What is the NZQCF?
The NZQCF is the official system for listing all approved qualifications and credentials in New Zealand. It organizes education and training into different levels, making it easier for employers to understand the skills and knowledge job candidates have.
Qualifications and credentials on the NZQCF are checked for quality by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or Universities New Zealand. This ensures employers can trust what graduates know and can do.
For qualifications earned overseas, the NZQA provides an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA). This tool matches foreign qualifications to NZQCF levels, helping employers understand how they compare to local ones.
The NZQCF has ten levels, ranging from basic skills to advanced knowledge. Here’s a summary:
| Level Range | Category | Examples of Skills |
| Levels 1-3 | Basic Skills | Simple tasks, literacy, and basic workplace knowledge |
| Levels 4-6 | Intermediate to Advanced Skills | Specialized knowledge, teamwork, and leadership |
| Levels 7-10 | Advanced Skills | Professional expertise and high-level academic knowledge |
NZQCF Levels 1-3: Basic Skills
- Level 1: People with Level 1 qualifications have basic skills to perform simple tasks in structured settings. For example, a Certificate in Foundation Skills shows abilities in basic reading, writing, and communication.
- Level 2: At Level 2, individuals have basic knowledge and can work with some supervision. A National Certificate in Retail shows skills like helping customers, using a cash register, and following safety rules.
- Level 3: Level 3 qualifications show that individuals can handle tasks on their own with little supervision. A Certificate in Business Administration covers skills like using office software and managing basic office tasks.
Levels 4-6: Intermediate to Advanced Skills
- Level 4: Level 4 qualifications show specialized knowledge. For example, a National Certificate in Carpentry reflects skills like reading blueprints and ensuring building projects meet standards.
- Level 5: At Level 5, people can use theory to solve practical problems. A Diploma in Information Technology includes skills like software development and fixing issues.
- Level 6: Level 6 qualifications prepare people for leadership roles. A Diploma in Hospitality Management shows skills in managing teams and running hotel operations smoothly.
Levels 7-10: Advanced Skills
Levels 7 to 10 are for people with high-level knowledge and expertise. These include bachelor’s degrees (Level 7) through to doctorates (Level 10). Graduates at these levels are highly skilled and can apply their knowledge professionally.
Why the NZQCF Matters to Employers
The NZQCF helps employers match education levels to job requirements. By using it, employers can:
- Find the right candidates for specific roles.
- Set fair salary ranges based on qualifications.
- Understand international qualifications through IQA reports.
Whether hiring for entry-level positions or specialized roles, the NZQCF gives employers confidence in their decisions, helping build a capable workforce in New Zealand.
The NZQCF helps assess qualifications from within New Zealand. But what if a candidate studied abroad? That’s where the International Qualification Assessments (IQA) come in. IQA helps to compare overseas qualifications with New Zealand standards, making sure that international degrees are recognized and valued by employers in New Zealand. This way, IQA supports international talent in joining the New Zealand workforce.
What is an IQA?
An IQA is a service provided by NZQA to compare an overseas qualification with the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). After the assessment, NZQA gives an electronic recognition statement that shows how the overseas qualification matches a level and type on the NZQCF.
When NZQA evaluates a qualification, they look at a few key factors:
- The position of the qualification in the education system or national framework of the country where it was awarded.
- How the qualification is recognized in the country it was granted.
- The accreditation and approval of the institution that issued the qualification.
- Whether the qualification is genuine.
It is important to note that NZQA does not evaluate an individual’s work experience or skills. These factors are for the employer or the relevant professional registration body to assess.
What Does an IQA Show You?
- The IQA helps employers understand where the overseas qualification fits within the NZQCF. It provides a comparison to New Zealand qualifications like a Bachelor’s degree, which can help in determining salary ranges.
- The IQA confirms that the qualification is legitimate, giving employers confidence in its validity.
- By comparing the overseas qualification with an NZQCF level, the IQA helps employers understand the candidate’s skills and knowledge. This is especially useful for roles that require specific expertise.
When Might an Employee Need an IQA?
People usually seek an IQA to meet immigration requirements if they want to live, work, or study in New Zealand. The IQA confirms that the applicant has the necessary qualifications for certain jobs.
If the position is in a regulated profession, such as teaching, an IQA helps employers make sure the candidate’s qualifications meet New Zealand’s professional standards.
