South Australia • Air Conditioning Technician

Air Conditioning Technician Licence Requirements in South Australia

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

Consumer and Business Services SA

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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 South Australia. This is regulated by Consumer and Business Services SA. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Building Work Contractor Licence — Mechanical

Contract for air-conditioning installation as building work in SA

Refrigerant Handling Licence (ARCtick)

Handle and work with fluorocarbon refrigerants

Requirements

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

  • Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • ARCtick refrigerant handling licence
  • CBS licence for building work over $12,000
  • Public liability insurance

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $680 for CBS building work licence; $60 for ARCtick
Renewal Fee $680 CBS annually; $60 ARCtick every 3 years
Renewal Period 1 year (CBS), 3 years (ARCtick)

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed air-conditioning work in SA (over $12,000) carries fines up to $50,000. Federal ARCtick penalties up to $63,000 for unlicensed refrigerant handling.

Exemptions

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

  • Air-conditioning work valued under $12,000 (CBS 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 South Australia?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out air conditioning technician work in South Australia. The licensing body is Consumer and Business Services SA. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a air conditioning technician licence cost in South Australia?
The application fee for a air conditioning technician licence in South Australia is $680 for CBS building work licence; $60 for ARCtick. Renewal costs $680 CBS annually; $60 ARCtick every 3 years and must be renewed every 1 year (CBS), 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 South Australia?
To obtain a air conditioning technician licence in South Australia, you typically need: Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; ARCtick refrigerant handling licence. Check with Consumer and Business Services SA for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed air conditioning technician work in South Australia?
Unlicensed air-conditioning work in SA (over $12,000) carries fines up to $50,000. Federal ARCtick penalties up to $63,000 for unlicensed refrigerant handling.
Can I use my South Australia air conditioning technician licence in other states?
South Australia 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)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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