Classification system
Unit standards and qualifications are classified according to the following categories: FIELD, Sub-field, DOMAIN.
The headings for classification categories used on this site have been designed for ease of recognition:
| FIELD = bold, large print, capitals | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY |
| Sub-field = bold, upper and lower case | Aeronautical Engineering |
| DOMAIN = bold, smaller print, capitals | HEATING AND VENTILATION |
FIELD
A field is the broadest classification category. It covers a general area such as ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY.
Sub-field
A sub-field is a smaller category within a field. The sub-field name is often used for qualifications. There may be several sub-fields within each field.
For example, the field of ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY includes the following sub-fields: Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Plant Operation and Management, Civil Works and Services, Design, Electrical Engineering, Electricity Supply, Electronics Technology, Extractive Industries, Gas Industry, Highway Construction and Maintenance, Industrial Measurement and Control, Mechanical Engineering, Motor Industry, Pavement Surfacing, Petrochemical Industry, Technology, and Telecommunications.
DOMAIN
A domain is a smaller classification grouping within a sub-field. Normally a domain includes 10-30 unit standards. Domain names can also be used in the naming of qualifications. In unit standard documents, the domain is listed in capital letters before the title, eg: HEATING AND VENTILATION (domain): Integrate hot water heating systems components (title).
Classification changes
Classification changes may occur either because:SSBs request new classifications, or changes to existing classifications; or to eliminate duplication between the names of different classification categories (eg: Sub-fields and DOMAINS with the same name).
If changes affect unit standards, the implications of the changes for accreditation are explained in the review report (see Review Summaries ).
A system manages changes to the classification system. The system uses three states: current, lapsing and lapsed.
Current
Names of current classification categories appear without any kind of qualifier. They are used to classify registered unit standards and to define the scope of accreditations.eg DOMAIN - DAIRY
Lapsing
Classification categories that are designated as lapsing will eventually be replaced. They may contain registered unit standards and are still used to define scope of accreditation. However, no new unit standards will be registered within them. Existing unit standards will be replaced, reclassified, or will expire at the time of their review.eg DOMAIN - HORTICULTURE - LAPSING
Lapsed
Lapsed FIELDS, Sub-fields and DOMAINS do not contain any current registered unit standards. 'Lapsed' categories do not appear on this site.eg DOMAIN - AGRICULTURE - LAPSED
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