Refrigeration and 

Air Conditioning Mechanic

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics (RACM) are naturally logical and persistent, which serves them well as they fix heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

As a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, you’ll install, maintain, and repair residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems.

This will require you to draw from your agile and independent nature, as you’re quick to spring into action and figure out the issues at hand.

What You'll Learn

  • How to read and interpret blueprints, drawings and other specifications 
  • How to install, troubleshoot and overhaul entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems 
  • How to repair and replace parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat pump systems 
  • How to measure, cut and connect piping 
  • How to prepare work estimates, work orders and inspection sheets 

Key Job Skills

  • Troubleshooting 
  • Fundamentals of refrigeration 
  • Electrical components and safety 
  • Refrigeration and air conditioning installation 
  • Air conditioning servicing 

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.

Technical Training 33 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
6210 HOURS
General Skills
Analytical Curious Independent Logical Persistent

Program Updates:

  • January 2023: For information regarding Year 4 of transition, please see the Transition Update or the Transition Plan for more details. Apprentices who have completed Current Level 2 (CL2) or Current Level 3 (CL3) should contact their Apprenticeship Advisor to discuss options for addressing gaps in their training before taking their next level of technical training.

  • February 2019: OPSN-2019-001 Program changes

  • OPSN Archives

Please be aware that changes have been made to the Gasfitter - Class B program, please view OPSN 2018 002.1 for details. 

Program Information and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics install, maintain and service residential, commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration units and systems. They connect to air delivery systems, install and service hydronic and secondary refrigerant systems and associated controls. Their duties include laying out reference points for installation, assembling and installing components, installing wiring to connect components to an electric power supply, and calibrating related controls.  

They measure, cut, bend, thread and connect pipe to functional components and utilities. They also maintain and service systems by inspecting and testing components, brazing and soldering parts to repair defective joints, adjusting and replacing worn or defective components and reassembling repaired components and systems. As part of service and commissioning, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics start-up, test, charge, adjust, calibrate, balance, measure, verify, maintain and document systems. 

View Program Profile

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

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Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.