Victoria • Air Conditioning Technician

Air Conditioning Technician Licence Requirements in Victoria

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

Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick) / VBA

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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 Victoria. This is regulated by Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick) / VBA. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Refrigerant Handling Licence (ARCtick)

Handle and work with fluorocarbon refrigerants — federally mandated

Registered Domestic Builder — Mechanical (optional)

VBA registration for mechanical services as part of domestic building work

Requirements

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

  • Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • ARCtick refrigerant handling licence
  • VBA registration if domestic building work exceeds $10,000
  • Public liability insurance

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $60 for ARCtick licence; $367 if VBA registration needed
Renewal Fee $60 ARCtick every 3 years; $367 VBA triennially
Renewal Period 3 years

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Working with refrigerant without an ARCtick licence carries federal penalties up to $63,000. Unregistered domestic building work in Victoria carries fines up to $46,294.

Exemptions

A licence is not required for the following work in Victoria:

  • Cleaning and replacing air filters
  • Portable/plug-in air conditioners
  • Domestic mechanical work under $10,000 (VBA registration only)
  • ARCtick licence always required for refrigerant work

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a air conditioning technician in Victoria?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out air conditioning technician work in Victoria. The licensing body is Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick) / VBA. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a air conditioning technician licence cost in Victoria?
The application fee for a air conditioning technician licence in Victoria is $60 for ARCtick licence; $367 if VBA registration needed. Renewal costs $60 ARCtick every 3 years; $367 VBA triennially and must be renewed every 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 Victoria?
To obtain a air conditioning technician licence in Victoria, you typically need: Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; ARCtick refrigerant handling licence. Check with Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick) / VBA for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed air conditioning technician work in Victoria?
Working with refrigerant without an ARCtick licence carries federal penalties up to $63,000. Unregistered domestic building work in Victoria carries fines up to $46,294.
Can I use my Victoria air conditioning technician licence in other states?
Victoria 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)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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