A qualification or credential is formal certification that you have achieved a set of learning outcomes to a set standard.
You can achieve qualifications and credentials in many different settings. For example, at work, online, attending classes on a campus, or at school. You will learn through a school or kura, or a tertiary provider such as a university, Te Pūkenga, wānanga or a private training establishment.
On this page
Qualifications and credentials at secondary school
Secondary school and kura are also known as high school or college.
At secondary school, you usually work towards NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement), which covers Levels 1 to 3 on the NZQCF.
You can also combine NCEA study with achieving standards towards New Zealand Certificates or micro-credentials.
Tertiary education
Tertiary education is learning after secondary school. It is also known as higher or vocational education.
Tertiary qualifications and credentials cover Levels 1 to 10 on the NZQCF.
You can choose from many study and training options, such as apprenticeships, work-based training, academic study, short courses or longer qualifications.
Tertiary education providers include universities, Te Pūkenga, wānanga and private training establishments.
Getting your New Zealand Record of Achievement
When you complete a qualification or micro-credential on the NZQCF you'll get:
• a certificate of achievement from your tertiary provider
• your qualification or micro-credential added to your New Zealand Record of Achievement (NZRoA).
To get your NZRoA, you'll need to create an account and log in with your National Student Number (NSN).