Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Certificate in Split System Heat Pump Installation (Level 3)
Version
1
Qualification type
Certificate
Level
3
Credits
60
NZSCED
031315
Engineering and Related Technologies > Electrical and
Electronic Engineering and Technology > Refrigeration, Heating
and Air Conditioning
DAS classification
1993
Engineering and Technology > Mechanical Engineering > Split
System Air Conditioning
Qualification developer
Competenz
Next review
July 2019
Approval date
24 October 2014
Strategic purpose statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the split system
heat pump installation industry with people who are able to
independently install non-ducted heat pump systems in
accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
This is an entry level qualification that is designed for people
already working in the industry.
Graduate profile
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
-
-
Outcome Statement
-
Education pathway
Qualification Reference 2367
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Apply an understanding of the principles and applications of
split system heat pumps, together with the skills and
knowledge of engineering tools and fasteners, to safely
install split system heat pumps to manufacturers
specifications
Apply an understanding of refrigerants, as they relate to split
systems, to recover refrigerant into a cylinder and charge
refrigeration systems in accordance with relevant
environmental and industrial regulations
Apply their knowledge of welding to safely braze copper
piping to an acceptable industry standard
Work safely with a relevant understanding of Health and
Safety requirements and workplace safety culture.
Entry to this qualification is open. It is a stand-alone specialised
qualification, however it does serve as an introduction to the
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning industry and can lead to the
following:
-
New Zealand Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Page 1 of 5
-
(Trade Assistant) (Level 3) [Ref: 2365]
New Zealand Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
(Trade) (Level 4) [Ref: 2366].
It may also lead to legislated industry requirements such as the:
-
Employment pathway
WorkSafe Approved Handlers Certificate
The Electrical Workers Registration Board’s Electrical
Appliance Serviceperson licence (EAS)
The Electrical Workers Registration Board’s Electrical
Service Technician licence (EST).
Graduates of this qualification will be equipped to work as
installers of split system heat pump equipment.
Installers are excluded from carrying out work requiring a
registered electrician.
Those entering into this qualification may be working in allied
trades such as Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Mechanical
Building Services (HVAC), Electrical, and Plumbing and Heating.
Qualification specifications
Qualification award
This qualification can be awarded by an organisation which has
an approved programme of study or industry training programme
leading to the qualification.
The certificate will display the logo of the NZQF and may display
the name and/or logo of the awarding body.
Evidence requirements for
managing consistency
All 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 reviewing evidence associated with graduate’s
achievement of outcomes, and 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 will include the following:

Employer surveys to determine if graduates of the
qualification meet the graduate profile outcomes.

Evidence of effective processes to ensure programmes
continue to meet current industry needs.

A range of workplace evidence demonstrating that
graduates meet the graduate profile outcomes.

Any other relevant evidence as appropriate.
Further information about the managing consistency process can
be found on the NZQA website.
Qualification Reference 2367
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Page 2 of 5
Credit transfer and recognition of
prior learning arrangements
Organisations that offer programmes towards the qualification
are expected to have Recognition of Current Competence (RCC)
or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment processes in
place.
Credit transfer will be automatic where assessment standards
are used for assessment within programmes of study or training
leading to this qualification.
Minimum standard of
achievement and standards for
grade endorsements
Candidates must achieve all outcomes and hold a WorkSafe
Approved Filler Test Certificate to be awarded this qualification.
There are no grade endorsements for this qualification.
Entry requirements (including
prerequisites to meet regulatory
body or legislative requirements)
Entry is open, however it is recommended candidates hold the
National Certificate in Educational Achievement (Level 2) [Ref:
0973].
Qualification conditions
Overarching conditions relating to the qualification
Conditions for programme
structure
This qualification will typically be achieved in a commercial
environment.
It is expected that fundamental health and safety awareness will be a
focus at the start of the programme, and further embedded in all onjob and off-job learning throughout the duration of the programme.
Conditions for programme
context
Should unit standards be specified in a programme of study or
industry training programme leading to this qualification, please
consult the explanatory notes section of the unit standards concerned,
as there may be legislative and health and safety requirements.
Other conditions
N/A
Specific conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
1
Conditions
Mandatory
or Optional
Apply an understanding of the principles and
applications of split system heat pumps,
together with the skills and knowledge of
engineering tools and fasteners, to safely
install split system heat pumps to
manufacturers specifications
40 Credits
Qualification Reference 2367
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Page 3 of 5
2
Apply an understanding of refrigerants, as
they relate to split systems, to recover
refrigerant into a cylinder and charge
refrigeration systems in accordance with
relevant environmental and industrial
regulations
Hold a WorkSafe Approved
Filler Test Certificate
Mandatory
Learning and assessment must
include:
Mandatory
8 Credits
3
Apply their knowledge of welding to safely
braze copper piping to an acceptable
industry standard
4 Credits
4
Work safely with a relevant understanding of
Health and Safety requirements and
workplace safety culture

Understanding of their
responsibilities in the
workplace under relevant
current Acts and
Regulations

Understanding of
workplace culture (applying
within workplace)

Understanding of hazard
identification and controlling
hazards, reporting, audit

Awareness of heights and
confined spaces.
8 Credits
Transition information
Replacement information
This qualification replaced the National Certificate in Split System Air
Conditioning (Level 3) [Ref 1242].
The last date for entry into the replaced qualification is 31 December 2016. The last date for assessment
against the replaced qualification is 31 December 2020.
It is anticipated that no existing candidates will be disadvantaged by these transition arrangements.
However, anyone who feels that they have been disadvantaged may appeal to Competenz at the
address below. Appeals will be considered on a case by case basis.
Competenz, PO Box 9005, Newmarket, Auckland 1149.
Republication information
Version 1 of this qualification was republished in April 2015 to update the Evidence requirements for
managing consistency.
Qualification Reference 2367
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Page 4 of 5
Version 1 of this qualification was republished in December 2015 to extend the last date for entry from
2015 to 2016.
Qualification Reference 2367
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Page 5 of 5