NZQF NQ Ref
Version
0306
Page 1 of 11
3
National Certificate in Signmaking with strands in Computer Graphics,
Hand Lettering, and Electric Signmaking
Level
3 or 4 depending on strand
Credits
214, 288, or 295
This qualification has been reviewed. The last date to meet the requirements is 31
December 2019.
Version 3 of this qualification has been republished to extend the last date of enrolment on
programmes from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2016, also to extend the last date
for assessment from 31 December 2015 to 31 December 2019.
Transition Arrangements
Version 3 was republished to maintain achievability.
This qualification has been replaced by The New Zealand Certificate in Signmaking
(Level 3) [Ref: 1824] and the New Zealand Certificate in Signmaking (Level 4) [Ref: 1825].
The last date for entry into programmes leading to the replaced qualification is 31
December 2016. People currently working towards this replaced qualification must
complete the requirements by December 2019.
For detailed information see Review Summaries on the NZQA website.
NZQF National Qualification Registration Information
Process
Registration
Review
Republished
Republished
Review
Republished
Republished
Version
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
Date
April 1997
June 2004
January 2012
November 2012
January 2014
June 2015
November 2015
Last Date for Assessment
December 2005
December 2019
December 2019
December 2019
December 2019
December 2019
December 2019
It is the intention of Competenz that no existing trainee should be disadvantaged by these
transition arrangements. Any person who considers they have been disadvantaged may
appeal to Competenz using the contact details below.
Standard Setting Body
Competenz
PO Box 9005
Newmarket
Auckland 1149
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
0306
Telephone
Email
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
Version
3
Page 2 of 11
0800 5261800
qualifications@competenz.org.nz
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
0306
Version
Page 3 of 11
3
National Certificate in Signmaking with strands in Computer Graphics,
Hand Lettering, and Electric Signmaking
Level
3 or 4 depending on strand
Credits
214, 288, or 295
Purpose
The signmaking industry is involved in the design, creation, and construction of signs.
This qualification is designed for those wishing to develop knowledge and skills in
signmaking and/or to provide a means of recognising current competence for those
already engaged in the industry.
People awarded this qualification have demonstrated core knowledge and skills in
signmaking and have specialised in a particular area. The core knowledge and skills
required for signmaking include knowledge of the industry, knowledge of screen printing
for signs, safe working practices, basic first aid, interpersonal communication, use and
care of equipment, quoting for products or services, overseeing delivery of signs, and the
range of design, presentation, creation, construction, and installation techniques and skills
common to signmakers.
The strands provide recognition of specialist knowledge and skills for each of the areas of
computer graphics, hand lettering, and electric signmaking.
This qualification has no particular relationship to any other current qualification.
Credit Range
Level 1 credits
Level 2 credits
Level 3 credits
Level 4 credits
Minimum totals
Total with strand
Level of qualification
Level 3 credits
Level 4 credits
Minimum totals
Total with strand
Level of qualification
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
Core Compulsory
1
124
35
30
190
Computer Graphics Strand
24
24
214
3
Hand Lettering Strand
Compulsory Elective
68
0-20
15
0-15
83
15
288
4
Electric Signmaking Strand
15
90
105
295
4
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
0306
Version
Page 4 of 11
3
Requirements for Award of Qualification
This qualification will be awarded to people who have met the requirements of the Core
Compulsory section and one of the strands.
Award of NZQF National Qualifications
Credit gained for a standard may be used only once to meet the requirements of this qualification.
Unit standards and achievement standards that are equivalent in outcome are mutually exclusive for the
purpose of award. The table of mutually exclusive standards is provided on the New Zealand Qualifications
Authority (NZQA) website: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/standards/standards-exclusionlist/.
Reviewed standards that continue to recognise the same overall outcome are registered as new versions
and retain their identification number (ID). Any version of a standard with the same ID may be used to meet
qualification requirements that list the ID and/or that specify the past or current classification of the standard.
Detailed Qualification Requirements
Compulsory
All the standards listed below are required.
