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Micro-credentials

This page provides some key information about micro-credentials, the advantages and challenges of developing and delivering them, and the role of Toi Mai in the process of development and approval.
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Micro-credential information
Micro-credential support and applications

What is a micro-credential?

A micro-credential certifies achievement of a coherent set of skills and knowledge and is specified by a statement of purpose, learning outcomes and strong evidence of need by industry, employers, iwi and the community.

They are smaller than a qualification and focus on skill development opportunities not currently catered for in the tertiary education system.

Click here to register for a new micro-credential.

Advantages

  • NZQA approved and quality assured
  • Formal recognition of achievement
  • Can be put on a learner’s NZQA Record of Achievement
  • May attract some funding from TEC
  • Allows for small, succinct blocks of skills or knowledge
  • May be completed in a short space of time, in a variety of ways
  • May be stacked to lead to a qualification
  • Can be any level, five to 40 credits in size.

Challenges

  • Can take some time to develop – depending on the size of the micro-credential, this could take 6 months or more
  • Learning outcomes must be assessed, with records being kept for quality assurance
  • Must be reviewed every one to three years
  • Must go through an NZQA approval process
  • Funding from TEC is not guaranteed and is done separately
  • May not always be financially viable to deliver for small numbers of learners.

Who develops and delivers micro-credentials?

Micro-credentials can only be developed by NZQA, workforce development councils or registered education providers (for example Te Pūkenga, wānanga and schools).

Delivery of a micro-credential can only be by (or in partnership with) an NZQA-registered education or training provider. Workforce development councils do not deliver micro-credentials.

 

Providers developing micro-credentials in one of our sectors are required to seek support from us before submitting their application to NZQA. See below for more information.

Micro-credential support and applications

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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.

See more

For information about micro-credentials and their governing rules
For more information about the funding of micro-credentials