Pōkaitahi

Certificate

Information about the skills and knowledge at each level of a certificate

Certificates can be awarded at various levels of the NZQCF.

Certificate level 1

Purpose

A certificate at level 1 qualifies individuals with basic knowledge and skills for work, further learning and/or community involvement.

Outcomes

A graduate of a level 1 certificate is able to:

  • demonstrate basic general and/or foundation knowledge
  • apply basic skills required to carry out simple tasks
  • apply basic solutions to simple problems
  • apply literacy and numeracy skills for participation in everyday life
  • work in a highly structured context
  • demonstrate some responsibility for own learning 
  • interact with others.

Credit requirements

This certificate is listed at level 1 and must comprise a minimum of 40 credits at level 1 or above.

Certificate level 2

Purpose

A certificate at level 2 qualifies individuals with introductory knowledge and skills for a field(s)/areas of work or study.

Outcomes

A graduate of a level 2 certificate is able to:

  • demonstrate basic factual and/or operational knowledge of a field of work or study
  • apply known solutions to familiar problems
  • apply standard processes relevant to the field of work or study
  • apply literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role in the field of work or study
  • work under general supervision
  • demonstrate some responsibility for own learning and performance
  • collaborate with others.

Credit requirements

This certificate is listed at level 2 and must comprise a minimum of 40 credits at level 2 or above.

Certificate level 3

Purpose

A certificate at level 3 qualifies individuals with knowledge and skills for a specific role(s) within fields/areas of work and/or preparation for further study.

Outcomes

A graduate of a level 3 certificate is able to:

  • demonstrate some operational and theoretical knowledge in a field of work or study
  • select from and apply a range of known solutions to familiar problems
  • apply a range of standard processes relevant to the field of work or study
  • apply a range of communication skills relevant to the role in the field of work or study
  • apply literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role in the field of work or study
  • work under limited supervision
  • demonstrate major responsibility for own learning and performance
  • adapt own behaviour when interacting with others
  • contribute to group performance.

Credit requirements

This certificate is listed at level 3 and must comprise a minimum of 40 credits at level 3 or above.

Certificate level 4

Purpose

A certificate at level 4 qualifies individuals to work or study in broad or specialised field(s)/areas.

Outcomes

A graduate of a level 4 certificate is able to:

  • demonstrate broad operational and theoretical knowledge in a field of work or study
  • select and apply solutions to familiar and sometimes unfamiliar problems
  • select and apply a range of standard and non-standard processes relevant to the field of work or study
  • apply a range of communication skills relevant to the field of work or study
  • demonstrate the self-management of learning and performance under broad guidance
  • demonstrate some responsibility for performance of others.

Credit requirements

This certificate is listed at level 4 and must comprise a minimum of 40 credits at level 4 or above.

Certificate level 5

Purpose

A certificate at level 5 qualifies individuals with theoretical and/or technical knowledge and skills within an aspect(s) of a specific field of work or study.

Outcomes

A graduate of a level 5 certificate is able to:

  • demonstrate broad operational or technical and theoretical knowledge within an aspect(s) of a specific field of work or study
  • select and apply a range of solutions to familiar and sometimes unfamiliar problems
  • select and apply a range of standard and non-standard processes relevant to the field of work or study
  • demonstrate complete self-management of learning and performance within defined contexts
  • demonstrate some responsibility for the management of learning and performance of others.

Credit requirements

This certificate is listed at level 5 and must comprise a minimum of 40 credits at level 5 or above.

Certificate level 6

Purpose

A certificate at level 6 qualifies individuals with theoretical and/or technical knowledge and skills within an aspect(s) of a specialised/strategic context.

Outcomes

A graduate of a level 6 certificate is able to:

  • demonstrate specialised technical or theoretical knowledge with depth within an aspect(s) of a field of work or study
  • analyse and generate solutions to familiar and unfamiliar problems
  • select and apply a range of standard and non-standard processes relevant to the field of work or study
  • demonstrate complete self-management of learning and performance within dynamic contexts
  • demonstrate responsibility for leadership within dynamic contexts.

Credit requirements

This certificate is listed at level 6 and must comprise a minimum of 40 credits at level 6 or above.

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