If you are applying for a skills assessment under the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) in the licensed occupation of Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic, you will be required to apply for a skills assessment through a Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) approved registered training organisation (RTO). If successful, you will be issued with an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR).
An OTSR holder is eligible to apply for a Trainee Licence with the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). This will allow you to work as an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic under supervision while completing Australian context gap training.
An OTSR holder is also issued a migration outcome letter to apply for migration with the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs).
IMPORTANT: Each state and territory has different requirements in relation to Australian context gap training and electrical authorisation for the licenced occupation of Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic. For further information on Australian context gap training and electrical licensing requirements in the state or territory in which you are planning to work, please click on the relevant link below.
Australian Capital Territory
To apply for a refrigerant handling licence and the Electrotechnology Systems Restricted Permit (Refrigeration and Airconditioning), OTSR holders wishing to work in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) must contact:
- Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), who issue the Trainee Licence (for handling of refrigerant in classroom and workplace), and
- Access Canberra who is the regulator responsible for issuing the Electrotechnology Systems Restricted Permit (Refrigeration and Airconditioning).
IMPORTANT: Both licences are required to work in the ACT as an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (under supervision).
Holders of a Trainee Licence and an Electrotechnology Systems Restricted Permit (Refrigeration and Airconditioning), must:
- enrol in and complete Australian context gap training, and
- work under the supervision of a holder of a current and full licence that is related to the refrigeration work that the trainee licence holder is being trained in, for a period up to twelve (12) months.
On successful completion of Australian context gap training and supervised employment, applicants are eligible to apply for a Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211).
On receipt of the Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211), an applicant may apply for a full Refrigerant Handling Licence – Qualified Persons (2 years) with ARC and a Restricted – Electrotechnology Systems Refrigeration and Airconditioning Licence with Access Canberra.
For specific information about airconditioning and refrigeration licences in the ACT, please contact the following:
Australian Refrigeration Council
| Telephone | 1300 884 483 |
| enquire [at] arctick.org | |
| Address | Locked Bag 3033 BOX HILL VIC 3128 |
| Website | https://www.arctick.org |
Access Canberra
| Telephone | 02 6207 8096 |
| cwpl [at] act.gov.au | |
| Address |
Construction and Workplace Licensing |
| Website | www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au |
New South Wales
To apply for a refrigerant handling licence and the Provisional Tradesperson Certificate, OTSR holders wishing to work in New South Wales (NSW) must contact:
- the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), who issue the Trainee Licence (for handling of refrigerant in classroom and workplace), and
- New South Wales Fair Trading who is the regulator responsible for issuing the Provisional Tradesperson Certificate.
IMPORTANT: Both licences are required to work in NSW as an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (under supervision).
Holders of a Trainee Licence and a Provisional Tradesperson Certificate must:
- enrol in and complete Australian context gap training, and
- work under the supervision of a current holder of an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Licence or Certificate.
On successful completion of Australian context gap training and supervised employment, applicants are eligible to apply for a Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211).
On receipt of the Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211), an applicant may apply for a full Refrigerant Handling Licence – Qualified Persons (2 years) with ARC and an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Licence or Certificate with New South Wales Fair Trading.
For specific information about airconditioning and refrigeration licences in NSW please contact the following:
Australian Refrigeration Council
| Telephone | 1300 884 483 |
| enquire [at] arctick.org | |
| Address |
Locked Bag 3033 |
| Website | https://www.arctick.org |
New South Wales Fair Trading
| Telephone | 13 32 20 |
| HBLicensing [at] customerservice.nsw.gov.au | |
| Address | NSW Fair Trading PO Box 972 PARRAMATTA NSW 2124 |
| Website | NSW Fair Trading |
Northern Territory
To apply for a refrigerant handling licence, OTSR holders wishing to work in the Northern Territory (NT) must contact the:
- Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), who issue the Trainee Licence (for handling of refrigerant in classroom and workplace).
Holders of a Trainee Licence must:
- enrol in and complete Australian context gap training, and
- work under the supervision of a holder of a current and full licence that is related to the refrigeration work that the trainee licence holder is being trained in, for a period up to twelve (12) months.
On successful completion of Australian context gap training and supervised employment, applicants are eligible to apply for a Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211).
On receipt of the Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211) an applicant may apply for a full Refrigerant Handling Licence – Qualified Persons (2 years) with ARC and a Restricted Electrical Licence with the Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board.
