licensed supervisors also strengthen your RPL evidence.
Can I study while still working full-time in the trade?
+
Yes. The course is delivered in a blended format — self-paced online theory through our LMS, combined with practical workshops and on-the-job training. RPL candidates submit evidence from their existing work, meaning the bulk of the qualification is assessed from what you've already done. You keep working, keep earning, and build your qualification around your schedule without extended time away from the job.
Is UEE32225 recognised across all states in Australia?
+
Yes. The UEE32225 Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is a nationally recognised qualification accepted by every state and territory regulator — NSW Fair Trading, QBCC in Queensland, VBA/BPC in Victoria, and the licensing authorities in WA, ACT, SA, TAS, and NT. The ARCtick RAC01 licence obtained through this qualification is also national — one licence valid everywhere in Australia.
How does the licensing work in each state after I qualify?
+
Licensing varies significantly by state. In NSW, UEE32225 qualifies you for three licences: ARCtick RAC01, NSW RAC Occupational Licence (Fair Trading), and Restricted Electrical Occupation Licence for RAC work. In QLD, you need ARCtick RAC01, QBCC Mechanical Services licence, and a WorkSafe QLD restricted electrical worker licence. In VIC, you need ARCtick RAC01 plus VBA registration — but VIC's non-apprentice pathway requires 4 years supervised experience and a VBA-administered exam. In WA, an apprenticeship is required for the restricted electrical outcome. In ACT, UEE32225 plus your electrical licence and ARCtick RAC01 covers full commercial RAC work. Select your state in the guide above for the complete breakdown.
What types of systems can I work on with the RAC01 licence?
+
With the RAC01, there are no restrictions. You can work on any stationary refrigeration and air conditioning system — single and multi-head split systems, ducted air conditioning, commercial refrigeration (cool rooms, freezer rooms, display cases), industrial chiller plants, heat pump systems of any size, food refrigeration equipment, and air distribution systems in buildings and commercial premises. The only exclusion is automotive air conditioning, which requires a separate ARC automotive licence.
What career and further study pathways open up after UEE32225?
+
UEE32225 is the foundation of the full RAC career. From here you can progress to Certificate IV in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Servicing (UEE42725), Certificate IV in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems (UEE42925), Diploma of Electrical and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (UEE50325), or the Diploma of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering (UEE51225). Each step opens higher-value commercial, industrial, and engineering roles. You can also move into business ownership, contracting, and specialisations like commercial refrigeration, industrial chiller servicing, or energy management.
Who is eligible to enrol?
+
For the non-apprentice pathway, you must be at least 21 years of age, hold an Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or a valid visa with full study and work rights, have a minimum of 2 years documented experience working in refrigeration and air conditioning (under a licensed RAC holder), and be currently employed in the RAC industry. Sufficient language, literacy, and numeracy skills at ACSF Level 3 are also required. Holding a Cert II in Split Air Conditioning (UEE20120) or a relevant electrical or plumbing trade background is an advantage but not mandatory for enrolment.

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Role of Alpha Technical Training

Alpha Technical Training provides guidance on qualification pathways and general information regarding occupational licensing requirements. Where appropriate, we work with partnered Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to facilitate enrolment into nationally recognised qualifications and support students throughout the certification and occupational licensing process. Students remain responsible for confirming their individual licensing eligibility with the relevant licensing authority.

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