Field: Computing and Information Technology

Change report for the review of New Zealand IT and Computing Qualifications

Reviewed qualifications

Ref	Version	Qualification title	Level	Credits
2591	1	New Zealand Certificate in Computing (User Fundamentals) (Level 2)	2	40
2592	1	New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3)	3	60
2593	1	New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) (Level 4)	4	60
2594	1	New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)	4	60
2595	1	New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5)	5	60
2596	1	New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5)	5	120
2597	1	New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 5)	5	120
2598	1	New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5)	5	120
2599	2	New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Practitioner (Level 6) with strands in Server Administration, Network Administration, Information Technology Security, and Software Testing	6	40
2600	1	New Zealand Diploma in Networking (Level 6)	6	120
2601	1	New Zealand Diploma in Systems Administration (Level 6)	6	120
2602	1	New Zealand Diploma in Database Administration (Level 6)	6	120
2603	1	New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 6) with strands in Business Analysis, User Experience, IT Project Management, Information Systems Innovation	6	120
2604	1	New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)	6	240

Review information

Qualification Developer	NZQA National Qualifications Services (NQS)
Reason for the review	Scheduled 5 year review of qualifications
Review date	31 December 2019
Outcome date	June 2020
Next review date	May 2025

Summary of review and consultation process

The suite of 14 IT and Computing qualifications from Levels 2-6 on the NZQF, created as part of the Mandatory Review of Qualifications and listed in 2015, were scheduled for review by December 2019. This excluded the two new Level 6 Diplomas in Cybersecurity [Ref: 3837] and Software Testing [Ref: 3849] listed in November 2018.

This review was led by the qualification co-developers, IT Professionals NZ (ITPNZ) and NZQA National Qualifications Services (NQS). ITPNZ managed the Governance (Steering Group - SG) and NQS the working groups and project management.

At all significant stages, stakeholders were kept informed and invited to contribute ideas, comment, and feedback, and to confirm the ongoing need for the IT and computing qualifications. This included feedback to the qualification developer at consistency review events, pre-review input/feedback, invitations to be involved in the Steering and Working groups, survey responses in July regarding changes in the sector and general intent of the review. A full consultation process in September on the reviewed draft versions of the qualifications indicated support for the updated qualifications.

The review webpage contains further background on the review and includes the review plan, SG Terms of reference, pathways map, working group brief, available from https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/it-computing-quals/.

Based on feedback from an initial consultation process, and recommendations from stakeholders and specialist working groups, a number of changes to the existing suite of qualifications were proposed and consulted on.

Consultation with stakeholders confirmed the proposed changes and updated qualifications were fit for purpose.