Field
Arts and Crafts
Subfield
Graphic Arts
Domain
Signmaking
Id
Title
1031
Demonstrate knowledge of the signmaking industry in New
Zealand
1032
Demonstrate safe working practices in signmaking
Level
2
Credit
8
2
3
1033
Prepare surfaces and apply coatings for signmaking
2
15
1034
Design layouts for signs
2
20
1035
Draw, layout, and paint-in letters
2
40
1036
Embellish letters
3
20
1038
3
3
4
15
1046
Demonstrate safe working practices in the use of high level
access equipment for signmaking work
Design and produce a visual presentation to client
specifications
Apply vinyl graphics to smooth and non-smooth surfaces
2
5
1049
Survey a site for installation of a sign
4
3
1053
Construct a sign
2
5
1054
Oversee delivery of a sign
2
2
1055
Install a non-electrical sign
3
5
6989
Prepare and submit a written quotation for the supply of a
signmaking product, repair, or service
Use hand and power tools required for signmaking
4
2
2
4
1039
9132
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
0306
Version
Page 5 of 11
3
Id
9133
Title
Produce decorative finishes and make stencils for signmaking
Level
4
Credit
10
20192
Mask and spray paint a surface for signmaking
3
5
20196
Demonstrate knowledge of screen printing for signs
3
2
Field
Health
Subfield
Health Studies
Domain
Core Health
Id
Title
6402
Provide resuscitation level 2
Level
1
Credit
1
Field
Humanities
Subfield
Communication Skills
Domain
Interpersonal Communications
Id
Title
1277
Communicate information in a specified workplace
Level
2
Credit
3
Level
2
Credit
5
Domain
Painting
Id
Title
1073
Describe, select, use, and maintain paint brushes
Level
2
Credit
8
Domain
Spray Painting
Id
Title
99
Appreciate and use colour in paint finishing
Level
2
Credit
6
Level
3
Credit
10
3
3
3
2
3
5
Field
Planning and Construction
Subfield
Painting and Decorating
Domain
Decorating
Id
Title
98
Reduce exposure to health and safety hazards in painting,
decorating, and coating
Computer Graphics Strand
All the standards listed below are required.
Field
Arts and Crafts
Subfield
Graphic Arts
Domain
Signmaking
Id
Title
1043
Produce computer generated vinyl layouts and graphics for
signmaking
1044
Produce computer generated images for vinyl graphics by
digitising
1045
Produce images for vinyl graphics by scanning
20193
Demonstrate knowledge of vinyl films used in signmaking
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
0306
Version
Page 6 of 11
3
Id
20194
Title
Demonstrate knowledge of digital printers used for signmaking
Level
3
Credit
2
20195
Demonstrate knowledge of graphic software as used in
signmaking
3
2
Level
3
Credit
3
3
10
Hand Lettering Strand Compulsory
All the standards listed below are required.
Field
Arts and Crafts
Subfield
Graphic Arts
Domain
Signmaking
Id
Title
1040
Produce scaled artwork and transfer full size to prepared
surface
1041
Render artwork to prepared surface
1042
Prepare, cut out, and install dimensional signage
3
10
1047
Hand paint letters and graphics
3
40
1048
Embellish signs
3
5
1059
Gild with metal leaf
4
15
Level
4
Credit
20
4
15
3
20
Field
Arts and Crafts
Subfield
Graphic Arts
Domain
Signmaking
Id
Title
1050
Produce an illuminated sign
Level
3
Credit
15
1051
Complete glass and electrical work for a neon sign
4
40
1052
Burn in the gas and complete a neon sign
4
30
1056
Assemble and test electrical sign components and circuits
4
10
1057
Install neon or illuminated signs
4
10
Hand Lettering Strand Elective
A minimum of 15 credits is required from the following standards.
Field
Arts and Crafts
Subfield
Graphic Arts
Domain
Signmaking
Id
Title
1058
Construct, set up, and remove a three dimensional display or
exhibit
1060
Produce examples of calligraphy
1061
Create special effects using an airbrush and spray gun
Electric Signmaking Strand
All the standards listed below are required.
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
0306
Version
Page 7 of 11
3
Transition Arrangements
Version 2
Version 2 was republished in November 2012 to indicate that the qualification has been
reviewed and replaced by two New Zealand qualifications.
