Licensed, from three directions at once
One air conditioning job answers to three separate regulators.
Most trades here answer to one regulator. This one answers to three: Lawful to carry out Refrigerated air-conditioning-class plumbing work, installing, replacing and repairing air conditioning systems (including reverse-cycle systems) in Victoria. Federally required to handle refrigerant, decanting, or manufacturing, installing, commissioning, servicing, maintaining or decommissioning refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) equipment. Handling fluorocarbon refrigerant without this licence is an offence.
Victorian Building Authority, trading as the Building and Plumbing CommissionThe trade's core scope (installing, replacing and repairing air conditioning systems) as a plumbing registration class ('Refrigerated air-conditioning', below).
Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick)Federal refrigerant handling, the licence required to decant, install, commission, service, maintain or decommission RAC equipment (below), independent of the Victorian plumbing registration.
Energy Safe VictoriaThe electrical sub-scope of an installation, running the isolator/RCBO and connecting to the switchboard.
Named by the Victorian Building Authority, trading as the Building and Plumbing Commission, jointly with Energy Safe Victoria. Verified 26 August 2026.