313 licenses

[HumberKid]

Hi I'm a 2nd year graduate from Humber's HVAC technician program and while searching for a job this summer I stumbled upon something called a 313A license as well as a 313D which are apparently air conditioning licenses with the 313D pertaining more strictly to residential. I found some info on these forums but nothing that was quite what I was looking for. Given that I am two years through a program which focuses on the design and theory of heating, cooling and refrigeration systems I find it very disturbing that I have not even heard of this license. I understand that college is not going to teach me everything; I am not one of those guys who thinks he'll come out of college smarter than everyone else as their is way more to learn outside of school. By the same token I get very good grades and pay attention as much as I can but I have honestly not heard one word about this or seen any reference to it in my code books or learning material at all. Perhaps I need to go through the legal documents that outline the various definitions of licenses again since I was never looking for it before. Essentially I was under the impression that with a G2 or G gas fitters license I could work on any AC system I wanted. I understand that the G licenses are gas fitters licenses but I thought that AC systems basically went hand-in-hand with that unless you were dealing with refrigeration systems. My confusion probably stems from the fact that we have been taught a lot of theory and design skills regarding cooling and refrigeration without any discussion of the licensing. Given that our course hours have been going towards our G2 this whole time it just seemed logical it was one in the same. At any rate my questions are, do I need this 313 license to work on air conditioners? What is it exactly? And if I don't need it for residential systems when do I need it? I assume it would be mostly a question of the capacity of the system in question. Any other information you could pass on to me about this license would be greatly appreciated. Lastly, would I be able to challenge for the exam with my college hours or is this something I should speak to my program co-ordinator about when school starts again in September?

[rmuntz]

Simple answer, yes you need a 313 license to work on refrigeration, a/c. The 313D allows you to work on anything up to 5 tons, 230V, 60 amp. It is a 4500 hour apprenticeship. The 313A is a full refrig, a/c. It is a 9000 hour apprenticeship. Many moons ago I did the same thing you are doing. I went to Niagara College and got a Refrig and A/C Technician Degree (4 terms with honours). When I signed up for the apprenticeship I was given credit for a good chunk of hours, I believe it was about a third and got exempt from the Basic term of apprenticeship school. Yes, you can challenge the exam, but you still need the hours before you can do this.
A G2 license only allows you to work on gas equipment, not a/c. You should bring this up in class so that all the students are aware of this.

[Admin]

You will probably graduate with ODP certification, which alot of people mistake for a licence to work on refrigeration equipment.  ODP certification only allows you to handle refrigerant, not to use it.  It's a stupid certification that 313 certificate holders should not be forced to have, but we are.

The loophole is when you work on a furnace with an a/c coil installed, you count those hours as refrigeration experience.  Just work for 2.5 years then simply challenge the 313D.  Don't bother doing the apprenticeship or schooling for your 313D.

You can download Ontario Regulation 75/05, REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING MECHANIC - Here

[HumberKid]

Hey thanks to both of you that really clears everything up, I'm glad there is a forum like this for anyone in the trade whether a student or professional. Thanks again, I'll definitely look here first if I have any more questions. Thanks again 

[Grimsby]

I NEED HELP!!!

does anyone have a practise test/exam for the 313D Refrigeration licence.

I have done the test twice failed by 3%,  don't understand why.
I do have the exam results, received them within 24 hours of writing the exam.

Keep studying hasn't helped me!!!

can someone help!!!

hope to hear from someone out there....

[Admin]

Have a look at our practice exam and feel free to ask questions.  This will help you get the last 3% you need

[curfaki]

can you send me a link to the forum practice exam. Thanks.

[Admin]

http://www.hvactechgroup.com/files/paypal.html

[aaron43650]

You will probably graduate with ODP certification, which alot of people mistake for a licence to work on refrigeration equipment.  ODP certification only allows you to handle refrigerant, not to use it.  It's a stupid certification that 313 certificate holders should not be forced to have, but we are.

The loophole is when you work on a furnace with an a/c coil installed, you count those hours as refrigeration experience.  Just work for 2.5 years then simply challenge the 313D.  Don't bother doing the apprenticeship or schooling for your 313D.

You can download Ontario Regulation 75/05, REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING MECHANIC - Here

Could you help me to explain this, please?
I'm doing G2 job now, installing furnaces and A coils. How should I do to apply an examination? Thank you.

[Admin]

From what I read on the OCOT website the process is very similar to the MTCU.

