Northern Territory • Air Conditioning Technician

Air Conditioning Technician Licence Requirements in Northern Territory

Everything you need to know about air conditioning technician licensing in Northern 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 Northern Territory are issued and regulated by:

NT Building Practitioners Board

Visit official website

Do You Need a Licence?

Yes — a licence is required

You must hold a valid licence to carry out air conditioning technician work in Northern Territory. This is regulated by NT Building Practitioners Board. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Building Contractor Registration — Mechanical Services

Contract for air-conditioning work in the NT

Refrigerant Handling Licence (ARCtick)

Handle and work with fluorocarbon refrigerants

Requirements

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

  • Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • ARCtick refrigerant handling licence
  • NT Building Practitioners Board registration
  • Public liability insurance

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $200 for NT registration; $60 for ARCtick
Renewal Fee $200 NT annually; $60 ARCtick every 3 years
Renewal Period 1 year (NT), 3 years (ARCtick)

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unregistered mechanical work in the NT carries fines up to $31,400. Federal ARCtick penalties up to $63,000 for unlicensed refrigerant handling.

Exemptions

A licence is not required for the following work in Northern 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 Northern Territory?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out air conditioning technician work in Northern Territory. The licensing body is NT Building Practitioners Board. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a air conditioning technician licence cost in Northern Territory?
The application fee for a air conditioning technician licence in Northern Territory is $200 for NT registration; $60 for ARCtick. Renewal costs $200 NT annually; $60 ARCtick every 3 years and must be renewed every 1 year (NT), 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 Northern Territory?
To obtain a air conditioning technician licence in Northern Territory, you typically need: Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; ARCtick refrigerant handling licence. Check with NT Building Practitioners Board for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed air conditioning technician work in Northern Territory?
Unregistered mechanical work in the NT carries fines up to $31,400. Federal ARCtick penalties up to $63,000 for unlicensed refrigerant handling.
Can I use my Northern Territory air conditioning technician licence in other states?
Northern 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)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Ready to verify a air conditioning technician?

Check any air conditioning technician's licence status in Northern Territory instantly. Free and sourced from official registers.

Check a Licence