Alberta · designated trade
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
4-Period Apprenticeship ProgramCompulsory CertificationRed Seal
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 4-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Compulsory Certification.
These facts were checked for Alberta on 4 October 2026. They do not by themselves apply in another province or territory. Tradesecrets and the Government of Alberta do not endorse TradesAtlas.
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul industrial, commercial and residential refrigeration and air conditioning systems and their component parts.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Learning Outcomes
- Gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the program Competence Statements.
Credential
- Advanced Diploma
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
- Alberta's Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic apprenticeship program includes Gasfitter – Class B certification. This means Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic apprentices who successfully complete all of the requirements for the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic program will receive two Alberta Journeyperson Certificates: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic and Gasfitter – Class B. Apprentices have to write both the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic and the Gasfitter – Class B interprovincial exams to earn both Red Seal Endorsements.
Program Requirements
- 4 periods (levels)
- All periods:
- 1560 hours work experience per period
- 8 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 8 weeks in all periods
- Offered at NAIT and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 30-2, Math 30-3, and Physics 20 or Chemistry 20
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
- Class Catalogue
- Curriculum Guide
- Curriculum Guide Companion Document
- Financial Assistance
- Entrance Requirements
- Entrance Exams
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1560 hours in all periods
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
- Red Seal exam option in final period
Program Updates
- In August 2026, the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic program was be updated to create a combined program with Gasfitter - Class B.
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Related Trade Certificates
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 72 months and 9360 hours of verifiable Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Provide an Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Employer Declaration Letter (EDL)
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
Employment in the Trade
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
- Restricted Activities List - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Restricted Activities Info Sheet
- Board Order
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice or
- a certified journeyperson or
- hold a recognized trade certificate.
- Who can work in a designated trade?
- Classes of Individuals - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 50%
- Period 2: 60%
- Period 3: 75%
- Period 4: 85%
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
Red Seal Endorsement
- You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.
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