Qualification Details

Level 3 Award in Automotive Air Conditioning Servicing and Maintenance (EC842-2006) (QCF)

Qual Ref: 600/4331/3

IMIAL Level 3 Award in Automotive Air Conditioning Servicing and Maintenance (EC842-2006) (QCF

This vocationally related qualification (VRQ) is one of IMI Awards' suite of QCF Automotive Air Conditioning qualifications.

This qualification offers automotive technicians the opportunity to develop new skills and enhance existing ones.  The qualification is suitable for those technicians who wish to expand their breadth of knowledge in the routine servicing and maintenance of mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems.

Importantly, this qualification also incorporates Unit AC1 (K/600/3391) Refrigerant Handling (EC842-2006).  This unit is approved by Defra for MAC technicians (working with cars and car derived vans) who handle F-Gas.  Therefore on the completion of this qualification, technicians will hold a valid certificate (attestation) to legally recover F-Gas (see Background to European Union F-gas regulations below*).

[This qualification is also suitable for competent MAC technicians who have already completed a previous qualification, including the IMI Awards' qualification Level 3 Award in Automotive Refrigerant Handling (EC842-2006) (Ofqual I.D no: 500/6771/0) (or 'in-house' training received prior to 4th July 2010).  Completion of the IMI Awards' Automotive Refrigerant Handling qualification means technicians will already have achieved the Refrigerant Handling unit (AC1) and therefore two credits towards this qualification.]

The qualification is assessed by practical assessments and IMI Awards' set tests.

Background to European Union F-gas regulations*

From 4^th July 2010, in order to legally work on MAC systems (cars and car derived vans), all MAC technicians must have achieved, as a minimum requirement, a refrigerant handling qualification (approved by Defra) meeting these EU F-Gas Regulations (Commission Regulation EC 842/2006 and the later Annex to Commission Regulation EC 307/2008).

Therefore achievement of Unit AC1 allows MAC technicians to legally recover F-Gas (fluorinated greenhouse gas) from air conditioning systems in motor cars and car derived vans.

For more information, contact F-Gas Support.  F-Gas Support is a team set up to help organisations understand their obligations under the EU Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Regulations.  Frpm 1 April 2012 F-gas Support services are being delivered by Defra.

F-Gas Support:

Help Line: 0161 874 3663                                                          

Website: www.defra.gov.uk/fgas                                               

Email: defra.helpline@defra.qsi.gov.uk