Technical Specialist Automotive Refrigerant Handling - Level 3
Summary
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 mechanics
- Garages and repair centres
- Car body shops
- Main dealerships
This 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.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration / Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
27 Mar 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
3 Hours
/
£255
|
|
|
24 Apr 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
3 Hours
/
£255
|
|
|
22 May 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
3 Hours
/
£255
|
|
|
19 Jun 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
3 Hours
/
£255
|
|
|
17 Jul 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
3 Hours
/
£255
|
|
|
28 Aug 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
3 Hours
/
£267
|
|
|
18 Sep 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
3 Hours
/
£267
|
|
|
16 Oct 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
3 Hours
/
£267
|
|
|
13 Nov 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
3 Hours
/
£267
|
|
|
11 Dec 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
3 Hours
/
£267
|
New Whitehills automotive industry training facility
This course is delivered at our dedicated industry training facility located at Whitehills Business Park. The Park is conveniently situated at the end of the M55 with a Travel Lodge nearby offering affordable accommodation for delegates who require it.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The course is designed for anyone who needs to work on Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) as part of the maintenance or repair process. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Service and Repair Technicians
- Diagnostic Technicians
- MET Technicians
- Roadside Recovery Technicians
- Vehicle Body Repair Technicians.
On successful completion of this course you will be issued with a certificate compliant with European Union F-gas Regulation (EC842/2006 and Annex to Regulation EC307/2008).
Next steps at B&FC
You can continue to develop your professional skills and grow your services with further automotive training in:
- Electric and hybrid vehicle systems
- Vehicle accident repair
- Vehicle inspection and MOT testing
We deliver a range of IMI training courses which enable you to join the IMI membership community free of charge. You can also claim IMI TechSafe™ recognition on the IMI Professional Register.
Key information
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.
Qualification obtained
Technical Specialist in Automotive Refrigerant Handling (EC842-2006) (Award)Fees and funding
This is a commercial course, the fees for which are displayed above and must be paid at the time of booking.
Extra costs and equipment
You should bring footwear suitable for an automotive practical workshop environment. All other equipment/resources you require for this course are provided by B&FC at no extra cost.
Regulation and Accreditation
Awarding Body: IMI
Terms and conditions
Read our full terms and conditions for more information.
What will I learn?
This qualification contains one mandatory unit AC1 in which you will learn:
- The operation of air conditioning systems in motor vehicles
- The use and properties of the fluorinated greenhouse gases used as refrigerants in air conditioning systems in motor vehicles and the impact of the emissions of these gases on the environment (order of magnitude of their global warming potential in relation to climate change)
- The relevant provision of regulation (EC) No. 842/2006 and Directive 2006/40/EC
- The procedures for recovering fluorinated greenhouse gases
- How to handle refrigerant cylinders
- How to connect and disconnect a recovery set to and from the service ports of a motor vehicle air conditioning system containing fluorinated greenhouse gases
- How to operate a recovery set
How will I learn?
Training includes a combination of presentations and practical activities. A maximum class size of six ensures you can work at your own pace and receive outstanding levels of tutor support.
Expert tutors
Our tutors are IMI-approved trainers and experienced automotive professionals with years of industry knowledge. They bring real workshop experience to every session and will guide you through both the practical and theory parts of any course and/or assessment.
How will I be assessed?
Candidates must demonstrate knowledge through an online test and practical skills assessment.