NVQ / TVEC Recognised Vocational Training
AC and Refrigeration Course in Sri Lanka
Become a certified RAC Technician with an NVQ Level 3 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration qualification from Ceylon Open Campus, Kattankudy. Hands-on training in split AC installation, commercial refrigeration, inverter technology, and a direct pathway to Gulf overseas employment through the SLBFE.
Why AC and Refrigeration is One of Sri Lanka's Most In-Demand Trades
Sri Lanka's tropical climate — hot and humid for most of the year — means that air conditioning is increasingly standard in homes, offices, shops, schools, hotels, and vehicles. The rapid growth of the hospitality industry, particularly along the Eastern Province coastline, has created a surge in demand for RAC technicians who can install and maintain the large-scale HVAC systems required in resort properties. Meanwhile, the proliferation of domestic split air conditioners (which now cost as little as LKR 80,000–120,000 for a basic unit) means that hundreds of thousands of households across Sri Lanka now have AC systems that need regular servicing.
Commercial refrigeration adds further demand: supermarkets, cold stores, fish markets, pharmaceutical storage facilities, restaurants, and hotels all depend on reliable refrigeration equipment that must be maintained and repaired by qualified technicians. In Batticaloa and Ampara — with their large fishing industries — refrigeration technicians are particularly valuable for cold room and ice-making plant maintenance.
The overseas opportunity for RAC technicians is exceptional. The Gulf states — where outdoor temperatures can exceed 50 degrees Celsius — are among the largest per-capita consumers of air conditioning in the world. Demand for RAC technicians in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar is constant and large-scale. SLBFE overseas placement data consistently shows RAC technicians as one of the most-requested trade categories by Gulf employers. South Korea, with its cold winters and demand for industrial refrigeration, also actively recruits foreign RAC technicians under the EPS programme.
Course Curriculum
| Module | Topics Covered | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| RAC Fundamentals and Safety | Refrigeration cycle, thermodynamics, refrigerant types, safety regulations, PPE | Month 1 |
| Domestic AC Systems | Split AC installation, window AC, portable AC, piping and electrical connections | Month 2 |
| Inverter and Advanced AC | Inverter technology, VRF/VRV multi-split systems, cassette and floor-ceiling units | Month 3 |
| Commercial Refrigeration | Cold rooms, display cases, ice machines, condensing units, rack systems | Month 4 |
| Fault Diagnosis and Repair | Using manifold gauges, leak detection, vacuum and charging, electrical fault finding | Month 5 |
| NVQ Assessment Project | Full AC installation and commissioning, refrigeration system service, TVEC assessment | Month 6 |
Entry Requirements and Duration
Duration: 6 months full-time (five days per week) or 12 months part-time. Entry: Grade 9 completion, age 16+, normal colour vision, basic numeracy, physical fitness. No O/L or A/L required.
Indicative Course Fees (LKR)
| Programme | Duration | Total Fee (LKR) |
|---|---|---|
| NVQ Level 3 RAC Technician (Full-time) | 6 months | LKR 35,000 – 55,000 |
| NVQ Level 3 RAC Technician (Part-time) | 12 months | LKR 35,000 – 55,000 |
TVEC NVQ assessment fees are additional. Call 075 922 0083 for the current intake dates and precise pricing.
Career Outcomes and Salary Guide
| Role / Location | Experience | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| RAC Technician — Sri Lanka (employed) | 0–3 years | LKR 45,000 – 75,000 |
| Senior HVAC Technician — Sri Lanka | 3–6 years | LKR 90,000 – 150,000 |
| Self-employed RAC Contractor | 2+ years | LKR 100,000 – 250,000+ |
| HVAC Technician — Gulf (UAE, Saudi, Qatar) | NVQ 3 required | LKR 130,000 – 280,000 equiv. |
| Refrigeration Technician — South Korea (EPS) | NVQ 3 required | LKR 200,000 – 360,000 equiv. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the AC and refrigeration course cover?
The course provides comprehensive training in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) systems. You will learn the refrigeration cycle and thermodynamic principles; types of refrigerants and refrigerant handling (including F-gas regulation awareness); installation and commissioning of split air conditioners (wall, cassette, and floor-ceiling units); installation and maintenance of window ACs and portable units; commercial refrigeration systems (cold rooms, supermarket display cases, ice-making machines); fault diagnosis and repair; electrical wiring for AC units; pipe brazing and flaring; and vacuum and charge procedures. The curriculum aligns with the NVQ Level 3 RAC Technician framework under TVEC.
Is the NVQ RAC Technician certificate recognised for Gulf employment?
Yes. The NVQ Level 3 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) certificate, registered under TVEC, is recognised by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) for overseas skilled trade worker deployment. Gulf countries — particularly the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain — have enormous demand for RAC technicians. The extreme heat of the Gulf climate means that air conditioning is not a luxury but a necessity, and the maintenance of AC systems in hotels, offices, malls, hospitals, and residential complexes is a constant requirement. Sri Lankan RAC technicians are consistently among the highest-demand trades in Gulf recruitment. South Korea under the EPS programme also recruits foreign workers for HVAC and industrial refrigeration roles.
How long is the course and what are the entry requirements?
Duration: 6 months full-time (theory and workshop sessions five days per week) or 12 months part-time. Entry requirements: Grade 9 completion, minimum age 16, good physical fitness and normal colour vision (required for electrical wiring tasks), and basic numeracy. No O/L or A/L results are required. The NVQ vocational pathway is intentionally accessible to those who completed schooling at Grade 9–11. A practical aptitude test at enrolment confirms readiness for the workshop component.
What is the salary for an AC and refrigeration technician in Sri Lanka?
Qualified RAC technicians in Sri Lanka are in strong demand, particularly in the hospitality sector (hotels and resorts), commercial real estate, supermarket chains, and residential markets. Entry-level technicians working for AC service companies or maintenance contractors earn LKR 45,000–75,000 per month. Experienced technicians specialising in commercial refrigeration or VRF multi-split systems earn LKR 90,000–150,000. Self-employed RAC technicians — offering installation, maintenance, and repair services directly to homes and businesses — can earn LKR 100,000–250,000 or more depending on their client base and location.
Will I learn about inverter air conditioners and modern refrigerant types?
Yes. The course includes inverter AC technology, which has become the dominant technology in new AC installations in Sri Lanka due to its energy efficiency. You will learn the differences between inverter and non-inverter systems, how to troubleshoot inverter AC faults, and how to correctly commission inverter units. The curriculum also covers modern refrigerants — including R-410A (common in split systems) and R-32 (increasingly used in newer units) — and the importance of proper refrigerant handling to prevent environmental damage. Knowledge of R-134a and R-404A for commercial refrigeration is also included.
Can I start my own AC service business after completing the course?
Yes. Self-employment is one of the most financially rewarding pathways for qualified RAC technicians. Residential and commercial clients regularly need their AC units cleaned, serviced, regassed, and repaired — and finding a reliable, certified technician is often difficult outside of Colombo. After completing NVQ Level 3, you can operate as an independent AC service technician, build a regular client base, and eventually hire assistants as your business grows. Many successful small businesses in the Eastern Province have been built this way. Our course includes practical guidance on business basics to help graduates who want to take this route.
Enrol in the AC and Refrigeration Course
Call or email us today to confirm the next intake, discuss fees, and find out how to register. Our advisors can also guide you on the SLBFE overseas deployment process for RAC technicians going to the Gulf.
Ceylon Open Campus, Kattankudy, Sri Lanka