Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Level 3 Automotive Refrigerant Handling Course at Derby College

Cost£295.00
Duration3 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Automotive Refrigerant Handling Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College, part-time during the day over 3 weeks. If you work with vehicle air conditioning systems, this qualification meets the legal requirement to handle refrigerants under F-gas regulations. You'll need a basic working knowledge of air conditioning systems containing fluorinated greenhouse gases before you start. The course covers the safe and legal recovery of refrigerants in motor cars and car-derived vans, meeting DEFRA-approved standards. Assessment combines practical and online elements. IMI Level 3 Technical Specialist in Automotive Refrigerant Handling Award with certificate.

Who this course is for

This qualification is ideal for automotive technicians and mobile air conditioning (MAC) professionals who work with motor cars and car-derived vans and need to legally handle refrigerants under EU F-gas regulations. It’s particularly suited to:Experienced technicians seeking compliance with Commission Regulation EC 842/2006.Individuals who have previously completed in-house or formal air conditioning training.Professionals aiming to continue working legally with fluorinated greenhouse gases after the regulatory deadline.Achieving this award ensures technicians meet DEFRA-approved standards, enabling them to safely and legally recover refrigerants, protect the environment, and maintain industry best practices.

Entry requirements

The selection criteria for entry will take into account each applicant's existing academic/vocational qualifications and experience. Individuals should already have a basic knowledge of the operation of Air Conditioning Systems containing fluorinated greenhouse gases in motor cars (and car-derived vans), the environmental impact of fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerants, the corresponding environmental regulations, and procedures for environment-friendly recovery of fluorinated greenhouse gases

What you will learn

  • You'll demonstrate safe procedures for recovering fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerants from vehicle air conditioning systems.
  • You'll apply knowledge of how automotive air conditioning systems operate.
  • You'll explain the environmental impact of fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerants.
  • You'll show understanding of the relevant environmental regulations, including EC 842/2006.
  • You'll follow environment-friendly recovery procedures to meet DEFRA-approved standards.

How you will learn

The course uses a combination of classroom-based learning and online assessment. You'll be assessed through practical tasks and an online test. An interview is required before you start, so the centre can confirm your existing knowledge of air conditioning systems is at the right level for this qualification.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Derby College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Vehicle technician: service and repair cars legally handling refrigerants
  • Mobile air conditioning (MAC) technician: specialist vehicle AC work
  • Mechanic: garage-based work requiring F-gas compliance
  • Automotive service advisor: technical knowledge supporting customer-facing roles
  • Fleet maintenance technician: keeping commercial vehicle fleets compliant

What you could study next

Once you hold this automotive refrigerant handling qualification, you could look at broader automotive qualifications to widen your skills. An IMI Level 3 Award in Electric and Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement is a natural next step for technicians working with modern vehicles. You might also consider manufacturer-specific training programmes to specialise further in vehicle air conditioning or EV systems.

Apply on derby-college.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Derby College

More courses near you