Field   Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Review of Agrichemical Application New Zealand qualification

Reviewed qualification

Ref	Version	Qualification Title	Credits
3984	1	New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical Application (Level 4) with strands in Aquatic, Broadacre, Tree and Vine Horticultural, Targeted Weed Control, and Total Vegetation Control	60-70

Reviewed information

Qualification Developer	Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board
Reason for the review	Scheduled review (originally scheduled for February 2023)
Review date	February 2025
Outcome date	June 2026
Next review date	June 2031

Summary of the review and consultation process

The review of the New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical Application (Level 4) [Ref: 3984] was initiated in early 2025 alongside the review of the New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical Supply (Level 4) [Ref: 2497] and related agrichemical unit standards across Levels 2–4.

The review was guided by a 10‑member Consultation Advisory Group comprising industry, provider, and regional council representatives, and confirmed that the qualification scope covered multiple contexts, including expired supply standards and an existing Limited Credit Programme. Key drivers included alignment with NZS 8409:2021 and a shift of specific compliance references into Guidance Information to strengthen the focus on applied knowledge and core industry skills.

Consultation confirmed that the structure and content of the qualification remain fit for industry purpose.

Main changes resulting from the review process

The qualification continues to remain fit for purpose with no substantive changes. 

Minor changes include:

· Qualification award updated.

· Evidence requirements for assuring consistency removed.

Review outcome

Ref:	Version	Qualification Title	Outcome category	New qualification ID/version (as applicable)
3984	1	New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical Application (Level 4) with strands in Aquatic, Broadacre, Tree and Vine Horticultural, Targeted Weed Control, and Total Vegetation Control.	B-New version of qualification	3984-2

Qualification review outcome categories

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

Transition information

Ref:	Version	Qualification Title	Last date of entry*	Last date of assessment
3984	1	New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical Application (Level 4) with strands in Aquatic, Broadacre, Tree and Vine Horticultural, Targeted Weed Control, and Total Vegetation Control	N/A	31 December 2027

Any additional information, including Qualification Developer contact details

It is anticipated that no existing candidates will be disadvantaged by these arrangements. Candidates who consider they have been disadvantaged may appeal to:

Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board

PO Box 445

Wellington 6140

Phone: (04) 909 0288

Email: info@foodandfibreisb.nz

Web: foodandfibreisb.nz