1991
New Zealand’s first National Qualifications Framework (NQF) was established in 1991. It comprised national qualifications (National Certificates and National Diplomas) made up of quality assured unit and achievement standards at levels 1 to 6.
2001
The New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications was launched. It comprised the national qualifications (on the NQF) and local provider-based qualifications including university degrees. The Register had 10 levels, which correspond to the 10 levels on the current NZQCF.
2010
A unified New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) was established to replace the National Qualifications Framework and the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications. All qualifications at levels 1 to 6 were reviewed over time to remove duplication.
The use of the term “National” or a provider name in a qualification title were phased out when the qualifications were reviewed. New or reviewed tertiary qualifications generally have “New Zealand” or “NZQF” in the title. The exceptions are the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA), which are New Zealand’s secondary school qualifications at levels 1 to 3.
2022
Micro-credentials were included in the framework its name was changed to the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).