Australian Capital Territory • Air Conditioning Technician

Air Conditioning Technician Licence Requirements in Australian Capital Territory

Everything you need to know about air conditioning technician licensing in Australian Capital Territory — qualifications, costs, the licensing body, available licence types, and penalties for unlicensed work. Updated for the 2025–2026 financial year.

Licensing Body

Air Conditioning Technician licences in Australian Capital Territory are issued and regulated by:

ACT Construction Occupations Registrar

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Do You Need a Licence?

Yes — a licence is required

You must hold a valid licence to carry out air conditioning technician work in Australian Capital Territory. This is regulated by ACT Construction Occupations Registrar. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Construction Occupation Licence — Mechanical Services

Carry out mechanical services including air-conditioning in the ACT

Refrigerant Handling Licence (ARCtick)

Handle and work with fluorocarbon refrigerants

Requirements

To obtain a air conditioning technician licence in Australian Capital Territory, you need:

  • Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • ARCtick refrigerant handling licence
  • ACT Construction Occupations licence
  • Public liability insurance

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $355 for ACT licence; $60 for ARCtick
Renewal Fee $295 ACT annually; $60 ARCtick every 3 years
Renewal Period 1 year (ACT), 3 years (ARCtick)

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed mechanical work in the ACT can result in fines up to $48,000. Federal ARCtick penalties up to $63,000 for unlicensed refrigerant handling.

Exemptions

A licence is not required for the following work in Australian Capital Territory:

  • Cleaning and replacing air filters
  • Portable/plug-in air conditioners
  • ARCtick licence always required for refrigerant work

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a air conditioning technician in Australian Capital Territory?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out air conditioning technician work in Australian Capital Territory. The licensing body is ACT Construction Occupations Registrar. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a air conditioning technician licence cost in Australian Capital Territory?
The application fee for a air conditioning technician licence in Australian Capital Territory is $355 for ACT licence; $60 for ARCtick. Renewal costs $295 ACT annually; $60 ARCtick every 3 years and must be renewed every 1 year (ACT), 3 years (ARCtick). Additional costs may include public liability insurance and any required assessments.
What qualifications do I need to become a licensed air conditioning technician in Australian Capital Territory?
To obtain a air conditioning technician licence in Australian Capital Territory, you typically need: Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; ARCtick refrigerant handling licence. Check with ACT Construction Occupations Registrar for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed air conditioning technician work in Australian Capital Territory?
Unlicensed mechanical work in the ACT can result in fines up to $48,000. Federal ARCtick penalties up to $63,000 for unlicensed refrigerant handling.
Can I use my Australian Capital Territory air conditioning technician licence in other states?
Australian Capital Territory air conditioning technician licences are not automatically valid in other states. However, Australia's Mutual Recognition Act allows you to apply for an equivalent licence in another state through a streamlined process. You'll still need to lodge an application and may need to meet additional local requirements.

Compare Air Conditioning Technician Requirements in Other States

Licence requirements vary between states. Compare air conditioning technician requirements across Australia:

Queensland (QLD)
New South Wales (NSW)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Northern Territory (NT)

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