Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Level 1 Certificate
This qualification is designed for adults aged 19+ who wish to develop the fundamental knowledge, practical skills and behaviours required for a career in engineering, refrigeration and air conditioning, electrical installation, mechanical engineering, manufacturing or related technical industries. The programme provides learners with a broad introduction to engineering principles and workshop practices, helping them build the confidence and technical foundation required for progression to higher-level vocational qualifications and employment within the sector.
Awarding Body:
Learners will develop practical skills and underpinning knowledge across a range of engineering and technology topics, including:
- Health and safety in engineering environments
- Engineering workshop practices
- Using engineering materials, tools and equipment
- Mechanical and electrical principles
- Engineering measurements and calculations
- Manufacturing and fabrication techniques
- Problem solving and technical communication
- Employability skills and professional behaviours
Training is delivered through a combination of classroom-based learning, practical workshop activities and individual assignments.
Successful completion of this qualification can lead to progression onto higher-level engineering programmes, apprenticeships or employment within the engineering and construction sectors.
Important Progression Requirement for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Level 2
To progress to, or enrol directly onto, the Level 2 Diploma in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, applicants must hold a Level 1 EAL Certificate in Engineering and Technology as a minimum entry requirement. This requirement applies to all applicants, regardless of previous qualifications or industry experience. Applicants who do not hold the required Level 1 qualification will not be eligible to enrol onto or progress to the Level 2 programme. This prerequisite ensures that learners possess the essential engineering knowledge, practical skills and health and safety awareness required to successfully undertake the specialist technical demands of the Level 2 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning qualification.
Assessment is carried out through a combination of practical tasks, portfolio evidence, assignments and knowledge-based assessments in line with EAL awarding body requirements. Learners are expected to successfully complete all mandatory units to achieve the qualification.
- No formal qualifications required OR 0–2 GCSEs (grades 1, 2 or 3) (flexibility may apply)
- Initial assessment in English and maths
- Alternative entry via reference, personal statement, or demonstrated interest may be acceptable
Level 1 EAL Certificate in Engineering and Technology
The fee for this course is £600.00.
The amount you pay may depend on your individual circumstances, including your age, residency status, employment status, whether you receive certain benefits, and how the course is funded. You may be eligible to study for free or receive help towards the cost of your course.
Before completing enrolment, all learners aged 19 and over will have a fee assessment to confirm how much, if anything, they need to pay. You may be asked to provide evidence to support your eligibility for fee remission or funding. Any eligible fee reduction will be applied before your enrolment is completed. Find out more about course fees, funding and eligibility on our Fees page.






