British Columbia training and certification guide

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Installs, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs refrigeration, air-conditioning, ventilation and related control systems, including piping, ductwork, electrical components, controls, commissioning, charging, balancing and service documentation. It is a Skilled Trades Certification trade.

Mechanical / HVAC-RBC apprenticeshipTraining levelsChallenge pathway
01

At a glance

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic training pathway

Use these summary cards for a quick overview, then open the organized sections below for full details.

Typical duration

Approximately four years.

Technical training

990 technical hours: Level 1 180, Level 2 210, Level 3 300, Level 4 300.

Work-based training

6,210 hours of work-based training.

Passing standard

Minimum 70% at each level and on the Red Seal exam.

Challenge experience

At least 9,315 directly related hours.

02

Detailed guide

Training, examinations and certification

Select a section to open it. The first section is open by default so users immediately see the main pathway.

01Apprenticeship pathway and certification requirementsProgram length, technical training, workplace hours and certification conditions.
  • Approximately four years.
  • 990 technical hours: Level 1 180, Level 2 210, Level 3 300, Level 4 300.
  • 6,210 hours of work-based training.
  • Minimum 70% at each level and on the Red Seal exam.
  • Sponsor Recommendation for Certification.
  • Grade 12 English, Mathematics 11 and Physics 11 recommended.
02Technical-training levelsWhat is generally covered at each stage of training.
Level 1

180 hours and standardized written exam.

Level 2

210 hours and standardized written exam.

Level 3

300 hours and standardized written exam.

Level 4

300 hours followed by the Red Seal exam.

03Examinations, grading and passing requirementsSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • Standardized exams at Levels 1–3.
  • No separate Level 4 standardized exam is listed.
  • Red Seal passing mark: 70%.
04Foundation or entry-training pathwaySelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • 750 technical hours.
  • At least 70%.
  • Level 1 credit and 425 work-based hours.
05Challenging individual training levelsSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • Levels 1–3 may be challenged; Level 4 is not listed.
06Experienced-worker certification challengeSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • At least 9,315 directly related hours.
  • Experience across the occupational scope.
  • Pass the Red Seal exam with at least 70%.
  • Certain Canadian military Refrigeration and Mechanical Technician qualifications may satisfy experience/application prerequisites.
07Related-trade and prior-learning creditsSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • Gasfitter Class A or B: up to 1,200 work-based hours.
  • Construction Electrician: 900 hours.
  • Industrial Electrician: 1,800 hours.
03

Exam preparation

Topics to review

These study areas support exam preparation. Users should also review official occupational standards, code requirements and training-provider materials.

  • Safety, tools, refrigerant handling, codes, and environmental practices
  • Refrigeration cycle, components, piping, charging, and recovery
  • Electrical circuits, controls, motors, sensors, and troubleshooting
  • Air distribution, ventilation, heat pumps, and system performance
  • Installation, service, diagnostics, maintenance, and repair
04

Practice options

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05

Complete preparation library

Explore every Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic exam resource

Open separate pages for mock tests, apprenticeship levels, study planning, certification and passing-score guidance.

06

Common questions

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic FAQ

Can I try questions for free?

Yes. Use the free quiz link on this page to try sample Red Seal-style questions for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.

Where should I confirm current BC requirements?

Confirm current hours, examinations, credits, fees and training availability directly with SkilledTradesBC, Technical Safety BC where applicable, and the selected training provider.

Are these official exam questions?

No. Red Seal Practice is an independent exam-preparation website. The questions are Red Seal-style study questions and are not official government exam questions.

Important: Program requirements can change. This page organizes the supplied British Columbia information for convenient reference and should not replace current official guidance.