Main changes resulting from the review
Major changes · Replacing the New Zealand Certificate in Computing (User Fundamentals) (Level 2) [Ref: 2591] (40 credits) with a new qualification, the New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Foundation User) (Level 2) [Ref: 4132] (60 credits). · Merging the New Zealand Diploma of Networking [Ref: 2600] and the New Zealand Diploma of Systems Administration [Ref: 2601] into a new qualification – New Zealand Diploma of IT Infrastructure (Level 6) with strands in Networking, and Systems Administration [Ref: 4129]. · Expiring the New Zealand Diploma in Database Administration (Level 6) [Ref: 2602]. · Creating a new Data Analysis strand in the New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 6) [Ref: 2603]. General changes across the suite · The number of graduate profile outcomes (GPOs) and the conditions for GPOs were reduced, where possible, to enable greater flexibility for programme development. · The strategic purpose statements and the education pathways were amended to include contribution to community outcomes. · Qualification specifications were updated to use standardised statements for qualification award, consistency requirements, minimum standard of achievement, and other requirements (including legislation and relevant codes), in line with current listing requirements. · General conditions for programmes were also updated to use many standardised statements under sub-headings for programme entry, programme design, diversity and inclusion, professional practice, and practical experience. Statements for programme design included incorporating current and emerging technologies and approaches; and diversity and inclusion considering ngā kaupapa o te Tiriti o Waitangi (the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi). The new headings generally reflect a strengthened emphasis in these areas and enable the removal of some outcome specific conditions. Additional statements specific to particular qualifications were included where appropriate. · The wording relating to embedding of the Level 5 Certificates in the Level 5 Diplomas has been removed so the intent is slightly less visible. · Changes were made to the ‘core skills’ areas of the Level 4, 5 and 6 qualifications. These include rewording of outcomes, the removal of many conditions, and a shift in outcome credit weightings at Levels 4 and 5 from 20 to 15 credits. These changes were informed by stakeholder and working group member feedback and, at Level 6, by the 2018 approved content in the New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6) [Ref: 3837]. · Qualifications 2591, 2600, 2601, 2602 were designated expiring (some without replacement – see details below). · The qualifications were updated to better match current industry practice and needs, with a focus shift towards virtual/cloud, automation and stronger security perspectives where appropriate, and the addition of practical experience requirements. · The qualifications were updated to align with the current rules/guidelines for reviewing qualifications, and the current qualification template, including changes to the qualification specifications. More detailed changes made in each reviewed qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Computing (User Fundamentals) (Level 2) [Ref: 2591] (40 credits) replaced by New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Foundation User) (Level 2) [Ref: 4132] (60 credits) · Ref: 2591 was designated expiring and will be discontinued from 31 December 2023 · a new 60 credit qualification of Ref: 4132, replaces Ref: 2591 · the new qualification has minor wording changes, the addition of two new outcomes, and additional credits for outcomes 1 and 4. New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3) [Ref: 2592] The main changes included: · combining outcomes 3 and 4, changed intent for outcome 5 · adjusting credits, moving 5 credits from outcome 2 to outcome 1; and 2 credits from outcome 5 to outcome 6. New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) (Level 4) [Ref: 2593] · reducing conditions associated with each outcome. New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) [Ref: 2594] The main changes included: · adjusting credits to better reflect the learning required in the technical areas; adjusting the wording/focus of outcomes (particularly outcomes 2 and 3); and reducing conditions associated with each outcome · a shift of focus for outcome 3 from web to UX/interface design for interactive digital media · adding 2 credits to outcomes 1 and 3 (infrastructure and UX/Interface design), adding 5 credits to outcome 4 (coding) · reducing outcome 2 (database/IS) by 4 credits (moved UX and business analysis to GPO3); and outcome 5 (projects) by 5 credits. New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5) [Ref: 2595] The main changes included: · adjusting outcomes to incorporate conditions where possible, so the conditions could be removed/reduced · adjusting credits to better reflect the learning required in the technical areas (outcomes 1-4) · reducing credits for outcome 2 (IS and data) by 2 credits to add to outcome 3 (UX/Interface design); adding 5 credits to outcome 4 (coding) with the extra 2 and 3 credits coming from outcomes 5 and 6 (legal/professional & communications) · adjusting the credits of the three core/soft skills outcomes 5-7 to be equally weighted at 5 credits each · noting the changes to the outcomes of the Level 5 Certificate are applied across the Level 5 Diplomas New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5) [Ref: 2596] The main changes included: · applying changes made to outcomes common to Ref: 2595 (outcomes, conditions, reallocation of credits) · reducing from 13 to ten outcomes, combining outcomes 1 and 3, and spreading outcomes 5 and 6 across outcomes 1 and 2. New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 5) [Ref: 2597] The main changes included: · applying changes made to outcomes common to Ref: 2595 (outcomes, conditions, reallocation of credits) · reducing from 12 to eight outcomes, combining outcomes 1 and 5, 2 and 4, 3 and 8, 6 and 9, with credits adjusted to reflect combined outcomes. New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5) [Ref: 2598] The main changes included: · applying changes made to outcomes common to Ref: 2595 (outcomes, conditions, reallocation of credits) · reordering outcomes, with coding strengthened by addition of outcome 4 from Ref: 2595 (no longer embedded in scripting) and associated credits · combining current outcomes 1 and 9 (new outcome 1, and separate outcome 10); and combining outcomes 2 and 4 (new outcome 2). NZ Certificate in Information Technology Practitioner (Level 6) with strands in Server Administration, Network Administration, Information Technology Security, and Software Testing [Ref: 2599] The server administration and network administration strands were reviewed. The main changes included: · adjusting wording in core outcomes 1 and 2 to encompass some conditions · combining two outcomes to one new outcome for the Network Administration strand · this qualification being given an earlier review date of October 2023 to ensure future reviews look at all strands at the same time. New Zealand Diploma in Networking (Level 6) [Ref: 2600] and New Zealand Diploma in Systems Administration (Level 6) [Ref: 2601] replaced by New Zealand Diploma in IT Infrastructure (Level 6) with strands in Networking, and Systems Administration [Ref 4129] The main changes included: · creating the new IT infrastructure stranded qualification Ref: 4129 to replace Ref: 2600 and Ref: 2601, which will be discontinued from 31 December 2023. · Ref: 4129 is a new combined diploma covering the full infrastructure stack and specialist learning in networking and systems administration (now strands) · a shift in focus from the more traditional approach in Ref: 2600 and Ref: 2601 to virtual/cloud and automation perspectives in Ref: 4129 (new outcomes 1 and 2). New Zealand Diploma in Database Administration (Level 6) [Ref: 2602] This qualification was designated expiring without replacement due to lack of uptake. It will be discontinued from 31 December 2023. A data analysis strand has been added to Ref: 2603. New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 6) with strands in Business Analysis, User Experience, IT Project Management, Information Systems Innovation, and Data Analysis [Ref: 2603] The main changes included: · the addition of a new strand in data analysis · changing outcome 9 wording (business analysis strand) to better reflect current practice · changing common core outcomes and conditions (new outcomes 6-8). NZ Diploma in Software Development (Level 6) [Ref: 2604] The main changes included: · changes to common core outcomes and conditions and changes to existing outcomes to embed and reduce the conditions where possible · outcome 2 increased from 60 to 70 credits; outcome 3 and 4 both reduced from 25 to 20 credits.