Version 2 was issued following review. It was republished in January 2012 to reflect the
change of standard setting responsibility to Communications and Media Industry Training
Organisation.
Changes to structure and content
 Changes have been made to the format and to the purpose section to meet registration
criteria for national certificates
 Core Compulsory credits have been reduced from 202 to 190, thereby reducing the total
credits for the qualification – depending on the strand selected – from 226, 300, or 295
to 214, 288, or 295 respectively
 In the Core Compulsory section, standards 56, 62, 1037, 1079, and 1080 have been
removed and standards 1277, 20192, and 20196 have been added
 In the Computer Graphics strand, standards 2788, 2789, and 2792 have been removed
and standards 20193-20195 have been added
 Transition arrangements for the Trade Certificate in Signwriting have been superseded
by the RCC (recognition of current competence) process.
This qualification contains a standard that replaces an earlier standard. For the purposes
of this qualification people who have gained credit for the expiring standard are exempt
from the requirement to gain credit for the replacement standard.
Credit for
1037
Exempt from
20196
The last date for award of version 1 of the qualification is 31 December 2005. Candidates
not wishing to complete version 1 may transfer their results to version 2.
Reverse transition
Reverse transition has been included for version 2 of this qualification to allow candidates
to complete the qualification using the replacement standards.
Version 2 of this qualification contains standards that have expired and that have been
replaced by later standards. For the purposes of this qualification, people who have
gained credit for the replacement standards are exempt from the expired standards – see
table below.
Credit for
Exempt from
27393
98
26572
99
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
0306
Version
Page 8 of 11
3
Credit for
Exempt from
27394
1073
Previous versions of the qualification
Version 1 was issued in April 1997 to replace the Trade Certificate in Signwriting.
Version 1 contained transition arrangements for the withdrawal of the following
qualifications:
 Trade Certificate in Signwriting
 Advanced Trade Certificate in Signwriting
These transition arrangements have expired. No training agreements or apprenticeships
for the above qualifications were entered into after September 1996. The last date for
award of both Trade Certificates was 31 December 2002.
People who wish to have prior achievement of Trade Certificate in Signwriting components
recognised for the purposes of this national certificate can do so through the RCC
(recognition of current competence) process. The RCC process is carried out by
registered assessors and accredited providers. Candidates must go through an
assessment process to gain credit for national standards. Candidates for RCC are
encouraged to contact the New Zealand Painting Contractors Association of Employers
Industry Training Organisation.
Certification
The certificate will display the logos of NZQA, Competenz and the organisation that has
been granted consent to assess against standards that meet the requirements of the
qualification (accredited).
Classification
This qualification is classified according to the classification system listed on the Directory
of Assessment Standards (DAS) and the New Zealand Standard Classification of
Education (NZSCED) system as specified below
DAS Classification
Code
Description
712
Arts and Crafts/Graphic
Arts/Signmaking
NZSCED
Code
Description
100501 Creative Arts/Graphic and Design
Studies/Graphic Arts and Design
Studies
Quality Management Systems
Providers and Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess by a recognised Quality
Assurance Body before they can register credits from assessment against standards. Organisation with
consent to assess and Industry Training Organisations assessing against standards must engage with the
moderation system that applies to those standards. Consent to assess requirements and the moderation
system are outlined in the associated Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) for each standard.
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
Version
0306
Page 9 of 11
3
Prerequisite Diagrams
National Certificate in Signmaking with strand in Computer Graphics
1032
1034
1053
98
1035
1046
1033
Level 2
1038
1036
20193
1055
Level 3
1039
Level 4
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
Version
0306
Page 10 of 11
3
National Certificate in Signmaking with strand in Hand Lettering
1032
1053
1034
98
1046
1033
1035
Level 2
1038
1055
1040
1061
1036
1041
1042
1047
1048
Level 3
1039
1059
1058
Level 4
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
Version
0306
Page 11 of 11
3
National Certificate in Signmaking with strand in Electric Signmaking
1032
98
1053
1046
1035
1034
1033
Level 2
1038
1055
1050
1036
Level 3
1039
1051
1057
1056
1052
Level 4
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016