Level 3 Automotive Refrigerant Handling Course in Blackpool – Bispham Campus

Cost£267.00
Duration3 hours
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start11 Dec 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body

About this course

Level 3 Automotive Refrigerant Handling Course in Blackpool. Classes run at Bispham Campus. To work legally with refrigerants in motor vehicles, you need F-Gas certification. This automotive refrigerant handling course delivers exactly that. You should have vehicle repair knowledge at Level 2 or at least three years of industry experience before you start. The course runs in a single daytime session of around three hours. It covers the safe and legal handling of AC refrigerant in motor vehicles, as required under EC842-2006.

Who this course is for

This air conditioning course gives you the F-Gas certification you need to legally and safely work with AC refrigerant in motor vehicles. The qualification has no expiry date so if you already work as a vehicle technician, achieving it means you will stay compliant and can work with confidence on vehicle air conditioning systems. It's ideal for anyone handling refrigerants within the automotive industry including: Mobile mechanicsGarages and repair centresCar body shopsMain dealershipsThis Defra-approved qualification provides a simple, single-unit route for technical specialists to prove they meet the full F-gas regulations and requirements (EC842/2006 AND ANNEX EC307/2008). You'll gain the skills to safely handle AC refrigerant, protect the environment, and work to industry standards. The course is fully up to date and includes the latest on R1234yf refrigerant, modern service methods, and today's equipment requirements. By law, all vehicle technicians working on Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) systems in cars and car-derived vans must hold the right training and necessary qualification to satisfy EU legislation. This course gives you exactly what you need to stay legal, increase customer trust, and protect your career or business.

Entry requirements

You should have either vehicle repair knowledge and skills at Level 2 or at least 3 years industry experience in a vehicle repair environment.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand the legal requirements for handling automotive refrigerants under EC842-2006.
  • You'll learn how to safely recover, recycle, and recharge refrigerant in vehicle air conditioning systems.
  • You'll identify the types of refrigerant used in motor vehicles and their environmental impact.
  • You'll understand the health and safety risks associated with refrigerant handling.
  • You'll learn how to use refrigerant handling equipment correctly.
  • You'll understand your responsibilities for staying compliant when working on vehicle AC systems.

How you will learn

The course is delivered in a classroom setting at Bispham Campus. Learning covers the theory and practical knowledge required for F-Gas certification in the automotive sector. Assessment is through a formal examination or knowledge test set by IMI. You'll complete this in a single daytime session of around three hours.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Bispham Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Vehicle technician. Service and repair cars, including AC systems.
  • Mobile mechanic. Work independently on vehicles at customer locations.
  • Garage or workshop technician. Handle refrigerants compliantly in a repair centre.
  • Car body shop technician. Support bodywork repairs involving AC systems.
  • Main dealership technician. Work on manufacturer vehicles with full compliance.
  • Air conditioning specialist. Focus on vehicle AC diagnosis and repair.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. The core qualification for vehicle technicians working toward a skilled-worker role.
  • IMI Level 3 Award in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle System Repair. As the vehicle fleet shifts to electric, this qualification covers high-voltage systems and is increasingly sought by employers.
  • Level 4 qualifications in automotive management or diagnostics, for those moving into senior technical or supervisory roles.