Main changes resulting from the review

Major changes

· Replacing the New Zealand Certificate in Computing (User Fundamentals) (Level 2) [Ref: 2591] (40 credits) with a new qualification, the New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Foundation User) (Level 2) [Ref: 4132] (60 credits).

· Merging the New Zealand Diploma of Networking [Ref: 2600] and the New Zealand Diploma of Systems Administration [Ref: 2601] into a new qualification – New Zealand Diploma of IT Infrastructure (Level 6) with strands in Networking, and Systems Administration [Ref: 4129].

· Expiring the New Zealand Diploma in Database Administration (Level 6) [Ref: 2602].

· Creating a new Data Analysis strand in the New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 6) [Ref: 2603].

General changes across the suite

· The number of graduate profile outcomes (GPOs) and the conditions for GPOs were reduced, where possible, to enable greater flexibility for programme development.

· The strategic purpose statements and the education pathways were amended to include contribution to community outcomes.

· Qualification specifications were updated to use standardised statements for qualification award, consistency requirements, minimum standard of achievement, and other requirements (including legislation and relevant codes), in line with current listing requirements.

· General conditions for programmes were also updated to use many standardised statements under sub-headings for programme entry, programme design, diversity and inclusion, professional practice, and practical experience. Statements for programme design included incorporating current and emerging technologies and approaches; and diversity and inclusion considering ngā kaupapa o te Tiriti o Waitangi (the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi). The new headings generally reflect a strengthened emphasis in these areas and enable the removal of some outcome specific conditions. Additional statements specific to particular qualifications were included where appropriate.

· The wording relating to embedding of the Level 5 Certificates in the Level 5 Diplomas has been removed so the intent is slightly less visible.

· Changes were made to the ‘core skills’ areas of the Level 4, 5 and 6 qualifications. These include rewording of outcomes, the removal of many conditions, and a shift in outcome credit weightings at Levels 4 and 5 from 20 to 15 credits. These changes were informed by stakeholder and working group member feedback and, at Level 6, by the 2018 approved content in the New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6) [Ref: 3837].

· Qualifications 2591, 2600, 2601, 2602 were designated expiring (some without replacement – see details below).

· The qualifications were updated to better match current industry practice and needs, with a focus shift towards virtual/cloud, automation and stronger security perspectives where appropriate, and the addition of practical experience requirements.

· The qualifications were updated to align with the current rules/guidelines for reviewing qualifications, and the current qualification template, including changes to the qualification specifications.

More detailed changes made in each reviewed qualification:

New Zealand Certificate in Computing (User Fundamentals) (Level 2) [Ref: 2591] (40 credits) replaced by

New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Foundation User) (Level 2) [Ref: 4132] (60 credits)

· Ref: 2591 was designated expiring and will be discontinued from 31 December 2023

· a new 60 credit qualification of Ref: 4132, replaces Ref: 2591

· the new qualification has minor wording changes, the addition of two new outcomes, and additional credits for outcomes 1 and 4.

