SAQA Qualification · 103270
Refrigeration Mechanic
R70 000
(Once-off Institutional License Fee)
Professional Role & Capability Blueprint
- Target Designation
- Certified Refrigeration Mechanic Practitioner
- Competency Focus
- Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Refrigeration Mechanic.
- Academic Weight
- Full national recognition at NQF Level 4 yielding 543 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
Who should enrol? Individuals with some work experience or prior learning who wish to formalise their skills and advance their careers. The Refrigeration Mechanic welcomes learners from diverse backgrounds, including those with limited formal education but relevant practical experience. The flexible learning approach ensures that everyone can progress at their own pace while achieving the same high standard of competence.
Qualification Rules · Module Matrix
Official SAQA module breakdown parsed from the qualification's registered rules.
Knowledge Modules (KM)
144 crTheory · 33 modules
- 642702000-KM-013 cr
Introduction to the Refrigeration Trade
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-023 cr
Health and Safety Requirements related to the Refrigeration Mechanic Trade
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-043 cr
Trade related and engineering tools and instruments
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-052 cr
Thermodynamics
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-062 cr
Components and accessories of a refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-072 cr
Refrigeration materials and piping
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-082 cr
Handling of refrigerants
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-093 cr
Fundamentals of electricity related to air conditioning and refrigeration systems
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-102 cr
Evacuation of a refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-112 cr
Maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning systems
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-122 cr
Refrigerants and lubricants
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-132 cr
Fixing methods
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-142 cr
Understanding corrosion and corrosion protection
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-KM-153 cr
Engineering drawings
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-KM-162 cr
Key-ways and locking devices, bearings, drives and couplings
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-KM-173 cr
Moving, assembly, de-commissioning and dismantling of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-KM-192 cr
Water reticulation systems
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-KM-202 cr
Fundamentals of basic psychrometrics and elementary air flow measurements and calculations
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-KM-212 cr
Gas welding, brazing and cutting within the refrigeration industry
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-KM-225 cr
Controls and safety devices
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-235 cr
Various refrigeration systems and components
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-245 cr
Mollier Diagrams (Pressure enthalpy diagram)
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-255 cr
Heat load calculations for refrigeration systems
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-2625 cr
Electrical aspects of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-2710 cr
Commissioning
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-285 cr
Fault finding
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-295 cr
Contaminated system
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-3010 cr
Refurbishment of Refrigeration
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-315 cr
Manual Metal Arc (MMA) welding process
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-325 cr
Types and Installation of industrial refrigeration systems
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-335 cr
Maintenance of an industrial refrigeration system
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-345 cr
Troubleshoot and maintain industrial refrigeration systems
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-KM-355 cr
Inspection and evaluation of the conformance of refrigeration equipment
NQF Level 5
Practical Skill Modules (PM)
165 crApplied · 26 modules
- 642702000-PM-012 cr
Pressure test the refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-0228 cr
Erect scaffolding, assemble fall prevention systems, safe use ladders and erect aluminium towers
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-032 cr
Evacuate the refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-042 cr
Charge the refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-052 cr
Recover refrigerants from a refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-062 cr
Braze refrigerant tubing and components
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-083 cr
Manufacture a work-piece incidental to the trade
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-092 cr
Apply corrosion protection methodologies
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-102 cr
Identify, select and use fixing methods for various types of applications used within the air conditioning and refrigeration industry
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-113 cr
Identify, select and use electrical tools and instruments, read, interpret and construct electrical and electronic circuits
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-123 cr
Install simplex refrigeration system
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-132 cr
Install refrigeration materials and pipe work
NQF Level 2
- 642702000-PM-142 cr
Plan for a project
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-PM-154 cr
Install a multi-plex refrigeration system
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-PM-163 cr
Maintain and repair a refrigeration system
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-PM-173 cr
Install, repair and maintain mobile refrigeration systems
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-PM-193 cr
Perform work activities on key-ways and locking devices, bearings, drives and couplings
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-PM-202 cr
Commission a domestic and light commercial refrigeration system
NQF Level 3
- 642702000-PM-215 cr
Perform fillet welds using the Shielded Metal Arc, MIG and TIG Welding process for refrigeration applications
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-PM-2210 cr
Move, assemble and dismantle air conditioning and refrigeration systems
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-PM-2315 cr
Commission a commercial system
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-PM-2425 cr
Construct electrical and electronic circuits
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-PM-2515 cr
Refurbish refrigeration equipment
NQF Level 4
- 642702000-PM-2615 cr
Commission a multi-plex and industrial refrigeration system
NQF Level 5
- 642702000-PM-275 cr
Inspect and evaluate the conformance of refrigeration equipment
NQF Level 5
- 642702000-PM-285 cr
Analyse a system using a Mollier Diagram
NQF Level 5
Work Experience Modules (WM)
0 crSite · 0 modules
No modules listed in SAQA rules.
Official SAQA Curriculum
Source of truth · SAQA ID 103270 · Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology › Manufacturing and Assembly
Purpose▾
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Refrigeration Mechanic. A Refrigeration Mechanic installs, commissions, services, maintains, overhauls, repairs and troubleshoots refrigeration 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 refrigeration systems. • Commission refrigeration systems. • Maintain, service, troubleshoot and repair refrigeration systems.
Rationale▾
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 in 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. 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 such a manner that it will allow 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 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 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 commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.
- Commission commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.
- Maintain commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.
Qualification 103270 · Curriculum Architecture
Occupational Certificate: Refrigeration Mechanic · NQF Level 4 (543 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 Refrigeration Mechanic delivery
- 🕳️PoE gaps flagged in moderation
i2Graduates Transformation
- ✓33 KM + 26 PM + 0 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.