The purpose of this qualification is to provide the outdoor and adventure education sector with practitioners who are capable of operating independently in a personal capacity, and who have the skills and underpinning pedagogy to safely instruct or guide a range of outdoor activities.

Graduates will be capable of operating under indirect supervision in familiar environments and under direct supervision in unfamiliar environments.

Graduates will contribute to the cultural, social, environmental and economic wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Graduates of this qualification will be eligible to apply for full registration on the New Zealand Register of Recreation Professionals (NZRRP).

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Demonstrate technical competency and judgment across a range of outdoor activities while operating in familiar and unfamiliar outdoor environments.
- Integrate principles of health, physical and psychological performance to enhance competent and safe participation for self and others in a range of outdoor activities.
- Role model and integrate the principles of kaitiakitanga, sustainability and environmental action while operating in a range of outdoor contexts.
- Role model respect for the tikanga and kawa of local iwi and/or hapū and other cultural groups while operating in a range of outdoor contexts.
- Apply teaching, learning and leadership theories and practices to programmes of learning and skill development that meet the needs of participants in outdoor activities.
- Plan, prepare and instruct or guide participants in a range of outdoor activities while maintaining safe, ethical and professional practice in familiar and unfamiliar outdoor environments.
- Instruct or guide a range of outdoor activities that are consistent with the safety management system of an organisation, including being able to assess and manage an emergency care situation in an isolated location.

This qualification may build on the:
- New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Experiences (Level 4) [Ref: 2571];
- New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Level 4) with strands in Abseil, Bush, Caving, Education Outside The Classroom, Mountain Biking (Grade 2), Raft Guide (Grade II), River Boarding Guide (Grade II), and Rock Climbing [Ref: 3662];
- New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4) [Ref: 3765].

This qualification may provide a pathway to the:
New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Senior Leadership (Level 6) with strands Alpine, Bush, Caving, Education Outside The Classroom, Mountain Biking (Grade 5), Senior Raft Guide (Grade III), Senior Raft Guide (Grade IV/V), Senior River Boarding Guide (Grade III), Senior River Boarding Guide (Grade IV/V), and Rock Climbing [Ref: 3663].

It is strongly recommended that all individuals hold a first aid certificate either before entering programmes leading towards this qualification or before completing study.

Organisations or workplaces within the Outdoor Recreation sector may be covered by The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 depending on their organisation type or whether they provide services to organisations responsible for children and/or youth.

Where a learner engages with an organisation and/or activity that is covered by The Vulnerable Children Act 2014, they must successfully meet the safety check requirements.
For the purpose of this qualification, engagement may mean employment, practical experience or any learning and assessment within a programme leading to this qualification.

Entry requirements:
- New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-Skilled) (Level 4) [Ref: 3765] or equivalent.