New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3) [Ref: 2592]

The main changes included:

· combining outcomes 3 and 4, changed intent for outcome 5

· adjusting credits, moving 5 credits from outcome 2 to outcome 1; and 2 credits from outcome 5 to outcome 6.

New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) (Level 4) [Ref: 2593]

· reducing conditions associated with each outcome.

New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) [Ref: 2594]

The main changes included:

· adjusting credits to better reflect the learning required in the technical areas; adjusting the wording/focus of outcomes (particularly outcomes 2 and 3); and reducing conditions associated with each outcome

· a shift of focus for outcome 3 from web to UX/interface design for interactive digital media

· adding 2 credits to outcomes 1 and 3 (infrastructure and UX/Interface design), adding 5 credits to outcome 4 (coding)

· reducing outcome 2 (database/IS) by 4 credits (moved UX and business analysis to GPO3); and outcome 5 (projects) by 5 credits.

New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5) [Ref: 2595]

The main changes included:

· adjusting outcomes to incorporate conditions where possible, so the conditions could be removed/reduced

· adjusting credits to better reflect the learning required in the technical areas (outcomes 1-4)

· reducing credits for outcome 2 (IS and data) by 2 credits to add to outcome 3 (UX/Interface design); adding 5 credits to outcome 4 (coding) with the extra 2 and 3 credits coming from outcomes 5 and 6 (legal/professional & communications)

· adjusting the credits of the three core/soft skills outcomes 5-7 to be equally weighted at 5 credits each

· noting the changes to the outcomes of the Level 5 Certificate are applied across the Level 5 Diplomas

New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5) [Ref: 2596]

The main changes included:

· applying changes made to outcomes common to Ref: 2595 (outcomes, conditions, reallocation of credits)

· reducing from 13 to ten outcomes, combining outcomes 1 and 3, and spreading outcomes 5 and 6 across outcomes 1 and 2.

New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 5) [Ref: 2597]

The main changes included:

· applying changes made to outcomes common to Ref: 2595 (outcomes, conditions, reallocation of credits)

· reducing from 12 to eight outcomes, combining outcomes 1 and 5, 2 and 4, 3 and 8, 6 and 9, with credits adjusted to reflect combined outcomes.

New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5) [Ref: 2598]

The main changes included:

· applying changes made to outcomes common to Ref: 2595 (outcomes, conditions, reallocation of credits)

· reordering outcomes, with coding strengthened by addition of outcome 4 from Ref: 2595 (no longer embedded in scripting) and associated credits

· combining current outcomes 1 and 9 (new outcome 1, and separate outcome 10); and combining outcomes 2 and 4 (new outcome 2).

NZ Certificate in Information Technology Practitioner (Level 6) with strands in Server Administration, Network Administration, Information Technology Security, and Software Testing [Ref: 2599]

The server administration and network administration strands were reviewed.

The main changes included:

· adjusting wording in core outcomes 1 and 2 to encompass some conditions

· combining two outcomes to one new outcome for the Network Administration strand

· this qualification being given an earlier review date of October 2023 to ensure future reviews look at all strands at the same time.

New Zealand Diploma in Networking (Level 6) [Ref: 2600] and

New Zealand Diploma in Systems Administration (Level 6) [Ref: 2601] replaced by

New Zealand Diploma in IT Infrastructure (Level 6) with strands in Networking, and Systems Administration [Ref 4129]

The main changes included:

· creating the new IT infrastructure stranded qualification Ref: 4129 to replace Ref: 2600 and Ref: 2601, which will be discontinued from 31 December 2023.

· Ref: 4129 is a new combined diploma covering the full infrastructure stack and specialist learning in networking and systems administration (now strands)

· a shift in focus from the more traditional approach in Ref: 2600 and Ref: 2601 to virtual/cloud and automation perspectives in Ref: 4129 (new outcomes 1 and 2).

New Zealand Diploma in Database Administration (Level 6) [Ref: 2602]

This qualification was designated expiring without replacement due to lack of uptake. It will be discontinued from 31 December 2023. A data analysis strand has been added to Ref: 2603.

New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 6) with strands in Business Analysis, User Experience, IT Project Management, Information Systems Innovation, and Data Analysis [Ref: 2603]

The main changes included:

· the addition of a new strand in data analysis

· changing outcome 9 wording (business analysis strand) to better reflect current practice

· changing common core outcomes and conditions (new outcomes 6-8).

