Standards include skill standards, unit standards and achievement standards. Over time, skill standards will replace unit standards on the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards (DASS).
Standard-setting bodies (SSBs) lead the development of standards in subject areas they are responsible for. Only SSBs can apply to NZQA to list standards.
Current SSBs developing standards are:
- Workforce Development Councils
- NZQA's Māori Qualifications Services and National Qualifications Services
- The Ministry of Education (for achievement standards).
Rules and guidelines
Standards are listed on the DASS in accordance with the rules:
Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards Listing and Operational Rules 2022
We've provided guidelines for SSBs developing skill standards, assessment standards and CMRs:
Interim guidelines for approval and listing of skill standards [PDF, 610 KB]
Guidelines for listing assessment standards on the DASS [PDF, 555 KB]
Guidelines for listing Consent and Moderation Requirements [PDF, 580 KB]
On this page
Applying to list standards
SS can apply to list standards online in the providers portal. In the applications section, select the 'Other' category and write in the type of application, for example, skill standard.
Log in to the providers portal
Your application should include all information specified in the relevant guidelines and a completed application form.
A completed change report must be submitted for new and reviewed standards.
Please group new standards submitted for registration in order in the change report. This ensures logical numbering once registered. Numbering draft standard titles or IDs in order when submitting them for registration supports this.
Using macrons
Keyboard setup for macrons (external link)
Skill standards
Please use the skill standard template for each standard submitted. There is also a skill standard style guide to ensure all skill standards have the same format.
Download an application form [DOCX, 60 KB]
Download the skill standard template [DOCX, 39 KB]
Download the skill standard style guide [DOCX, 44 KB]
Download a change report [DOC, 53 KB]
Assessment standards
Please use the assessment standard template for each standard submitted. There is also a checklist for submission.
Download the assessment standard template [DOCX, 23 KB]
Application form for listing new and reviewed assessment standards on the DASS [DOCX, 61 KB]
Download the checklist for the evaluation of unit standards [DOCX, 44 KB]
Download the assessment standard change report template [DOCX, 24 KB]
Keeping standards current
SSBs need to periodically review standards to ensure they continue to meet stakeholder needs.
NZQA expects SSBs to take a strategic approach, and review standards as part of qualification and micro-credential reviews and development projects.
Standard review support package
A review support package is available on request if an SSB is planning a review of unit standards.
Request a review support package
We recommend that you request a support package well before you plan to start consultation.
The review support package contains:
- digital versions of the standards to be reviewed
- a Qualification Impact Report - spreadsheets including NZQCF qualifications that might be affected by the review in terms of specific standards or NZQCF classifications listed in qualification electives
- a Provider Impact Report - a text file listing all organisations that have consent to assess against the standards that might be affected by the review at field, subfield, domain or standard level
- a Draft Change Report, with current standard details in the summary table.
Applying for approval of CMRs
Find out what you need to do when you apply for approval for Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR).
Learn moreChanging the DASS classification system
Information about changes to the DASS classification system:
Listing Australian units of competency
Information about listing Australian units of competency: