Level 3 Certificate in the Installation, Service and Maintenance of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump (RACHP) Systems
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The qualification allows learners to continue to learn, develop and practice the skills required for employment within the RACHP sector, helping to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions by limiting the release of fluorinated and other greenhouse gases and thereby reducing the indirect greenhouse gas emissions and improving the energy efficiency of stationary refrigeration equipment.
- The aim of this qualification is to provide the learner with the knowledge and skills to install, service, maintain, commission, de-commission, recover and leak checking of RACHP equipment that contains refrigerants classified as fluorinated Greenhouse Gases as required by Regulation (EU) 2015/2067 and includes the safe use of all A1, CO2 high pressure systems, flammable refrigerants A2L, A2, A3 and is designed to meet the legal requirements of learners who work or intend to work with fluorinated gases.
The qualification also includes:-
- The safe use of “Oxy-Fuel” brazing equipment used for the installation, replacement or de-commissioning of RACHP equipment and components.
- The associated Electrical Systems including Safe Isolation of Multi-phase systems.
- BS7671:2018 (2022) understand the Requirements of Electrical Installations.
The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015 (England and Wales) and The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations (NI) 2015 means it is an offence for an individual to work with fluorinated greenhouse gases without holding one of the qualifications listed within the regulations.
LCL Awards is recognised by DEFRA as a designated certifier and evaluation body for the issue of certificates for natural persons for stationary refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pump equipment and refrigerated trucks and trailers containing fluorinated greenhouse gasses.
In GB & NI, the EU F-Gas Regulation is implemented by the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015 (SI No. 310) & NI (SI No. 425).
LCL Awards is a named personnel certification and evaluation body as set out in Part 3, Article 8(1) and (NI Part 2, Article 6(1)) of these Regulations, which relate to the certification and evaluation bodies for the purposes of Article 4 of Commission Regulation (EU 2015/2067 (issue and contents of certificates).
Confirmation can be viewed on the Gov.Uk web site here
General Information
Qualification Content
- Service and Maintain RACHP Electrical Systems including Safe Isolation of Single/Multi-phase systems
- Understand the Requirements of Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018 (2022)
- Understand and carry out “Oxy fuel” brazing techniques for RACHP systems
- F-Gas: Install, Service, Maintain, Recovery, Decommission and Leakage Checking of Systems (Category I)
- Understanding the properties and use of flammable refrigerants in accordance with ACRIB specification
- Installation, Commissioning and Service Commercial CO2 refrigeration systems
The learning outcomes are detailed in the qualification specification available to download below:
Prerequisites and Assessment Methods
Applicants should be from an engineering background
Assessments are via an on-line along with simulated practical assessments within the training environment
Related Qualifications and Resources
Additional Learner and Centre Information
What careers can this qualification lead to?
This qualification prepares you for a career in the RACHP sector, which spans domestic, commercial, and industrial roles. It can lead to work as a:
- Refrigeration or Air Conditioning Engineer
- Heat Pump Installer/Service Engineer
- HVAC Technician
- Maintenance or Commissioning Engineer
It is also a legal requirement for anyone handling F-Gases, making this qualification essential for employability in the industry.
What progression opportunities are available when I complete this qualification?
After completing this qualification, you may progress to:
- Specialist courses in renewables and energy efficiency
- Higher-level RACHP qualifications or supervisory training
- Broader roles in the building services engineering sector
This qualification is aligned with the National Occupational Standards and helps you stay compliant and competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
What is involved in delivering this qualification?
To deliver this qualification, a training centre must be approved by LCL Awards and meet their quality assurance requirements.
Centres must employ qualified teachers and assessors with current industry experience in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems, along with appropriate teaching and assessing credentials. They must also have expertise in F-Gas handling, brazing, and electrical safety.
They must also provide fully equipped workshops with RACHP training rigs, CO₂ systems, flammable refrigerant setups, oxy-fuel brazing equipment, recovery machines, and test instruments. Learners should be able to practice installation, servicing, fault diagnosis, and compliance tasks in realistic conditions.
Assessment involves:
- An online multiple-choice knowledge exam, set and marked by LCL Awards.
- A practical performance assessment (set by LCL Awards and marked by centre-approved assessors).
Centres therefore require secure IT systems for online testing and robust internal quality assurance to ensure compliance.