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Micro-credential support

Support from a Workforce Development Council is required before education providers can seek approval from New Zealand Qualifications Authority for micro-credentials.

As part of the new vocational education and training system, the role of the Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) is to ensure that industry needs are met.

We provide industries and employers with greater leadership and influence across vocational education.

Our support is now required before education providers can seek approval from New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for micro-credentials.

The benefits of getting support from a WDC is that they understand industry needs and the qualifications system well.

If you’re an education provider looking to register a micro-credential, we encourage you to look for relevant workforce development information published on our websites to check if your planned micro-credential meets industry needs.

Talk to a WDC about your plans early in the development process so that we can give you advice about your planned micro-credential.

To list a micro-credential on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) you need to apply to the relevant WDC for a letter of support. Find the relevant WDC.

Once you have developed your micro-credential, you will need to complete the NZQA micro-credential application form and our application before approaching us for support.

We will review your application and consider the following:

  1. Does it add value to industry, learners and community?
  2. Does it meet an industry need?
  3. Does it have a coherent structure?
  4. Does it address a skills or pathway gap?

Support from a WDC does not guarantee that NZQA will list the micro-credential or that Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will fund it.

Follow these steps to get our support for your micro-credential

  1. Complete the NZQA application form.
  2. Complete our application form.
  3. Submit your application to us by email to [email protected]. We will get back to you within 20 working days with our decision or feedback. If you’re successful, you’ll receive a letter of support from us.
  4. Send the letter of support you receive from us and your NZQA application to NZQA to be processed.
  5. NZQA will process your application.

What do you mean by support?

Support in this context means helping you to register your micro-credential.

How long will it take? 

Within 20 working days.

Do I need to seek micro-credential support if I’m using unit standards? 

Yes.

Do I still need to apply for Consent to Assess for the standards in my micro-credential? 

Yes.

Do I need to seek micro-credential support if it’s above Level 7? 

No.

If I register a micro-credential, does it belong to my organisation? 

No. Once a micro-credential is listed on the NZQCF, any registered Tertiary Education Organisation can apply to NZQA for accreditation to deliver.

What do you need to fill out? 

An email to the relevant Workforce Development Council with your application will suffice.