Discretionary Grant Available · MERSETAOpen▾
Manufacturing, Engineering & Related Services SETA · MERSETA
One of the largest artisan grant funders in SA.
- Window:
- Applications close 30 April
- Priority focus:
- Artisan Development · Trade Test · Section 13/28
SAQA Qualification · 103278
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Pipework Installer
R44 150
(Once-off Institutional License Fee)
Professional Role & Capability Blueprint
- Target Designation
- Certified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Pipework Installer Practitioner
- Competency Focus
- Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Pipework Installer.
- Academic Weight
- Full national recognition at NQF Level 2 yielding 83 credits upon successful PoE verification.
Strategic Institutional Purpose
- Audit Objective
- Formulated to systematically bridge operational skills deficits under the governing MERSETA 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 Systems Pipework Installer is intended for entry-level workers, school leavers, or career changers who want to gain foundational skills. 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)
46 crTheory · 12 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-062 cr
Components and accessories of a refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-082 cr
Refrigeration materials and piping
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-162 cr
Understanding corrosion and corrosion protection
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-KM-173 cr
Engineering drawings
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-242 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-395 cr
Manual Metal Arc (MMA), MIG and TIG welding process within the air conditioning and refrigeration industry
NQF Level 4
Practical Skill Modules (PM)
12 crApplied · 5 modules
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-062 cr
Braze refrigerant tubing and components
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-122 cr
Identify, selects and uses fixing methods for various types of applications used within the air conditioning and refrigeration industry
NQF Level 2
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-152 cr
Plan for a project
NQF Level 3
- 642701-000-00-00-PM-193 cr
Install water reticulation equipment and systems
NQF Level 3
Work Experience Modules (WM)
25 crSite · 3 modules
- 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-065 cr
Cleaning, corrosion protection and appropriate fault responses
NQF Level 2
Official SAQA Curriculum
Source of truth · SAQA ID 103278 · 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 Systems Pipe Work Installer. A qualifying learner will be able to install water reticulation pipework, components and accessories.
Rationale▾
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Pipework Installer 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 be employable and 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▾
1. Install air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation systems.
Qualification 103278 · Curriculum Architecture
Occupational Certificate: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Pipework Installer · NQF Level 2 (83 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 Systems Pipework Installer delivery
- 🕳️PoE gaps flagged in moderation
i2Graduates Transformation
- ✓12 KM + 5 PM + 3 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 2
- ✓Pre-validated assessment bank per module
- ✓MERSETA 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.
