NATIONAL CERTIFICATES
The knowledge and skills required for National Certificates and National Diplomas are exactly what employers say they need. These qualifications are nationally recognised because industry representatives design them.
The flexibility of studying for a National Certificate or Diploma on the NQF means that you can study full time or part time, study in different places, or complete training in the workplace if the qualification relates to your work.
Courses leading to National Certificates and Diplomas are available at polytechnics, private training establishments, schools or wānanga. You could get part of a qualification in one place and complete it in another. The cross credits are automatic.
You can complete some National Certificates entirely in the workplace as you go about your normal work and receive training from your employer. You can get credits for some National Certificates in a short off-job courses and complete the qualification at work.
One of the advantages of National Certificates and National Diplomas is that you can also get credit for skills you already have, without going to any courses or training sessions. This is called assessment of prior learning. You are assessed immediately for what you can already do.
