Target group

This qualification recognises the skills and knowledge required of senior laboratory technicians working within a civil engineering laboratory. It is recommended that people wanting to work as a senior laboratory technician, or equivalent, start with this qualification.

Overview

The qualification structure recognises the widely varying scope of test methods used by laboratories in the civil engineering sector and provides strands to reflect areas of specialisation. Individuals may complete one or more strand depending on their personal focus and that of their workplace. Further flexibility is available through the selection of test methods within the individual standards that make up the qualification requirements.

Core knowledge and skills

The Core Compulsory section of the qualification recognises the ability to undertake job safety analysis, give oral instructions and lead a team to achieve an objective in the workplace. It also recognises the ability to describe laboratory quality systems.

The Core Elective section recognises the ability to comply with quality management within an accredited laboratory or to audit a quality management system for compliance with quality standards when in a non-accredited laboratory. Individuals should consider which standard best meets their personal and workplace needs when selecting an option.

Elective knowledge and skills

In order to complete this qualification the candidate must complete the requirements of at least one of six strands - Aggregate, Soil, Bitumen, Concrete, Asphalt, or Field Investigation.

The Aggregate Strand recognises the ability to explain, evaluate and troubleshoot civil engineering laboratory aggregate source property and production tests.

The Soil Strand recognises the ability to explain, evaluate and troubleshoot civil engineering laboratory soil classification, density and compaction, strength, or specialist soil tests. Unit standards are grouped within sets which reflect the knowledge and skills required within each area. Candidates are required to meet the requirements for three of the sets to ensure they have a wide breadth of relevant skills.

The Bitumen Strand recognises the ability to explain, evaluate and troubleshoot civil engineering laboratory bitumen or modified bitumen and bitumen emulsion tests, or explain and perform bitumen sprayer tests. Standards are grouped within sets which reflect the knowledge and skills required within each area. Candidates are required to meet the requirements for two of the sets to ensure they have a wide breadth of relevant skills.

The Concrete Strand recognises the ability to explain, evaluate and troubleshoot civil engineering laboratory fresh concrete tests, non-destructive testing of hardened concrete, or concrete hardness tests. Standards are grouped within sets which reflect the knowledge and skills required within each area.

The Asphalt Strand recognises the ability to explain, evaluate and troubleshoot civil engineering laboratory asphalt tests.

The Field Investigation Strand recognises the ability to explain, evaluate and troubleshoot civil engineering laboratory field investigation tests.

Qualification pathways and portability

While not laboratory focused, people who have completed this qualification may continue their learning pathway by entering a programme of study leading to the award of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) [Ref: 112950].