This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) tradesperson within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries. The qualification has been specifically developed for apprentices in the above trade. The qualification packaging has been developed on an assumption that competency will be developed through a combination of on and off-the-job learning strategies such as those delivered through a formal apprenticeship. The qualification may also be achieved through formal skills recognition assessment processes.

The skills associated with this qualification are intended to apply to a wide range HVAC/R work, including assembling, installing, maintaining and repairing industrial, commercial and domestic air conditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment.

This qualification is designed to provide an industry recognised skills profile related to trade work as a refrigeration and air conditioning tradesperson. Skills development should be undertaken through an Australian Apprenticeship arrangement where the mix of on and off-the-job training would be specified in the Training Plan associated with the Contract of Training between the employer and apprentice.

Assessment of some units of competency must, where indicated, include evidence of the candidate's performance in a functioning workplace where there is a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application of those units. All outcomes must reflect the standard of performance inherent in the job.

The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 and the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Gas Management Regulations 1995 apply to this qualification which incorporates national refrigerant handling licences and refrigerant trading authorisations. Refer to the Australian Refrigeration Council website for required units of competency to meet the refrigerant handling licence requirements. Licensing and regulatory information is included in the relevant units of competence.

The following unit of competency can only be delivered in a simulated environment -
- MEM10003 Install and test electrical wiring and circuits up to 1000 volts ac and 1500 volts dc.

In addition to the completion of the Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air- Conditioning qualification a person must also complete the following units of competency to gain the ENGINEERING TRADESPERSON (REFRIGERATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING) Trade Qualification—
- MEM18051 Fault find and repair/rectify complex electrical circuits
- MEM18048 Fault find and repair/rectify basic electrical circuits