The purpose of this qualification is to provide the barbering industry with people who have the fundamental skills and knowledge to begin working at an entry level. It is aimed at learners who may not yet be equipped to work in industry and who may benefit from the opportunity to re-engage with the learning process in preparation for entering the barbering workplace. Without this qualification, these learners would not likely be taken on as workers within the barbering industry.

Graduates will be able to undertake basic initial barbering haircuts, using introductory barbering skills. They will be able to communicate effectively with clients at an entry-level, comply with health and safety requirements, and meet professional barbering expectations and standards.

They will not be considered qualified Commercial Barbers. They will be seen in industry as new entrants with pre-trade training.

This qualification is the first of two qualifications that provide alternative pathways to recognition as a qualified Commercial Barber. It would most likely be achieved through a provider, but could also be achieved through workplace-based learning.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Apply knowledge of underpinning barbering theory and practice, and initial barbering techniques, to complete haircuts and barbering services for clients under supervision.
- Complete an initial consultation with clients to establish the appropriate barbering service.
- Provide client care and advice, and carry out associated transactions and sales.
- Comply with all health, safety and hygiene legislation and regulations, and professional standards and expectations relating to the barbering industry.

This qualification can follow on from the New Zealand Certificate in Salon Skills (Introductory) (Level 2) [Ref: 2201], and is the first of two qualifications that provide alternative pathways to recognition as a qualified Commercial Barber.

Graduates of this qualification may progress into the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4) [Ref: 2115].

Graduates of this qualification who go on to enter into workplace-based learning will be granted credit recognition for this qualification towards the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4) [Ref: 2115]. They will only need to complete training for the additional skills and knowledge required for the Commercial Barbering qualification. This typically means an additional 60 credits worth of learning, practice and assessment in order to meet the graduate profile outcome statements for that qualification.

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning arrangements
Recognition of existing skills and knowledge will be arranged by the tertiary education organisation (TEO) providing the programme leading to the qualification.

TEOs must have policies and procedures in place for managing credit transfer and for recognising prior learning and current competency. These policies and procedures, along with details of associated fees, must be available to the applicant prior to their enrolment.

To facilitate credit transfer, TEOs must clearly demonstrate the equivalency between each of the outcomes in the graduate profile, and the assessment components of their programmes.

Graduates of this qualification who go on to enter into workplace-based learning will be granted credit recognition for this qualification towards the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4) [Ref: 2115]. They will only need to complete training for the further skills and knowledge required for the Commercial Barbering qualification. This typically means an additional 60 credits worth of learning, practice and assessment in order to meet the graduate profile outcomes of that qualification.