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Occupational Qualification · A17

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic

QCTO Aligned Audit-ReadyNAMB
NQF Level
NQF Level 4
Credits
641
Duration
—
SAQA ID
103277
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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

Curriculum Alignment MatrixCRN ZA-SDP-2026-089
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 1
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 2
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 3
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 4
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 5
Page 1 of 5

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 credits

Theory, 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

Sub-total credits174
QCTO & NAMB AlignedSAQA 103277

Qualification 103277 · Curriculum Architecture

Occupational Certificate: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic · NQF Level 4 (641 Credits)

Filter View
§ 01

Three Curriculum Pillars

174
Credits

Knowledge Modules

Classroom & E-Learning

KM-01 to KM-42 · 42 modules
  • Facilitated lectures & self-study
  • Written question banks
  • Formative comprehension checks
186
Credits

Practical Skill Modules

Simulated Line Tasks

PM-01 to PM-32 · 32 modules
  • Simulated line tasks
  • Observation rubrics
  • Structured task sheets
281
Credits

Work Experience Modules

On-the-Job Production

WM-01 to WM-22 · 22 modules
  • On-the-job rotation
  • Mentor logbooks
  • Workplace sign-offs
§ 02

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

Learner Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
Owner · Candidate
▾
1
Admin & Registration

ID, learner contract, induction pack, POPIA consent.

2
Knowledge Evidence

Written assessments & question banks — KM-01 to KM-07.

3
Practical Evidence

Task sheets, observation rubrics, assessor photos.

4
Workplace Evidence

Logbooks, mentor sign-offs, supervisor letters.

Assessor Master File
Owner · Registered Assessor
▾
5
Assessment Reports

Judgements, learner feedback, remediation agreements, appeals log.

Internal Moderation & Quality File
Owner · Moderator / SDP
▾
6
Moderation Evidence

10% sampling matrix, HACCP/LOTO compliance sheets, SDP sign-off.

§ 03

Final Accreditation Gateway

Step 1
Statement of Results

Issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider once internal moderation is signed off.

Step 2
EISA Readiness Declaration

Provider submits declaration + PoE to the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP).

Step 3
National Qualification Certificate

QCTO awards the SAQA-registered certificate on successful EISA outcome.

Learner Certified · Uploaded to National Learner Records Database (NLRD)

Audit & Compliance

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

From portfolio assembly to external sign-off — the exact route your evidence travels.

  1. Step 1

    PoE Assembly

    Learner evidence, formative records and logbook entries filed against the alignment matrix.

  2. Step 2

    Internal Assessment

    Registered assessor judges each KM/PM/WM outcome using the supplied instruments.

  3. Step 3

    Internal Moderation

    Sampling and verification of assessor decisions, with remediation loop before submission.

  4. 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

View on SAQA

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
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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
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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
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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.

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Moderation Consultation

External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.

Book Moderation Session

The 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.