Targeted review of the qualifications system

For some time now, employers, employees and unions have raised concerns about the clarity and relevance of qualifications, particularly vocational qualifications. To support a robust economy in these changeable times, our qualifications system must work well for all those who use it.

Many of the concerns about the usefulness of the current qualifications system focus on the large number of qualifications in some areas, the difficulty of identifying the similarities and differences between qualifications, and the relevance of qualifications for employers.

Review outcomes

The most recent outcome of the targeted review is the development of a package of seven major changes designed to make the qualifications system more user-friendly and relevant. For further discussion on these changes, refer to the consultation paper below.

Consultation paper: Targeted review of the qualifications system focusing on certificate and diploma levels
Consultation questionnaire

The working papers below are outcomes of the targeted review to date, and contribute to discussions on the proposed changes.

The number of certificates and diplomas on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications
The clarity of certificates and diplomas on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications
The currency of certificates and diplomas on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications
Employers' opinions of certificates and diplomas on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications
Certificates and diplomas in New Zealand: A description of approval, accreditation and registration processes
Qualification Developers' Experiences of Certificates and Diplomas on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications

Involved parties

To address these concerns, the Ministry of Education, NZQA, the Tertiary Education Commission and Department of Labour are working with the Industry Training Federation, Business New Zealand and the Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics New Zealand, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, the Private Training Establishment sector and Te Tauihu o Ngā Wānanga on a targeted review of the qualifications system.

Focus of the Review

The review is looking at the nature and overall design of the qualifications systems, not at specific qualifications.

Timeline

To complete the targeted review by the end of 2009, and for recommendations and a clear plan of action to be implemented in 2010, the timeline is as follows:

Page updated: 17 November 2009