For specific information about airconditioning and refrigeration licences in the NT please contact the following:
Australian Refrigeration Council
| Telephone | 1300 884 483 |
| enquire [at] arctick.org | |
| Address |
Locked Bag 3033 |
| Website | https://www.arctick.org |
Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board
| Telephone | 08 8936 4079 |
| Electrical.licensing [at] nt.gov.au | |
| Address | The Licensing Officer Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board GPO Box 1154 DARWIN NT 0801 |
| Website | Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board |
Queensland
Refrigerant handling licence
To apply for a refrigerant handling licence, OTSR holders wishing to work in Queensland (QLD) must contact the:
- Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), who issue the Trainee Licence (for handling of refrigerant in classroom and workplace)
Holders of a Trainee Licence must:
- enrol in and complete Australian context gap training, and
- work under the supervision of a holder of a current and full licence that is related to the refrigeration work that the trainee licence holder is being trained in, for a period up to twelve (12) months.
On successful completion of Australian context gap training and supervised employment, applicants are eligible to apply for a Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211).
On receipt of the Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211), an applicant may apply for a full Refrigerant Handling Licence – Qualified Persons (2 years).
For more information about airconditioning and refrigeration licences in QLD, please contact the Australian Refrigeration Council.
| Telephone | 1300 884 483 |
| enquire [at] arctick.org | |
| Address | Locked Bag 3033 BOX HILL VIC 3128 |
| Website | https://www.arctick.org |
Electrical work licence
A person who holds an OTSR as an airconditioning and refrigeration mechanic must obtain the Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211) before being eligible for a restricted electrical work licence in Queensland. Whilst holding the OTSR and the Trainee Licence, you must have a licensed person carry out the disconnecting, reconnecting and fault finding of any electrical equipment you are required to work on.
On receipt of the Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration, you may apply for a restricted electrical work licence. In most cases applicants will be issued with an electrical work training permit and will need to undertake additional on and off the job training to obtain the licence. For more information please contact the Electrical Safety Office on 1300 632 993.
Refrigeration and Airconditioning work licence
A holder of a Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211) and a Refrigerant Handling Licence issued by the ARC is required to apply to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) for licensing for refrigeration and airconditioning work. For more information please visit the QBCC website www.qbcc.qld.gov.au or contact QBCC on 139 333.
South Australia
- the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), who issue the Trainee Licence (for handling of refrigerant in classroom and workplace), and
- Consumer and Business Services South Australia, who is the regulator responsible for issuing the Restricted Electrical Worker Registration (under supervision).
IMPORTANT: Both licences are required to work in SA as an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (under supervision).
Holders of a Trainee Licence and a Restricted Electrical Worker Registration (under supervision) must:
- enrol in and complete Australian context gap training, and
- work under the supervision of a holder of a current and full licence that is related to the refrigeration work that the trainee licence holder is being trained in, for a period up to twelve (12) months.
On successful completion of Australian context gap training and supervised employment, applicants are eligible to apply for a Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211).
On receipt of the Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211), an applicant may apply for a full Refrigerant Handling Licence – Qualified Persons (2 years) with ARC and apply to upgrade their Restricted Registration to remove the supervision restriction with Consumer and Business Services South Australia.
For specific information about airconditioning and refrigeration licences in SA please contact the following:
Australian Refrigeration Council
| Telephone | 1300 884 483 |
| enquire [at] arctick.org | |
| Address | Locked Bag 3033 BOX HILL VIC 3128 |
| Website | https://www.arctick.org |
Consumer and Business Services South Australia
| Telephone | 131 882 |
| occupational [at] sa.gov.au | |
| Address | Adelaide CBS Customer Service Centre 91-97 Grenfell Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 |
| Website | CBS SA |
Tasmania
To apply for a refrigerant handling licence OTSR holders wishing to work in Tasmania (TAS) must contact the:
- Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), who issue the Trainee Licence (for handling of refrigerant in classroom and workplace).
Holders of a Trainee Licence must:
- enrol in and complete Australian context gap training, and
- work under the supervision of a holder of a current and full licence that is related to the refrigeration work that the trainee licence holder is being trained in, for a period up to twelve (12) months.
On successful completion of Australian context gap training and supervised employment, applicants are eligible to apply for a Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211).
On receipt of the Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211) an applicant may apply for a full Refrigerant Handling Licence – Qualified Persons (2 years) with ARC and a Restricted Electrical Licence with the Tasmanian Government Department of Justice.