NZ Diploma in Software Development (Level 6) [Ref: 2604]

The main changes included:

· changes to common core outcomes and conditions and changes to existing outcomes to embed and reduce the conditions where possible

· outcome 2 increased from 60 to 70 credits; outcome 3 and 4 both reduced from 25 to 20 credits.

Review outcome

Ref	Version	Reviewed qualification	Outcome category	New qualification details/version
2591	1	New Zealand Certificate in Computing (User Fundamentals) (Level 2)	C-New replacement qualification	New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Foundation User) (Level 2) [Ref: 4132]
2592	1	New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3)	B-New version of qualification	Version 2
2593	1	New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) (Level 4)	B-New version of qualification	Version 2
2594	1	New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)	B-New version of qualification	Version 2
2595	1	New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5)	B-New version of qualification	Version 2
2596	1	New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5)	B-New version of qualification	Version 2
2597	1	New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 5)	B-New version of qualification	Version 2
2598	1	New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5)	B-New version of qualification	Version 2
2599	2	New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Practitioner (Level 6) with strands in Server Administration, Network Administration, and Information Technology Security, and Software Testing	B-New version of qualification	Version 3
2600	1	New Zealand Diploma in Networking (Level 6)	C-New replacement qualification	New Zealand Diploma in Infrastructure (Level 6) with strands in Networking and System Administration [Ref: 4129]
2601	1	New Zealand Diploma in Systems Administration (Level 6)	C-New replacement qualification
2602	1	New Zealand Diploma in Database Administration (Level 6)	D-Qualification will expire with no replacement	N/A
2603	1	New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 6) with strands in Business Analysis, User Experience, IT Project Management, Information Systems Innovation	B-New version of qualification	Version 2 Additional strand in Data Analysis
2604	1	New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)	B-New version of qualification	Version 2

Qualification review outcome categories

Outcome	Result	Category
No changes are identified to the qualification	Qualification version number and NZQF ID remain the same. New review date is required.	A
Minor changes are identified to the qualification	New version of qualification is required (NZQF ID remains the same). New review date is required.	B
Significant changes are required to the qualification	New replacement qualification is required with a new NZQF ID. The existing qualification will expire.	C
The qualification is no longer required be industry	The qualification will expire with no replacement.	D

Transition information

Reference	Version	Qualification title	Last date of entry*	Last date of assessment
2591	1	New Zealand Certificate in Computing (User Fundamentals) (Level 2)	28/02/2023	31/12/2023
2592	1	New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3)	N/A	31/12/2022
2593	1	New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) (Level 4)	N/A	31/12/2022
2594	1	New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)	N/A	31/12/2022
2595	1	New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5)	N/A	31/12/2022
2596	1	New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5)	N/A	31/12/2022
2597	1	New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 5)	N/A	31/12/2022
2598	1	New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5)	N/A	31/12/2022
2599	2	New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Practitioner (Level 6) with strands in Server Administration, Network Administration, and Information Technology Security, and Software Testing	N/A	31/12/2022
2600	1	New Zealand Diploma in Networking (Level 6)	28/02/2023	31/12/2023
2601	1	New Zealand Diploma in Systems Administration (Level 6)	28/02/2023	31/12/2023
2602	1	New Zealand Diploma in Database Administration (Level 6)	28/02/2023	31/12/2023
2603	1	New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 6) with strands in Business Analysis, User Experience, IT Project Management, Information Systems Innovation	N/A	31/12/2022
2604	1	New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)	N/A	31/12/2023

*only required for outcome category C or D

Any additional information

People should not be enrolled in programmes leading to the award of the replaced qualifications unless there is sufficient time available for them to meet the programme requirements before that version is discontinued.

People currently enrolled in programmes leading to version 1 of these qualifications may either complete the requirements by 31 December 2022 (or 2023 for Ref: 2604) or transfer to version 2 of the qualification (or version 3 for Ref: 2599).

It is anticipated that no existing learners will be disadvantaged by these transition arrangements. However, anyone who feels that they have been disadvantaged may appeal to the qualification developer, IT Professionals NZ (info@itp.nz) or NZQA National Qualifications Services (nqs@nzqa.govt.nz).