IntroductionA training scheme or a micro-credential is applied for under the Training Scheme Rules 2012 or approval of an industry training micro-credential under the Consent to Assessment Against Standards on the Directory of Assessment Standards Rules 2011. A training scheme or a micro-credential can be listed at any New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) level. It is expected that most micro-credentials be will co-created between end-users and education organisations in response to new and unmet skill needs. For example:
Development and approval process Developing a new training scheme or micro-credential involves working directly with industry and stakeholders to establish the need for the development. You will need to gather evidence to support and submit a business case. Once approval is given, the development process begins:
What is a training scheme?A training scheme is defined in section 159 of the Education Act 1989 as study and training that leads to an award but does not, of itself, lead to a qualification listed on the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF). A training scheme can be at any NZQF level and can provide a range of academic or vocational learning opportunities. A training scheme is a coherent arrangement of learning or training. It is based on clearly linked aims, outcomes, content and assessment practices. A training scheme leads to an award, but does not, of itself, lead to an award of a qualification on the NZQF. A training scheme can be up to 40 credits (although there are some exceptions) and has no minimum value. Unless the training scheme meets exemption criteria, approval is mandatory for institutions that propose to enrol an international student on a training scheme. Institutions can choose whether they wish to apply for approval of training schemes that enrol only domestic students. Training scheme rules NZQA has made Training Scheme Rules that apply to institutions seeking approval under section 251 of the Education Act 1989. Training scheme guidelines NZQA Guidelines for applying for approval of a training scheme or micro-credential provide guidance to non-university tertiary education institutions seeking training scheme approval. What is a micro-credential?A micro-credential certifies achievement of a set of skills and knowledge. It must meet the requirements of a training scheme as well as these additional requirements:
An industry training micro-credential consists of one or more assessment standards listed on the Directory of Assessment Standards which certifies the achievement of a specific set of skills and knowledge in workplace training. It must also meet the additional requirements above. All micro-credentials must include appropriate assessment activities to provide confidence the learner has achieved the learning outcomes at the appropriate NZQF level. Applying for approval of a training scheme or micro-credentialEducational organisations are required to provide information that will allow NZQA to evaluate the application against the Training Scheme Rules 2012 or the Consent to Assessment Against Standards on the Directory of Assessment Standards Rules 2011. Applicants are required to complete the Training Scheme Application Template which includes:
It is important the application is complete and includes all necessary information as NZQA will not request further information when quality assuring a micro-credential. Note: An approved training scheme or micro-credential can lead to the award of a ’certificate’. However, the title of a training scheme or micro-credential cannot contain a protected qualification term such as ‘New Zealand Certificate’, ‘diploma’ or ‘degree’. Self-assessment ReportThe self-assessment report should illustrate how the education organisation is confident it has included sufficient information and evidence to answer the evaluation questions. The self-assessment report should describe:
Where the training scheme or the micro-credential is jointly owned, the lead education organisation will submit the report. Training Scheme/Micro-credential DocumentThe applicant must submit documentation that shows the training scheme or the micro-credential:
Generic requirements for a training scheme or micro-credential
Additional requirements for a micro-credential application
Applications under the Consent to Assess Against Standards Rules If an application is made under the Consent to Assessment Against Standards on the Directory of Assessment Standards Rules 2011 then the following must be included:
Specific Information to be included in the Training Scheme/Micro-credential application The application provides an outline of the overall learning to be undertaken and includes: Purpose – A statement of the purpose of the training scheme or micro-credential and the overall outcome to be achieved. For micro-credentials the purpose statement identifies the unmet skill needs being met. Learning Outcomes – The learning outcomes describe the specific knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes a learner will achieve through each component of the training scheme or micro-credential. Assessment – Assessment methods should be appropriate for the modes of delivery, the level of learning, and the outcomes. Assessment needs to be fair, valid, consistent and appropriate. It must accurately assess whether the learner has met the required skills, knowledge and attitudes. The internal and external moderation processes should be appropriate to the delivery of the training scheme or the micro-credential. Capability and resources – Provide a statement that shows how the education organisation will supply sufficient physical, teaching and learning resources that are appropriate to the methods of delivery. Where relevant, the arrangements for workplace training need to enable the learner to achieve the outcomes. Teaching and learning approach – A brief description of the teaching and learning approaches is included. Practical and workplace requirements – A description of how the education organisation intends to meet any practical and workplace requirements. Also submit evidence of formal arrangements made with employers and other organisations to meet these practical and workplace requirements. Other specific requirements – The report may also include specific requirements that relate to providing the training scheme or micro-credential. NZQA evaluative approach to approvalThe decision to approve a training scheme or a micro-credential is made by answering the evaluation questions: How well does the development match the intended outcomes and purpose? To what extent does the education provider have the ongoing capability and resources to support sustained delivery of the approved training scheme or micro-credential? NZQA reviews the information and evidence provided in the self-assessment report (where applicable) and other information provided to determine if it is sufficient to show how the education organisation learners will meet the outcomes. Rubric one (below) sets out the expected levels of performance in relation to the evaluation question for the training scheme or micro-credential. NZQA uses the rubric to reach a decision about approval. Rubric one: Criteria for rating answers to the evaluation questions to approve a training scheme
Additional requirements for micro-credential
Indicative Timelines |
Useful ResourcesTimelinesTimelines for New Programme Development Submissions Final Dates for Programme Development & Improvement Approvals for 2020 Templates/FormsTraining Scheme Application Template Definition of non-standard academic provision Course Descriptor Template with Guidance Consultation Log Template and Guidance Relevant Policies and ProcedureAC 1.0 Academic Development and Approval Policy AC 1.1 Qualification and Programme Development and Approval Procedure AC 1.2 Programme Regulations Procedure AC 1.2.1 Admission Requirements Guidelines AC 1.3 Short Course, Training Scheme, and Vocational Pathway Procedure AC 1.5 Approval of Delivery Sites Procedure AC 1.6 Collaborative Arrangements Procedure AC 1.7 Consent to Assess Assessment Standards Procedure NZQA GuidanceListing Qualifications on the NZQF New Zealand Qualification Framework.pdf Guidelines for approval of training schemes/Micro-credentials Consent to assess against standards on the DAS Directory of Assessment Standards TEC GuidelinesNew Zealand Standard of Classification of Education (NZSCED)
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