All qualifications and credentials on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) fit into a defined type.
Diplomas, certificates and Master's degrees are all types of qualifications. Micro-credentials are a type of credential.
Each qualification or credential type includes information about its:
- purpose
- outcomes
- credit requirements
- entry requirements and relationship to other qualifications.
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On this page
Types of qualifications and credentials
Select a qualification or credential type to learn more about it, including its purpose, outcomes and credit requirements.
Achieving qualifications and credentials
School and university aren't the only places you can work towards qualifications and credentials.
You can achieve qualifications and credentials in many different settings, including:
- at work
- online
- with a tertiary training provider.
Every qualification or credential you achieve in New Zealand is recorded on your Record of Achievement.
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Information in each qualification type
Purpose
Purpose statements set out a qualification’s use and relevance to learners, industry and the communities.
These statements should also acknowledge the cultural and social aspirations of Māori, Pasifika and other communities, if these are reflected in the need for the qualification.
Outcomes
Outcome statements describe the knowledge, skills and attributes of a graduate. The outcome statements include graduate profiles, education pathways and employment pathways.
Credit requirements
Each qualification has minimum credit requirements. Credit values reflect the amount of learning in the qualification. One credit represents 10 notional hours of learning and assessment.
Notional hours are the amount of time a learner typically spends studying, including self-directed learning, homework and assignments.
A learner studying full-time can usually earn 120 credits in a year.
Entry and relationship with other qualifications
Qualifications may include entry requirements. They may also include information about how the qualification relates to other qualifications, for example a graduate diploma may provide the basis for post-graduate study.
Reviews of qualifications and credentials
All qualifications and credentials listed on the NZQCF are reviewed regularly.
Reviews make sure qualifications and credentials remain relevant and appropriate and meet the needs of learners, industry and professional or academic communities.