Apply for consent to assess

It is important that an application for consent to assess contains all the required documentation, so that NZQA can process it in a timely manner. If key information is missing, it will not be passed on to an analyst until the required information is submitted in full.

To apply for consent to assess, do the following:

1. Submit an online application.
2. Include evidence to support statements made in the application, e.g.
   • letters of support from local industry
   • evidence of staff qualifications
   • physical resources
   • a letter of support from the relevant industry training organisation, if it is the standard-setting body. (This must be included)
   • a copy of relevant excerpts from the organisation's most recent quality management system
3. When the application and required documents are compiled, make an application online.

What happens next?

Evaluation of application

Once the application is accepted, it is assigned to an analyst. The analyst conducts an in-depth analysis of the documents, to determine whether the requirements for registration and the CMR are met.

Site visit

The purpose of a site visit is to confirm that the premises and resources meet the requirements for registration, and industry-specific requirements. Generally, applications for consent to assess up to level 3 on the framework do not require site visits.

During the planning stage, the applicant will have made contact with the relevant standard-setting body and confirmed the level of industry input. If a site visit is required, it is preferable that applicant and the industry training organisation arrange the visit as part of gathering evidence for the application. Once satisfied that all industry requirements are met, the ITO will write a letter of support, confirming that an industry visit has occurred and that it supports the application.

Outcome

Once all requirements are met, NZQA grants consent to assess and updates the provider's accreditation details on the NZQA website.

Timeframe

NZQA sets a timeframe of four months from receipt of application to complete the accreditation process.

If key documents are missing or incomplete, the applicant will be invited to re-submit information within an agreed timeframe. If the information is not received within a reasonable time, NZQA can close the application and all documents will be returned.

How to maintain consent to assess

There are two primary ways that education organisations maintain their consent to assess status:

• performance monitoring by scheduled external evaluation and review, and by complying with regulatory requirements
• implementing moderation processes, as outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) for each standard
  

Education organisations are required to meet external moderation requirements of the standard-setting body. The standard-setting body may be an industry training organisation or NZQA. The requirements are set out in the CMR for the unit standards for which consent to assess has been granted. For more details, refer to the CMR associated with the unit standard.

If an organisation does not meet the requirements of provider registration or CMR, NZQA has a number of options. These range from requesting action plans to address issues through to wide-ranging legislative powers to set conditions on registration and course approval and accreditation. Alternatively, NZQA may withdraw the accreditation of a registered private training establishment under s258 and s259 of the Education Act 1989.

Further information

For further information/queries, contact the Service Delivery Unit.