Here's a thread with links to the OCOT website and specific documents required to challenge,

http://www.hvactechgroup.com/hvacforum/index.php?topic=1520.msg4195#msg4195

Download the OCOT Document, For Applicants who are not Apprentices - Here

Download the OCOT Document, Exam Preperation Guide - Here

Here's what my employer letter said,

Ottawa, May 23rd 2012
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Apprenticeship Client Services Unit
Preston Square, 347 Preston St 3rd Floor
Ottawa, ON
K1S 3H8

RE: Mr. X

To whom it may concern,

Please be advised that Mr. X has been working for Y Heating and Air Conditioning LTD. since May 1st 2010.  Mr. X has attained 4500 hours of theoretical and field experience while performing service and installations of air conditioning and refrigeration systems.  Mr. X has demonstrated the abilities to interpret wiring schematics, blue print layouts, soldering and brazing techniques.

Under the tutelage of Mr. Z, certificate #313D-400108545, Mr. X has both installed and serviced residential air conditioning systems.  Mr. X has demonstrated excellent diagnostic skills in servicing air conditioning systems.  Mr. X has also demonstrated the proper usage of the necessary tools and equipment while performing installation and service related to service calls.  Mr. X practices all safety related aspects required while performing the above noted tasks.

I can accredit that Mr. X has attained the necessary skills and required hours of theoretical and field experience to challenge the required Certification of Qualification Refrigeration and Air Conditioning exam 313D.

Please feel free to contact me should you require further information.

Yours Truly,

Z
Service Manager
Y Heating & Air Conditioning LTD
613-555-5555

Good luck with the exam!

[Jay1234]

Hey guys Im new to this site. Was wondering about the steps for the apprenticeship. I know its 4500 hours but what are the steps, what are the terms or school.

[Admin]

https://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/RACSM_editedDS.pdf

HOW DOES SOMEONE BECOME AN APPRENTICE?
The person finds a sponsor willing to ensure that he or she is provided with training according to the Apprenticeship Training Standard established by the College. A sponsor may be an individual, employer, third-party sponsor group, or any entity able to provide an apprentice with opportunities to learn the skills necessary to practice the trade. The person and the sponsor submit a completed Application for Apprenticeship to the local MTCU Employment Ontario office. MTCU staff will arrange a discussion to assess the person's eligibility for the program and the sponsor's ability to provide the required training. Staff will explain the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in apprenticeship training, including the College, and register the training agreement, MTCU staff will also explain the classroom training options and, together with the sponsor, monitor the apprentice's progress during the program. For more information on becoming an apprentice, visit: www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca

IN-SCHOOL TRAINING
Depending on the training delivery agency, in-school training may be available in one of the following ways:
block release (full-time, for a set number of weeks)
day release (one day per week from September to June)
part-time (night-school programs)
alternative delivery (online, correspondence, etc.)

[playatwork007]

You will probably graduate with ODP certification, which alot of people mistake for a licence to work on refrigeration equipment.  ODP certification only allows you to handle refrigerant, not to use it.  It's a stupid certification that 313 certificate holders should not be forced to have, but we are.

The loophole is when you work on a furnace with an a/c coil installed, you count those hours as refrigeration experience.  Just work for 2.5 years then simply challenge the 313D.  Don't bother doing the apprenticeship or schooling for your 313D.

You can download Ontario Regulation 75/05, REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING MECHANIC - Here

The following restrictions apply to TEA applications for the 313A and 313D Trades:

Certifications from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) including all fuel based
certifications will NOT be credited towards the College's equivalency requirements for the 313A or 313D
trades

Experience and on the job work hours on fuel based systems including furnaces, RTUs, boilers, air heating
systems and fire places will NOT be credited towards the College's equivalency requirements for the 313A
or 313D trades

[Admin]

It seems the OCOT wants to see someone who challenges the 313D to first be signed up as an apprentice.  I know there is a way for Applicants who are not Apprentices to challenge, as per the literature above.

Apprenticeships now cost $0, so I would recommend to sign up then challenge the exam without having to complete any schooling.

[howitt]

It seems the OCOT wants to see someone who challenges the 313D to first be signed up as an apprentice.  I know there is a way for Applicants who are not Apprentices to challenge, as per the literature above.

Apprenticeships now cost $0, so I would recommend to sign up then challenge the exam without having to complete any schooling.

What do you mean just sign up. Don't you need to find a sponsor?

[Porcupinepuffer]

It seems the OCOT wants to see someone who challenges the 313D to first be signed up as an apprentice.  I know there is a way for Applicants who are not Apprentices to challenge, as per the literature above.

Apprenticeships now cost $0, so I would recommend to sign up then challenge the exam without having to complete any schooling.

What do you mean just sign up. Don't you need to find a sponsor?

Yes. He's not saying anyone, anywhere can just sign up. Obviously you still need to sign up under the proper guidelines. But this is also easier as the journeyperson to apprentice ratio is now 1:1.

[Mercorius]

Hi friends
I pass the exam.
How long does it take to receive the license?