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Understanding the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF)
How the NZQF works
The NZQF was one of the first qualifications frameworks in the world. It is the heart of New Zealand’s education system. All qualifications – both secondary and tertiary – listed on the NZQF come with an assurance of quality that is recognised and trusted worldwide.
NZQA administers the NZQF – we set the rules that ensure the quality of the qualifications listed on the framework. We use these rules to approve qualifications listed on the framework for non-university education provision. The Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) at Universities New Zealand approves qualifications to be listed on the framework for the universities.
Committee on University Academic Programmes
All qualifications listed on the framework are reviewed regularly to ensure they provide the knowledge and outcomes they say they will.
- Learn more about the NZQF (PDF, 606KB)
- Search for NZ qualifications on the NZQF
- Learn how qualifications are developed
Benefits of a qualifications framework
The NZQF is a definitive source for accurate information about all quality assured qualifications. This allows you to benchmark your level of skill and knowledge on the NZQF and makes it easier for countries and regions to compare qualifications.
For employers it makes explicit what graduates can “do, be and know” on completion of the qualification. And it helps everyone understand pathways to further education, employment and/ or a contribution to their community.
Handy tip
When you look at a programme of study in New Zealand, it should tell you which level on the NZQF you will achieve when you graduate, as well as the type of qualification – such as a certificate, diploma or degree.
Qualifications can be achieved in different settings including the workplace and education institutions. This allows learners to achieve in ways most suited to their educational, work or cultural needs and aspirations.
The qualifications framework is also important for recognising and helping to advance mātauranga Māori.
Levels of the NZQF
The NZQF is divided into 10 levels, and covers a range of qualifications from certificates to doctoral degrees. The levels are based on the complexity of the learning involved. A level 1 certificate is the least complex.
At secondary school, students work towards NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement), which covers levels 1 to 3 of the NZQF.
After secondary school, students who want to continue their study at a tertiary level can choose from a number of education options ranging from universities to Te Pūkenga (and its subsidiaries), private training establishments, transitional industry training organisations and more. Students may need to finish secondary school to study at this level.
Credits
At each level of a qualification, students complete a number of credits. The credit value relates to the amount of learning in the qualification – 1 credit represents 10 notional hours of learning. A typical learner, studying full-time, can complete 120 credits of learning in a year.
Qualification types on the NZQF
Skills you’ll learn at each level of the NZQF
This table gives you details of what a student is expected to know, do and be after graduating at a particular level. You’ll see that outside of just competence, NZQF levels also expect certain attitudes, behaviours and attributes from students.
What you’ll get once you complete a qualification
Here are the components you’ll receive after completing a qualification on the NZQF:
- A certificate of your achievement: Provided to you by your education organisation, this shows you’ve achieved a level of learning and understanding that’s outlined in the outcome statement for the qualification.
- Addition of the qualification onto your Record of Achievement: If your qualification is listed on the NZQF and your education provider advises NZQA you have completed it, it will be added to your NZROA. Your Record of Achievement has all the quality-assured (NZQF-listed) learning you’ve completed, and will be updated with each new qualification you complete.
More information
Secondary Students
- Understanding NCEA
- Choosing school subjects
- International recognition
- Find New Zealand secondary schools