Delivering NZCEL qualifications and standards

There are 13 different New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) qualifications. There are also many English Language standards available at levels 1 to 4.

This page contains information and resources for providers that deliver these standards and qualifications.

English Language unit standards and qualifications support learners who are learning English as an additional language.

English Language is a field on the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards (DASS). English for Academic Purposes is part of this field.

Tertiary providers use compulsory English for Academic Purposes standards when delivering NZCEL qualifications. They also use additional English Language standards.

Secondary providers use English Language and English for Academic Purposes standards individually or as part of secondary school courses.

View NZCEL qualifications

Guidance for providers

We've developed a supporting document for tertiary providers that deliver programmes leading to NZCEL qualifications.

It supports delivery and helps tutors understand:

NZCEL levels and Graduate Profile Outcomes
how to gather sufficient student evidence
what sufficient evidence means
types of discourse and assessment methods at different levels.

NZCEL supporting document

Read or download the NZCEL supporting document [PDF, 7.3 MB]

The companion to this document will be published soon. The English Language and English for Academic Purposes Unit Standards supporting document supports assessment against the current standards, with a focus on the needs of both secondary and tertiary teachers.

Assessment resources

There are a range of assessment resources available across our site:

Keeping up to date with changes

NZQA develops and maintains English Language standards and qualifications. We're committed to making sure they meet the needs of learners and communities.

As part of this, we regularly review standards and qualifications, updating them as needed after consultation.

If your organisation delivers English Language standards or qualifications, you need to make sure you're aware of any changes that result from reviews.