For specific information about airconditioning and refrigeration licences in Tasmania please contact the following:
Australian Refrigeration Council
| Telephone | 1300 884 483 |
| enquire [at] arctick.org | |
| Address | Locked Bag 3033 BOX HILL VIC 3128 |
| Website | https://www.arctick.org |
Tasmanian Government Department of Justice
| Telephone | 1300 654 499 |
| cbos.info [at] tas.gov.au | |
| Address | Consumer, Building and Occupational Services 30 Gordons Hill Road ROSNY TAS 7018 |
| Website | www.cbos.tas.gov.au (Division of DoJ) |
Victoria
To apply for a refrigerant handling licence and the Restricted Electrical Workers Licence Class 2 (disconnect/reconnect) and Class 1 (fault finding), OTSR holders wishing to work in Victoria must contact:
- the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), who issue the Trainee Licence (for handling of refrigerant in classroom and workplace), and
- Energy Safe Victoria, who is the regulator responsible for issuing the Restricted Electrical Workers Licence Class 2 (disconnect/reconnect) and Class 1 (fault finding).
NOTE: A person who holds an OTSR as an airconditioning and refrigeration mechanic is not eligible for any electrical licence in Victoria. Whilst holding the OTSR and the Trainee Licence, they must have a licensed person carry out the disconnecting, reconnecting and fault finding of any electrical equipment they are required to work on.
Holders of a Trainee Licence must:
- enrol in and complete Australian context gap training, and
- work under the supervision of a holder of a current and full licence that is related to the refrigeration work that the trainee licence holder is being trained in, for a period up to twelve (12) months
On successful completion of Australian context gap training and supervised employment, applicants are eligible to apply for a Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211).
On receipt of the Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32211) an applicant may apply for a full Refrigerant Handling Licence – Qualified Persons (2 years) and Restricted Electrical Workers Licence Class 2 (disconnect/reconnect) and Class 1 (fault finding).
NOTE: Prior to application for a Restricted Electrical Workers Licence, applicants will also need to complete an independent practical licensing assessment. Refer to Energy Safe Victoria’s website for further information.
For specific information about airconditioning and refrigeration licences in Victoria, please contact the following:
Australian Refrigeration Council
| Telephone | 1300 884 483 |
| enquire [at] arctick.org | |
| Address | Locked Bag 3033 BOX HILL VIC 3128 |
| Website | https://www.arctick.org |
Energy Safe Victoria
| Telephone | 1800 815 721 |
| licensing [at] energysafe.vic.gov.au (subject: Licensing%20and%20registration%20query) | |
| Address | Energy Safe Victoria PO Box 262 COLLINS STREET WEST VIC 8007 |
| Website | www.esv.vic.gov.au |
Western Australia
To apply for a refrigerant handling licence and an approval letter for training and assessment for a licensing outcome for a Refrigeration and Airconditioning Mechanic Licence, Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) holders wishing to work in Western Australia (WA) must contact the:
- Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), who issue the Trainee Licence (for handling of refrigerant in classroom and workplace), and
- Western Australia Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS), who will issue a letter of approval to attend an approved registered training organisation (RTO) to undertake training and assessment.
IMPORTANT: Both are required to work in WA as a Refrigeration and Airconditioning Mechanic.
Holders of an OTSR must:
- apply to the DMIRS by completing the application form refrigeration-and-airconditioning-mechanics-licence-application-overseas
- obtain an approval letter from DMIRS to attend an Electrical Licensing Board approved WA RTO. This allows applicants to complete gap training and assessment for the MEM30205 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning).
On successful completion of Australian context gap training and supervised employment, applicants are eligible to apply for a MEM30205 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning).
On receipt of the MEM30205 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) an applicant may apply for a full Refrigerant Handling Licence – Qualified Persons (2 years) with ARC and a Refrigeration and Airconditioning Mechanic’s Licence with Energy Safety.
For specific information about airconditioning and refrigeration licences in Western Australia, please contact the following:
Australian Refrigeration Council
| Telephone | 1300 884 483 |
| enquire [at] arctick.org | |
| Address | Locked Bag 3033 BOX HILL VIC 3128 |
| Website | https://www.arctick.org |
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation & Safety
| Telephone | 08 6251 2000 |
| energylicensing [at] dmirs.wa.gov.au | |
| Address | Locked Bag 100 EAST PERTH WA 6892 |
| Website | DMIRS |
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