Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Certificate in Applied Science (Level 3)
Version
1
Type
Certificate
Level
3
Credits
60
NZSCED
010000
Natural and Physical Sciences
Qualification developer
Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology
Next review
December 2019
Approval date
January 2015
Strategic purpose statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide individuals with
introductory operational and theoretical knowledge in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics for employment
and/or progression to higher level qualifications.
The qualification will also identify for the science and
technology-related sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand those
employees who are able to undertake supervised tasks in
entry-level operational positions in manufacturing and
regulatory industries, field work, research and development.
Graduate profile
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
Outcome Statement
 Apply scientific principles and collect, record, and process
data to carry out basic tasks in an operational and/or
research context
 Work collaboratively in a team in a science, technology,
engineering and/or mathematics-related workplace
 Meet health and safety responsibilities relevant to a science,
technology, engineering and/or mathematics related
workplace.
Education pathway
This qualification may lead to further study in higher level
qualifications in a wide range of technology, engineering, health
or science-related disciplines.
Employment pathway
Graduates of this certificate can work with supervision as
assistants in entry-level operational positions in science,
technology, engineering, and/or mathematics- related fields of
work including manufacturing and regulatory industries, field
work, research and development.
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© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
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Qualification specifications
Qualification award
This qualification will be awarded by the accredited organisation
with which the learner is enrolled.
The formal document certifying the award of this certificate will
display the title of the qualification, the date of issue and/or
award, the logo of the NZQF, the NZQF reference number, and
the name and/or logo of the awarding body.
Evidence requirements for
assuring consistency
All tertiary education organisations (TEOs) either arranging
training or delivering programmes that lead to the award of the
qualification are required to participate in a consistency
process scheduled by NZQA.
This will involve review of evidence associated with graduate’s
achievement of outcomes, agreeing acceptable thresholds for
qualification outcome achievement, and areas for improvement.
To demonstrate how graduates are achieving the qualification
graduate profile outcomes, TEOs are required to produce their
own evidence in a high level report.
Evidence may include the following:

Programme statistics such as completion data and
graduate destination data

Graduate portfolios at the programme level
demonstrating that graduates meet the graduate profile
outcomes.

Evidence from internal and/or external moderation
processes.

Documentation of processes that ensure programmes
continue to meet current industry needs.

Next user feedback such as employer surveys.

Any other relevant evidence as appropriate.
Further information about the consistency process can be found
at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/consistency-ofgraduate-outcomes/
Credit transfer and recognition of
prior learning arrangements
Education providers must have policies and procedures in
place for managing credit transfer, and assessing recognition of
prior learning and recognition of current competency. These
policies and procedures, and information about associated
fees, must be available to the candidate prior to enrolment.
Minimum standard of achievement
and standards for grade
endorsements
Achievement of all outcomes. There are no grade
endorsements for this qualification.
Entry requirements (including
prerequisites to meet regulatory
body or legislative requirements)
It is recommended candidates hold the Level 1 literacy
standards (10 credits) and Level 1 numeracy standards (10
credits). NCEA or alternate entry requirements will be set by
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© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
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providers.
Qualification conditions
Overarching conditions relating to the qualification
Conditions for programme
structure
The maximum duration to complete the programme will be
determined by the programme owner.
Conditions for programme context
In a workplace means the candidate is able to meet the
graduate profile outcome in the learning environment, in a
manner appropriate to the workplace. It does not mean the
candidate must be assessed in a workplace.
Other conditions
The focus of programmes leading to this qualification must be
natural and physical sciences, technology, and/or engineering
as defined by NZSCED (01, 02, and 03).
TEOs arranging training or delivering programmes towards this
qualification must ensure that the training arranged and
programmes of learning delivered, are kept up-to-date with
regard to amendments to, and replacements of relevant
legislation, regulations and Australia/New Zealand Standards
(AS/NZS).
Specific conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
Conditions
Mandatory
or Optional
1
Programmes must include
Mandatory
condition
Apply scientific principles and
collect, record, and process
data to carry out basic tasks in
an operational and/or research
context

a wide range of disciplines

basic protocols that are to be followed

basic scientific calculations.
Credits 45
2
Work collaboratively in a team
in a science, technology,
engineering and/or
mathematics-related workplace
Programmes must include:

written and oral communication

use of digital technology.
Mandatory
condition
Credits 10
3
Meet health and safety
responsibilities relevant to a
science, technology,
engineering, and/or
mathematics-related workplace
Qualification Reference2550
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
To meet health and safety responsibilities
means to consistently act in accordance with
established procedures.
Mandatory
condition
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Credits 5
Qualification Reference2550
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
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