| Term |
Description |
| Achievement standard |
A coherent set of learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria, together with technical and management information that supports delivery and assessment; achievement standards specify three different standards of performance and the method of assessment, which may include national external assessment. |
| Assessment standard |
The collective term for unit standards and achievement standards listed on the NZQA Directory of Assessment Standards. |
| Components |
Parts of a programme (or training scheme), which together make up a coherent arrangement of learning or training. Components include projects, papers, courses, modules, practicum and skill and assessment standards. |
| New Zealand certificate or diploma |
A qualification that meets the requirements for listing on the NZQF at Levels 1-6. |
| Programme (approved) |
An approved programme is a coherent arrangement of learning or training that is based on clear and consistent aims, content, outcomes and assessment practices, which leads to a qualification listed on the NZQF. |
| Qualification |
Formal certification for a given purpose of the achievement of specified learning outcomes to a given standard. |
| Qualification strand |
A specialisation within a qualification that represents a major component of the qualification, and is at the level of the qualification. Strands are documented through strand-specific outcomes in the graduate profile. |
| Quality assurance body |
NZQA or New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (also known as Universities New Zealand). |
| Stakeholders |
Individuals, groups, or organisations with an interest (or ‘stake’) in the outcome of a qualification. |
| Transitional industry training organisation |
A former industry training organisation having responsibility for setting standards and arranging the delivery of industry training for a specific industry or area of industry identified in a Tertiary Education Commission gazette notice. |