SAQA Qualification · 103277
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
R70 000
(Once-off Institutional License Fee)
Professional Role & Capability Blueprint
- Target Designation
- Certified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic Practitioner
- Competency Focus
- Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic.
- Academic Weight
- Full national recognition at NQF Level 4 yielding 641 credits upon successful PoE verification.
Strategic Institutional Purpose
- Audit Objective
- Formulated to systematically bridge operational skills deficits under the governing NAMB quality matrix.
- Value Proposition
- Equips your workforce with measurable, legally compliant skills to optimise productivity, satisfy Workplace Skills Plans (WSP), and unlock maximum B-BBEE scorecard weight.
Who is this for
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic is intended for individuals with some work experience or prior learning who wish to formalise their skills and advance their careers. If you have a passion for this field and want to turn that passion into a profession, this programme will give you the tools and credentials to succeed. It is also suitable for employers who wish to upskill their workforce to meet industry standards.
Qualification Rules · Module Matrix
Official SAQA module breakdown parsed from the qualification's registered rules.
Knowledge Modules (KM)
174 crTheory · 42 modules
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-013 cr
Introduction to the refrigeration trade
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-023 cr
Health and Safety Requirements related to the Refrigeration Mechanic Trade
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-0316 cr
Scaffolding, working at heights, fall arrest systems and ladders
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-043 cr
Trade related and engineering tools and instruments
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-052 cr
Thermodynamics
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-062 cr
Components and accessories of a refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-072 cr
Refrigeration materials and piping
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-082 cr
Installation of duct work and components
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-092 cr
Handling of refrigerants
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-103 cr
Fundamentals of electricity related to air conditioning and refrigeration systems
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-112 cr
Evacuation of a refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-122 cr
Maintenance of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning systems
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-132 cr
Maintenance of air filtration systems
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-142 cr
Refrigerants and lubricants
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-152 cr
Understanding corrosion and corrosion protection
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-162 cr
Fixing methods
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-173 cr
Engineering drawings
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-182 cr
Ventilation
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-192 cr
Air conditioning systems applicable to vehicles
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-203 cr
Moving, assembly, de-commissioning, and dismantling of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-212 cr
Key-ways and locking devices, bearings, drives and couplings
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-222 cr
Fundamentals of basic psychrometrics and elementary air flow measurements and calculations
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-232 cr
Gas welding, brazing and cutting within the refrigeration industry
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-242 cr
Water reticulation systems
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-252 cr
Evaporative cooling
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-262 cr
Charging the refrigeration system
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-275 cr
Various refrigeration systems and components
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-285 cr
Controls and safety devices
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-293 cr
Application of psychrometrics, temperature, humidity, specific volume, specific density, enthalpy and calculations
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-305 cr
Mollier Diagrams (Pressure enthalpy diagram)
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-315 cr
Heat load calculations
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-3225 cr
Electrical aspects of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-335 cr
Commissioning
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-345 cr
Ducting
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-355 cr
Types of air conditioning systems
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-365 cr
Fault finding
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-375 cr
Contaminated system
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-3810 cr
Refurbishment of Refrigeration Equipment
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-395 cr
Manual Metal Arc (MMA), MIG and TIG welding process within the air conditioning and refrigeration industry
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-404 cr
Building Management Systems applicable to Air Conditioning systems
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-415 cr
Advanced Evaporative Cooling Concepts
NQF Level 5
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-425 cr
Inspection and evaluation of the conformance of refrigeration equipment
NQF Level 5
Practical Skill Modules (PM)
186 crApplied · 32 modules
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-012 cr
Pressure test the refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-0228 cr
Erect scaffolding, assemble fall prevention systems, safe use ladders and erect aluminium towers
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-032 cr
Evacuate the refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-042 cr
Charge the refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-052 cr
Recover refrigerants from a refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-062 cr
Braze refrigerant tubing and components
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-072 cr
Cut, gas weld and braze refrigeration systems and structures
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-083 cr
