We:
- manage the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework
- run the assessment system for secondary schools
- independently check the quality of tertiary education providers, except universities
- administer the Code of Pastoral Care
- recognise overseas qualifications
- manage standard-setting for some unit standards and qualifications.
On this page
Managing the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework
We keep a record of everything that has ever been listed on the:
• New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)
• Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards (DASS).
This includes all:
• qualifications
• micro-credentials
• achievement, unit and skill standards.
Providers need to apply to us to change, remove or add anything on the NZQCF or the DASS.
- Understanding the NZQCF
- Listing a qualification on the NZQCF
- Micro-credentials
- Search for a qualification
- Search for a standard on the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards
- Listing assessment standards on the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards
- Explore the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards
Running the assessment system for secondary schools
We work with secondary schools to run all external assessment for NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship exams. This includes creating, distributing and marking the exams and organising exam centres around the country.
We also:
• have moderation processes for NCEA standards
• provide students and teachers with useful resources like exemplars and marking guides
• manage the results from NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship exams
• make sure each student has accurate and timely results on their Record of Achievement.
Independent quality assurance of non-university tertiary providers
Every tertiary education provider that is registered with NZQA needs to meet our quality standards. Otherwise we can withdraw their approvals or put conditions on them.
We also investigate possible breaches of the relevant NZQA rules.
We have processes to:
• regularly check the quality of tertiary education organisations
• approve a provider to use a product on the NZQCF or the DASS.
Tertiary education organisations that use kaupapa Māori or deliver Māori qualifications or standards can apply for quality assurance that recognises their approach. This is called Te Hono o Te Kahurangi.
Administering the Code of Pastoral Care
We are the Code Administrator for the Code of Pastoral Care.
This code outlines how an education provider needs to care for international students and tertiary domestic students.
We help education providers understand their responsibilities and make sure they have the right resources and processes to care for students.
Recognising overseas qualifications
Some people want to have their overseas qualifications recognised in New Zealand. This might be for employment, professional registration or immigration.
We look at an overseas qualification and assess what type of qualification it is in New Zealand and what level it is on the NZQCF.
There are recognition arrangements with some countries to make this easier.
Standard-setting for some unit standards and qualifications
We have two teams who create unit standards and qualifications for areas that aren't covered by a Workforce Development Council.
Māori Qualifications Services works with Māori groups to create standards and qualifications about mātauranga Māori.
National Qualifications Services works with a range of groups to create standards and qualifications in generic subjects.