Occupational Qualification · A17
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
- NQF Level
- NQF Level 4
- Credits
- 641
- Duration
- —
- SAQA ID
- 103277
Official QCTO Registry Profile
Source: SAQA / QCTO registry- SAQA ID
- 103277
- Min Credits
- 641
- Registered
- 2018-09-12
- Re-registration
- 2025-12-30
- Field
- Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology
- Sub-field
- Manufacturing and Assembly
Sample Asset Preview





Overview & Scope
Programme Profile
- 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.
- Work Opportunities
- Deployment across As a qualified air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic, you can find employment opportunities in Manufacturing, Engineering, Trades (Artisan) including automotive workshops, fleet maintenance departments, agricultural equipment dealers, and transport companies. Your skills will be in demand across both public and private sectors, and you may also choose to work as an independent contractor or start your own business in this field. operations under NAMB scope.
- Audit Objective
- Bridges operational skills deficits under the governing NAMB quality matrix.
- Value Proposition
- Measurable, legally compliant skills that optimise productivity, satisfy Workplace Skills Plans (WSP), and unlock B-BBEE scorecard weight.
Introduction▾
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (NQF Level 4, 641 credits) is a comprehensive Occupational Certificate that blends foundational theory with intensive practical application. Throughout your learning journey, you will develop the competencies required to operate effectively, safely, and ethically within your industry. Employers value this qualification because it signals that you are job-ready from day one.
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.
Entry Requirements▾
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.
SAQA 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.
Learning Material Included
- Learner Guide (Theory and Knowledge Modules)
- Facilitator Guide
- Workplace Logbook
- Formative and Summative Assessment
- Assessor Guide & Marking Memorandum
- SETA / QCTO Alignment Matrix
- Administrative & Onboarding Pack
- Implementation Plan
Moderator-Ready Curriculum Breakdown
96 modules · 641 creditsTheory, regulatory and safety knowledge. Each row carries the registered module code, NQF level and credit weight used for formative assessment rubric mapping.
- 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
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.
Audit & Compliance
Evidence & Audit Pipeline
From portfolio assembly to external sign-off — the exact route your evidence travels.
- Step 1
PoE Assembly
Learner evidence, formative records and logbook entries filed against the alignment matrix.
- Step 2
Internal Assessment
Registered assessor judges each KM/PM/WM outcome using the supplied instruments.
- Step 3
Internal Moderation
Sampling and verification of assessor decisions, with remediation loop before submission.
- Step 4
External Moderation
SETA/QCTO desktop audit and certification upload against registered credits.
Broken Standard vs i2Graduates Standard
The measurable delta between improvised material and an audit-ready suite.
Broken Standard
i2Graduates Standard
Curriculum Mapping
Photocopied guides with mismatched outcomes
42 KM + 32 PM + 22 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 4
Assessment Bank
Missing formative and summative assessments
Pre-validated assessment bank per module
Alignment Evidence
No alignment matrix — audit fails
NAMB alignment matrix included
Facilitation
Facilitators improvise Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic delivery
Facilitator scripts + learner activities per credit
Portfolio of Evidence
PoE gaps flagged in moderation
PoE templates that survive external moderation
Pricing & Delivery Tiers
Base licence from R70 000
Digital Master Suite
Editable master files, licensed to your SDP
- Learner Guide, Facilitator Guide & Assessment Suite
- Workplace logbook + alignment matrix (editable)
- Instant digital delivery under institutional licence
- Free minor corrections for 12 months
Turnkey Print & Bound Package
Printed, bound and couriered per learner
- Everything in the Digital Master Suite
- Full-colour print, wire-bound learner packs
- Per-learner PoE folders and dividers
- Nationwide courier with tracked delivery
Full Enterprise Accreditation Bundle
Assets plus accreditation support end-to-end
- Everything in the Print & Bound Package
- Bespoke QMS build mapped to your scope
- Moderation dry-run + written remediation report
- Brand & metadata integration across the suite
Complementary Services
Optional add-ons that harden your accreditation scope before an external audit.
Bespoke QMS Build
We author your Quality Management System — policies, procedures, records, matrices — mapped to your accreditation scope. From R18,500.
Request QuoteModeration Consultation
External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.
Book Moderation SessionThe i2Graduates Quality Guarantee
Every page of this bundle is checked for sequence and structural accuracy — no missing pages, no shortcuts. You get pre-validated assessment instruments ready to survive rigorous compliance moderation, wrapped in a curriculum your facilitators will enjoy teaching.
