Occupational Certificate:
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Qualification (SAQA QUAL ID 103277)
Our training centre is proud to be fully accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) to offer the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration qualification.
This is a 3-year programme designed to provide learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for full occupational qualification in the air conditioning.Credits 641
Purpose
The purpose of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration qualification (QCTO) is to train and certify competent artisans who can install, service, maintain, fault-find, and repair air-conditioning and refrigeration systems safely and according to industry standards.
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) or equivalent qualification
Basic literacy and numeracy skills required.
Basic understanding of Mathematics and Science is an advantage.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
Physically fit to perform practical and technical work.
Willingness to complete theory, practical training, and workplace experience over 3 years.
Access to or placement in a relevant workplace for experiential learning (where required).
Valid South African ID or legal permit (for registration purposes).
Commitment to comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.
• Fundamental principles of air conditioning and refrigeration
• Mathematics and science related to HVAC&R systems
• Electrical and electronic fundamentals
• Refrigeration cycles and thermodynamics
• Air distribution, ventilation, and system design principles
• Refrigerants, environmental impact, and legislation
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and industry regulations
• Interpretation of technical drawings and schematics>
• Use and maintenance of tools, equipment, and testing instruments
• Installation of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems
• Electrical wiring, controls, and components
• Brazing, piping, and leak detection techniques
• System charging, evacuation, and commissioning
• Fault-finding, diagnostics, and repairs
• Preventive maintenance and servicing procedures
•Exposure to real-world HVAC&R working environments
• Application of knowledge and practical skills in the workplace
• Installation, servicing, and maintenance under supervision
• Compliance with workplace safety and quality standards
•Completion of a QCTO-approved workplace logbook
• Basic and advanced refrigeration principles
• Air conditioning systems and components
•Installation and commissioning of systems
• Electrical fundamentals for HVAC systems
• Fault-finding and troubleshooting
• Maintenance and repair of refrigeration and air conditioning units
• Health, safety, and environmental practices
• Use of tools, equipment, and testing instruments
• Workplace readiness and industry standards
Assessment includes formative evaluations throughout training and an integrated summative assessment. Practical and theoretical skills are evaluated using approved ETQA tools and are subject to both internal and external moderation. The summative assessment combines practical tasks, workplace simulations, and documented portfolios of evidence.
• Air Conditioning Technician
• Refrigeration Technician
• HVAC Installer
• HVAC Maintenance Technician
• Cold Room Technician
• Facilities Maintenance Technician
• Refrigeration Mechanic
• Technical Service Technician
• Self-employed HVAC Contractor