Artisan in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
The Artisan in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning is a TVET-CDACC Level 4 competency-based programme that trains students in fundamental refrigeration and air conditioning support skills. The course is examined by TVET-CDACC and offered across accredited TVET institutions in Kenya. Students learn basic refrigeration, air conditioning assistance, equipment handling, gas handling, tool use, and workshop safety.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 268,756 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 45,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of E mean grade at KCSE or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 13 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Auto Diagnostics Technician, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers basic units including communication skills, numeracy skills, digital literacy, entrepreneurial skills, employability skills, environmental literacy, and occupational safety and health practices. Core units focus on basic refrigeration, air conditioning assistance, equipment handling, gas handling, tool usage, cleaning, and industrial attachment in a refrigeration and air conditioning workshop.
Kenya's hospitality sector, healthcare facilities, and commercial buildings create demand for entry-level refrigeration and air conditioning support personnel. Hotels, hospitals, supermarkets, and air conditioning service companies require trained assistants for equipment maintenance, installation support, and servicing tasks.
Training combines classroom theory with practical sessions in workshop environments. Students practice equipment handling, gas handling, tool use, basic maintenance, and cleaning under supervised conditions. The programme includes industrial attachment in refrigeration workshops or air conditioning service companies where students apply their skills in real service environments.
Graduates work as refrigeration assistants, air conditioning helpers, equipment handlers, and workshop assistants in refrigeration and air conditioning service companies, hotels, hospitals, and supermarkets. The qualification provides a foundation for progression to Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Level 5 and Level 6 for specialised refrigeration technology and engineering roles.
This programme is suitable for KCSE certificate holders with a mean grade of E or KCPE certificate who are interested in mechanical and cooling systems and seeking entry-level positions in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
What you study
6 subjects- Refrigeration Principles
- Air Conditioning Systems
- Cooling Components
- Installation Procedures
- Maintenance Practices
- Safety Protocols
Modules
10 in the programmeIntroduction to Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of HVAC industry, cooling systems, and safety procedures in refrigeration workshops.
Refrigeration Tools and Equipment
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Identification, use, and maintenance of refrigeration tools, gauges, and HVAC equipment.
Refrigeration Principles
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Basic refrigeration cycles, thermodynamics, cooling principles, and heat transfer fundamentals for understanding refrigeration system operations.
Refrigeration Components
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Compressors, condensers, evaporators, expansion valves, and refrigeration system components.
Air Conditioning Systems
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Air conditioning principles, split systems, package units, AC system types, and basic air conditioning operation for HVAC installation work.
Installation Procedures
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Installation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, piping, and electrical connections.
Maintenance Practices
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Routine maintenance, cleaning, servicing, and preventive maintenance procedures.
Troubleshooting
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Fault diagnosis, problem identification, and repair procedures for refrigeration and AC systems.
Workshop Safety
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Occupational health and safety, personal protective equipment, and safe working practices.
Entrepreneurship Skills
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Basic business skills for self-employment including HVAC business management and marketing.
Specialisations
Refrigeration
Focus on refrigeration systems, cold storage, and cooling equipment including installation support, maintenance, and basic refrigeration servicing.
Commercial HVAC
Focus on commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems including installation support, maintenance, and basic commercial HVAC servicing.
Air Conditioning
Specialisation in air conditioning systems installation and maintenance including split systems, package units, and basic AC servicing and repair.
Equipment Servicing
Basic equipment servicing support including cleaning, filter replacement, gas checking, and routine maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning units.
A day as a student
Students attend practical workshop sessions, theory classes, and site visits to gain hands-on HVAC skills.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| High demand for HVAC technicians due to growing construction and commercial development. | Work may involve working in confined spaces, at heights, and in various weather conditions. |
| Practical hands-on training with immediate employability after programme completion. | Exposure to refrigerants and chemicals requires proper safety precautions and certification. |
| Opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship with minimal capital investment. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
Public TVET 67,189/yr (kenyaeducationguide.com). Private: Vitech 39K, ICS 45K/yr.
TVET funding available for eligible students. Some institutions offer bursaries based on financial need.
Funding options
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Funding
Scholarships
3 recordedTVET Funding
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited TVET institutions, based on financial need and programme requirements.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties, targeting orphans, learners from low-income households, students with disabilities, and vulnerable youth.
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
BursaryKenyan
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds including low-income families, orphaned children, and persons with disabilities.
Scholarships you could apply for
7 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificate or equivalent qualification. Adults with relevant experience may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 13 institutionsIncluding Technical University of Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa, Kabete National Polytechnic.
Including Technical University of Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa, Kabete National Polytechnic.
Including Technical University of Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa, Kabete National Polytechnic.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Practical Assessments
Practicum50% of the mark
Ongoing evaluation of practical skills in workshop sessions throughout the training period.
Theory Tests
Test30% of the mark
Written tests on refrigeration theory, HVAC principles, and cooling systems.
Trade Test
Exam100% of the mark
NITA national examination for artisan certification in refrigeration and air conditioning.
Final Practical Project
Project20% of the mark
Completion of a comprehensive practical project demonstrating HVAC skills.
Accreditation
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all TVET institutions and programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesAir Conditioning Installer
High demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 58,000
Install air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Refrigeration Technician
High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 55,000
Install, maintain, and repair refrigeration systems and cooling equipment.
Cooling System Technician
Medium demandKsh 29,000 to Ksh 52,000
Work with various cooling systems including refrigeration and air conditioning.
HVAC Maintenance Worker
High demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 50,000
Perform maintenance and servicing of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Self-employed HVAC Technician
Medium demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 65,000
Operate own HVAC business providing installation and maintenance services.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in refrigeration, air conditioning, and cooling systems across Kenya's construction and commercial sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Auto Diagnostics TechnicianTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- Automotive Service AdvisorTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- BlacksmithTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- Boda Motorcycle MechanicTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- CNC MachinistTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- Construction Safety OfficerTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- Crane OperatorTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
- Custom Apparel TailorTrades & Vocational3Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Refrigeration and air conditioning is only about fixing air conditioners
The field encompasses refrigeration systems, air conditioning, cooling technologies, and various HVAC applications.
Artisan HVAC has limited career growth
Artisan refrigeration and air conditioning provides a foundation for progression to craft certificate, diploma, and eventually specialised positions in HVAC engineering.
HVAC work is simple
HVAC work requires understanding of thermodynamics, refrigeration cycles, electrical systems, and safety protocols.
HVAC is not a growing field
Growing construction, commercial development, and climate control needs create increasing demand for HVAC technicians.