What we consulted on
NZQA consulted on proposed rule changes between 12 September and 24 October 2022.
We proposed the following changes to the NZQA Rules in response to amendments to the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act) which came into effect on 1 August 2022:
- Including requirements for listing micro-credentials on the framework in the Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules.
- Creating rules for the approval and accreditation of micro-credentials.
- Creating rules for the recognition of national curricula (‘New Zealand Programmes’).
- Removing the requirement for applicants to hold consent to assess for standards before applying for accreditation in the Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules.
- Making technical updates to reflect the changes to the Act, including ensuring consistency with new terminology.
We proposed changes to simplify and clarify the rules and ensure they remain up-to-date and fit for purpose, including:
- Adding requirements for listing skill standards on the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards in the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards Listing and Operational Rules.
- Regulating level 7 diplomas in the same way as level 1–6 qualifications.
- Applying the Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules to work-based training.
- Updating the Offshore Programme Delivery Rules to clarify offshore delivery and offshore partnerships and allow for programmes that include work placements or practical training to be offered online and offshore.
We also communicated that the temporary acceptance of online versions of those English language proficiency tests which had traditionally been carried out in the test centres would expire on 31 December 2022 and would not be continued.
On this page
Consultation resources
Download the consultation document [PDF, 514 KB]
During the consultation period, we ran a series of public information sessions via Zoom.
Download the general information session presentation [PDF, 984 KB]
Download the micro-credentials session presentation [PDF, 1.2 MB]
We also presented skill standard design principles, components, and sample standards for feedback. We presented the following resources:
Ngā kaupapa as expressed for the development and design of skill standards [PDF, 173 KB]
Proposed skill standards components [PDF, 172 KB]
Sample skill standards:
Outcome of consultation
We received 114 submissions. We produced a summary to share what we heard from submitters on proposals relating to rules changes, skill standards and New Zealand Programmes.
NZQA considered all feedback when making the final changes to the Rules. The NZQA Rules were reissued and came into effect in January 2023.
The changes to the Rules are summarised below. Go to our web page to read the updated Rules:
Summary of changes
Across all rule sets
The following names and terms were updated:
- Training schemes are now micro-credentials
- The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) is now the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)
- The Directory of Assessment Standards (DAS) is now the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards (DASS)
- References to Industry Training Organisations (ITO) and Transitional Industry Training Organisations (TITOs) have been removed
- The way we refer to Te Pūkenga subsidiaries is updated.
The names of the rule sets are also updated.
Consent to Assess Rules
Thes Consent to Assess Rules now apply where the applicant is applying for consent to assess only, not when they are applying for accreditation as well. Industry training micro-credentials have been removed from these rules.
Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards (DASS) Listing Rules
These rules now include skill standards and require WDCs to report annually to NZQA on the performance of the national external moderation system. This was previously a requirement for ITOs.
Micro-credential Approval and Accreditation Rules
These new rules replaced the Training Scheme Rules. The micro-credential rules set out the requirements for having a micro-credential approved or being accredited to deliver a micro-credential.
Find out more about micro-credentials (external link)
Offshore Programme Delivery Rules
These rules only apply to programmes that are delivered in a country other than New Zealand, Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau, when physically provided in that country by a provider or an offshore partner organisation. They do not apply to a programme delivered entirely by distance (online or by correspondence) or to micro-credentials.
The definition of an offshore partner organisation has been updated. It is an organisation that is used by the provider for any teaching, training, or supervision of learning activities; assessment; practical training; or academic or pastoral support.
Offshore delivery can include practical training or work placements.
PTE Registration Rules
These rules now allow NZQA to visit a new site, if necessary.
Programme Approval, Recognition and Accreditation Rules
These rules now include the requirements for having a “New Zealand Programme” recognised by NZQA. Only a standard setting body can develop a New Zealand Programme and apply to have it recognised.
Providers can apply for accreditation without first holding consent to assess. The rules outline what the provider needs to do to meet and maintain CMR requirements as part of their accreditation.
The requirement to notify workforce development councils of a type 1 change to a programme has been removed.
References to Data Requirements have been removed.
The rules clarify that evidence of English language proficiency is only required for programmes that are taught in English. A change was made to clarify that a test that is being used as evidence of English proficiency must have been taken within two years preceding the start date of the programme the student is enrolling in.
As signalled, the temporary allowance to accept online versions of those English language proficiency tests which had traditionally been carried out in the test centres expired on 31 December 2022 and was not continued.
Find out more information about English language requirements
PTE Enrolment and Academic Records Rules
A definition of assessment materials was added to these rules. The definition is “the assessment tasks, instructions and guidance given to students, the assessed student evidence, and the resources used by the assessor to make judgements about student performance”.
Quality Assurance (EER) Rules
The definition of assessment materials was also added to these rules: “the assessment tasks, instructions and guidance given to students, the assessed student evidence, and the resources used by the assessor to make judgements about student performance”.
Institutions (other than PTEs) are now able to reach an individual agreement with NZQA for their retention of assessment materials.
Student Fee Protection Rules
These rules now set out clearer requirements for approving suppliers. We require a supplier to:
- be an independent trustee as defined in section 10(1) of the Act and have no conflict of interest in carrying out the role of trustee for the PTE
- have experience in managing trust accounts that have multiple beneficiaries and frequent transactions
- provide evidence of secure and adequate data processing capacity
- provide evidence of an ability to resolve competing claims and finalise refunds within agreed time frames.
Mechanism 2 ‘company or parent body guarantees’ and Mechanism 5 ‘student-based insurance policies’ were removed from the mechanism options.
The new requirements only apply to new mechanisms. Existing mechanisms are grand-parented.
Qualification and Micro-credential Listing and Operational Rules
These rules now include the requirements for listing micro-credentials on the NZQCF.
Find out more about micro-credentials (external link)
Level 7 diplomas are now treated the same as level 5 and 6 diplomas. New Level 7 diplomas will be listed as New Zealand diplomas. Existing level 7 diplomas will generally be expected to become New Zealand diplomas when reviewed.
The rules for listing qualifications at levels 1-6 and level 7 diplomas now require skill standards to be included in the qualification where the skill standard fits with the purpose and outcome of the qualification.
The rules are updated to clarify that qualifications and micro-credentials can be listed in English, te reo Māori, or both.
Revoked rules
The Transitional ITO Prescribed Quality Assurance Rules and Industry Training Programme Approval Rules were revoked.