Targeted review of qualifications

Closed 23 Jul 2010

The New Zealand qualifications system is undergoing the most important transformation since the development of the National Qualifications Framework. In September 2009, NZQA released a consultation paper Targeted Review of the Qualifications System: Focussing on certificates and diplomas that presented a package of seven major changes intended to unify and simplify New Zealand's qualification system

The changes were:

1. Develop a unified New Zealand qualifications framework.
2. Require the use of existing quality-assured qualifications and change the design rules for National and New Zealand qualifications to allow for more inclusion of local components.
3. Require mandatory periodic reviews of qualifications to determine whether they are still fit for purpose.
4. Strengthen and standardise qualification outcome statement requirements.
5. Introduce a mandatory pre-development assessment stage for qualifications developers.
6. Strengthen recognised industry involvement in qualification development.
7. Provide the public with clear information about whether a qualification is active, inactive or closed.

This consultation paper (PDF, 358KB) presents proposals for the design, approval and listing of qualifications on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (2, 4, 5 and 6 in the above list). The proposals contained in this paper have been developed in conjunction with the Project Leaders Group (an agency- and sector-wide advisory group) and other sector-based expert working groups.

The proposals outline a single quality assurance process for registering qualifications at levels 1 to 6 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

• Qualifications will be registered using common criteria, removing the current system where course approval results in the automatic registration of provider-developed qualifications.
• Qualifications will be nationally recognised.
• Qualifications will be outcomes-based, allowing for the development of different programmes of study or training leading to the award of a qualification.

The proposals form a significant part of the targeted review implementation.

Feedback questionaire

A questionnaire for your feedback (DOC, 164KB) is provided with spaces (indicated by a shaded box) for you to respond to questions set out in the consultation paper. Electronic responses are preferred, but hard-copy responses are also welcome. Feedback is due by 23 July 2010.

Please send your feedback to: qualificationsreview@nzqa.govt.nz

Alternatively, you can send the questionnaire to:

Consultation: Progressing the changes
Quality Assurance Division Policy
NZQA
PO Box 160
WELLINGTON 6140

Regional meetings

As part of the consultation on progressing changes to the qualifications system, NZQA is holding regional meetings in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Meetings will be held at the following venues and times:

Please register your interest in attending one of the above meetings by completing the registration form.

Further information

For further information see the Questions and answers.