Manufacture a work-piece incidental to the trade
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-092 cr
Apply corrosion protection methodologies
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-102 cr
Install a unitary air conditioning system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-112 cr
Install, commission, maintain, fault find, repair an evaporative cooling system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-122 cr
Identify, select and use fixing methods for various types of applications used within the air conditioning and refrigeration industry
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-133 cr
Identify, select and use electrical tools and instruments, read, interpret and construct electrical and electronic circuits
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-142 cr
Install refrigeration materials and pipe work
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-152 cr
Plan for a project
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-162 cr
Commission a unitary air conditioning system
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-173 cr
Install, repair and maintain vehicle/mobile air conditioning system
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-182 cr
Perform work activities on key-ways and locking devices, bearings, drives and couplings
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-193 cr
Install water reticulation equipment and systems
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-202 cr
Commission a domestic and light commercial refrigeration system
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-213 cr
Calculate heat load
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-2210 cr
Install ducting
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-2315 cr
Commission commercial air conditioning systems and equipment
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-2410 cr
Move, assemble and dismantle air conditioning and refrigeration systems
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-PM-255 cr
Perform fillet welds using the Shielded Metal Arc, MIG and TIG Welding process for refrigeration applications
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-2625 cr
Construct electrical and electronic circuits
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-273 cr
Maintain an air conditioning system
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-2815 cr
Refurbish air conditioning and refrigeration equipment
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-2910 cr
Commission an industrial air conditioning system
NQF Level 5
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-3010 cr
Design and select evaporative cooling systems
NQF Level 5
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-315 cr
Analyse a system using a Mollier Diagram
NQF Level 5
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-325 cr
Inspect and evaluate the conformance of refrigeration equipment
NQF Level 5
Work Experience Modules (WM)
281 crSite · 22 modules
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-018 cr
Installation of unitary air conditioning system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-028 cr
Fall arrest systems and processes
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-0312 cr
Processes and procedures for erecting and dismantling access scaffolding up to 6mm
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-045 cr
Assembling a unitary air conditioning unit
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-055 cr
Reading, interpreting and constructing basic electrical and electronic circuits pertaining to air conditioning
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-065 cr
Cleaning, corrosion protection and appropriate fault responses
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-073 cr
Processes related to pressure testing of an air conditioning refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-0810 cr
Maintenance and repairs processes for unitary air conditioning systems
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-095 cr
Installing, commissioning, maintaining, fault finding and repairing an evaporative cooling system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-1010 cr
Installation of a complete commercial air conditioning system
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-1110 cr
Constructing a commercial air conditioning system
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-1210 cr
Installation of air conditioning and ventilation ducting systems
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-1310 cr
Processes relating to install, repair and maintain vehicle/mobile air conditioning system
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-1410 cr
Identification of faults related to an air conditioning system and carrying out minor repairs
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-1515 cr
Maintenance processes regarding commercial air conditioning system
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-1630 cr
Commissioning a complete air conditioning and refrigeration system
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-1715 cr
Testing the assembled air conditioning system
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-1830 cr
Servicing processes related to an air conditioning and refrigeration plant
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-1915 cr
Fault finding and repair processes related to an air conditioning and refrigeration system
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-2020 cr
Maintenance and repairs processes for industrial air conditioning systems
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-2130 cr
Construction of electrical and electronic circuits
NQF Level 4
- 642701-000-00-00-WM-2215 cr
Designing and selecting evaporative cooling systems
NQF Level 5
Official SAQA Curriculum
Source of truth · SAQA ID 103277 · Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology › Manufacturing and Assembly
Purpose▾
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic. An Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic installs, commissions, services, maintains, overhauls, repairs and troubleshoots air conditioning refrigeration and ventilation systems in accordance to customer 's requirements, industry and national standards in compliance with relevant national Legislation. A qualified learner will be able to: • Install air conditioning refrigeration and ventilation systems. • Commission air conditioning refrigeration and ventilation systems. • Maintain, service, troubleshoot and repair air conditioning refrigeration and ventilation systems.
