Have you got the right licences?

In some states, various occupational trade-licences are required for building, plumbing, electrical and specific types of refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) work. These licences cover safety and consumer protection.

The State based trade licences entitle you to undertake some 'refrigeration and air conditioning' work. However, when installing, servicing or decommissioning RAC systems, regardless of whether the state licence entitlements include 'refrigeration and air conditioning', you must have the appropriate ARC licence. The states do not have a substitute for an ARC licence.

The ARC licence is an environmental-based licence and the only national licence for the refrigeration and air conditioning trade. It is also qualifications based. Licence applications are not, and have not, been approved based on experience alone. This is important, as it confirms only appropriately qualified people can receive a licence. This equates to professionalism for the industry. We receive anecdotal evidence from time to time from licence holders who are confused by the occupational licence requirements in their state, and communications received from their state regulators around licensing requirements for RAC work.

Our response is always clear and concise. If the system contains ozone depleting or synthetic greenhouse gas refrigerant, you need an ARC licence. It is also important that technicians find out what relevant state licences they need for the work they wish to do. Being compliant with all your licensing requirements should be a non-negotiable when it comes to running a business and performing trade services. We will continue to work with state regulators to make licensing requirements clear for technicians, and just as importantly the ARC will continue to communicate to consumers about the importance and legal requirement of the ARC licence.