New South Wales • Air Conditioning Technician

Air Conditioning Technician Licence Requirements in New South Wales

Everything you need to know about air conditioning technician licensing in New South Wales — 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 New South Wales are issued and regulated by:

NSW Fair Trading

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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 New South Wales. This is regulated by NSW Fair Trading. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor Licence

Contract for air-conditioning installation and maintenance

Tradesperson Certificate — Air Conditioning

Carry out air-conditioning work under a contractor

Refrigerant Handling Licence (ARCtick)

Handle and work with fluorocarbon refrigerants

Requirements

To obtain a air conditioning technician licence in New South Wales, you need:

  • Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • ARCtick refrigerant handling licence
  • Contractor: Home Building Compensation Fund cover for work over $20,000
  • Public liability insurance

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $388 for 1-year contractor licence
Renewal Fee $388 per year or $959 for 3 years (plus $60 ARCtick)
Renewal Period 1 or 3 years

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed air-conditioning work in NSW (over $5,000) can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals. Federal ARCtick penalties of up to $63,000 also apply for unlicensed refrigerant handling.

Exemptions

A licence is not required for the following work in New South Wales:

  • Air-conditioning work valued under $5,000 (Fair Trading licence only)
  • 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 New South Wales?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out air conditioning technician work in New South Wales. The licensing body is NSW Fair Trading. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a air conditioning technician licence cost in New South Wales?
The application fee for a air conditioning technician licence in New South Wales is $388 for 1-year contractor licence. Renewal costs $388 per year or $959 for 3 years (plus $60 ARCtick) and must be renewed every 1 or 3 years. Additional costs may include public liability insurance and any required assessments.
What qualifications do I need to become a licensed air conditioning technician in New South Wales?
To obtain a air conditioning technician licence in New South Wales, you typically need: Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; ARCtick refrigerant handling licence. Check with NSW Fair Trading for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed air conditioning technician work in New South Wales?
Unlicensed air-conditioning work in NSW (over $5,000) can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals. Federal ARCtick penalties of up to $63,000 also apply for unlicensed refrigerant handling.
Can I use my New South Wales air conditioning technician licence in other states?
New South Wales 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)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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