Rationale▾
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is an integral part of the economy found in many economic sectors and subsectors. Globalisation has brought with it technological changes that require employees to have skills and knowledge that will enable them to be on par with their counterparts. This requires learners to be trained in line with the latest technologies that will empower them to become employed or self-employed. This will enable learners to participate in the economy and thus be productive members of the society. In order to secure food stability and maintain quality for the entire population, refrigeration represents a critical skill in the maintenance of the cold chain. Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic has been identified as one of the occupations in high demand. Learners and current employees need to be trained against the latest technologies in order to ensure job security, advancement, and placement. The qualification is aimed at new entrants as well as currently employed personnel. Qualified learners are likely to be employed across the economic sectors that include but not limited to: mining, retail, food processing, warehousing, food production, automotive, marine, medical, engineering, fruit and wine industry, cold transport, farming. This qualification is structured in a manner that allows learners to progress to the full qualification by accumulating credits achieved from the part qualification. Learners who have acquired knowledge and skills formally or informally will undergo a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment in order to recognise skills acquired. Qualified learners are likely to progress into engineering related qualifications, which allow for further career progression into the designer, Refrigeration inspector, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Inspector. The qualification further enables learners to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA); as an engineering technologist, engineering technician and mechanical engineer. Learners can become self-reliant, productive by being self-employed, thereby contributing positively to the economy and society and further provide employment opportunity.
Learning Assumed to be in Place & RPL▾
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • Level 1 with Mathematics.
Exit Level Outcomes▾
- Install air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation systems.
- Commission air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation systems.
- Maintain, service, fault-find and repair refrigeration systems.
Qualification 103277 · Curriculum Architecture
Occupational Certificate: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic · NQF Level 4 (641 Credits)
Three Curriculum Pillars
Knowledge Modules
Classroom & E-Learning
- Facilitated lectures & self-study
- Written question banks
- Formative comprehension checks
Practical Skill Modules
Simulated Line Tasks
- Simulated line tasks
- Observation rubrics
- Structured task sheets
Work Experience Modules
On-the-Job Production
- On-the-job rotation
- Mentor logbooks
- Workplace sign-offs
Evidence & Audit Pipeline
Learner Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)Owner · Candidate▾
Admin & Registration
ID, learner contract, induction pack, POPIA consent.
Knowledge Evidence
Written assessments & question banks — KM-01 to KM-07.
Practical Evidence
Task sheets, observation rubrics, assessor photos.
Workplace Evidence
Logbooks, mentor sign-offs, supervisor letters.
Assessor Master FileOwner · Registered Assessor▾
Assessment Reports
Judgements, learner feedback, remediation agreements, appeals log.
Internal Moderation & Quality FileOwner · Moderator / SDP▾
Moderation Evidence
10% sampling matrix, HACCP/LOTO compliance sheets, SDP sign-off.
Final Accreditation Gateway
Issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider once internal moderation is signed off.
Provider submits declaration + PoE to the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP).
QCTO awards the SAQA-registered certificate on successful EISA outcome.
Learning Material Stack
Start-to-Exit Moderation Timeline
- 1
Pre-Delivery Setup
Facilitator induction, learner enrolment forms, baseline assessment, PoE folder issue. Alignment matrix stamped.
- 2
Delivery & Formative Moderation
Modular rollout with formative assessments per KM/PM. Internal moderator reviews evidence weekly; feedback loop before summatives.
- 3
Summative & External Moderation
Summative assessments captured, PoE finalised, submitted for external moderation. Certification uploaded to the SETA/QCTO.
Bespoke QMS Build
We author your Quality Management System — policies, procedures, records, matrices — mapped to your accreditation scope. From R18,500.
Talk QMS on WhatsAppModeration Consultation
External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.
Book Moderation SessionClassroom Transformation Blueprint
Broken Standard
- 📄Photocopied guides with mismatched outcomes
- ❔Missing formative/summative assessments
- ⚠️No SETA alignment matrix — audit fails
- 🎲Facilitators improvise Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic delivery
- 🕳️PoE gaps flagged in moderation
i2Graduates Transformation
- ✓42 KM + 32 PM + 22 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 4
- ✓Pre-validated assessment bank per module
- ✓NAMB alignment matrix included
- ✓Facilitator scripts + learner activities per credit
- ✓PoE templates that survive external moderation
The i2Graduates Quality Guarantee
Every page of this bundle is meticulously checked for sequence and structural perfection — no missing pages, no stolen content, no shortcuts. You get pre-validated assessment instruments ready to survive rigorous compliance moderation, wrapped in an engaging curriculum your facilitators will love teaching.