Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice
(Trade) (Level 4)
Version
1
Qualification type
Certificate
Level
4
Credits
250
NZSCED
031301
Engineering and Related Technologies > Electrical and
Electronic Engineering and Technology > Electrical Engineering
DAS classification
204
Engineering and Technology > Electrical Engineering
Qualification developer
The Skills Organisation
Next review
31 December 2019
Any person or organisation may contribute to the review of this
qualification by sending feedback to the qualification developer
at: reviewcomments@skills.org.nz.
Approval date
June 2016
Strategic purpose statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the electrical
industry with commercially competent registered electricians who
are able to install, test, commission, and service electrical
installations and equipment safely and in accordance with the
Electricity Act 1992.
This qualification provides an entry into the electrical industry and
is intended for candidates who are training in the workplace and
who can fulfil the requirements of the Electrical Workers
Registration Board (EWRB) Trainee Limited Certificate (TLC).
Generally this is in conjunction with an apprenticeship.
As the qualification includes the EWRB electrical theory and
regulations examinations that are required for registration as an
electrician, graduates will be able to apply to the EWRB for
registration once they have been awarded the qualification.
Outcome Statement
Graduate profile
Qualification Reference 2388
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Graduates of this qualification will, in the context of the wider
electrical industry as a commercially competent registered
electrician, be able to:
1
2
3
Install, commission, and maintain electrical systems and
equipment, including electrical protection.
Carry out fault diagnosis and testing of electrical systems
and equipment.
Monitor and maintain safe working; procedures, practices,
and environment, and identify and control hazards in the
workplace.
Page 1 of 8
4
5
6
7
Education pathway
Apply electrical and relevant non-electrical legislation
governing the work of electricians.
Install and maintain electrical machines and control systems.
Install and maintain electrical equipment in special electrical
situations.
Work ethically and professionally within the electrical
industry, as a commercially competent registered electrician,
including maintaining current competency and
communicating with stakeholders on electrical and related
matters.
This qualification provides one of two entry options to the
electrical industry and is intended for candidates who have an
electrical apprenticeship agreement. The other option is for
people who do not have an apprenticeship agreement. Those
candidates will be signed to the New Zealand Certificate in
Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) [Ref: 2387].
This qualification can build on the New Zealand Certificate in
Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) [Ref: 2387], which is not
a pre-requisite for this qualification. Credits gained from the
lower level qualification will contribute to this qualification.
Electricity Supply candidates will be working towards or will have
achieved the New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply
(Introductory) (Level 2) [Ref: 2136], which is an introductory
qualification specifically for Electricity Supply workers.
On completion of this qualification graduates may progress to
higher level qualifications within the electrical industry such as
the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 5)
[Ref: 2384], or the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering
[Ref: 112950]. Graduates may also progress to degree level
programmes.
Electricity supply electricians who have graduated from this
qualification may also progress to the National Certificate in
Electricity Supply (Power Technician) (Level 5) with an optional
strand in Generation and Sustainable Energy [Ref: 1260] or its
replacement.
Employment pathway
Graduates will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and
attributes to work independently as commercially competent
electricians in the electrical industry in the field of their choice.
Once registered and licensed, they can supervise other electrical
workers up to and including their licence class. Examples of
roles are Electricity Supply Electrician, Domestic/Commercial
Electrician, or Industrial Electrician.
In the Electrical Supply Industry, this qualification can form the
basis for diversifying into a variety of Electricity Supply technician
roles.
Qualification specifications
Qualification Reference 2388
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Page 2 of 8
Qualification award
The candidate shall be awarded the qualification by the
accredited Tertiary Education Organisation (TEO) where the
programme has been completed.
The formal document certifying the award of this qualification
includes the full qualification title, the date of award, and the
logos of The Skills Organisation, the accredited TEO, and
the NZQF.
As the qualification developer, The Skills Organisation will
maintain a list of graduates of this qualification. The TEO
will report annually to The Skills Organisation the names of
all graduates awarded the qualification.
Evidence requirements for assuring
consistency
All TEOs offering this qualification (either arranging training
or delivering programmes) must engage with all the
arrangements for managing consistency as stated below.
The process will be funded by TEOs offering programmes
leading to the qualification, to cover actual and reasonable
evaluation related costs.
To meet the requirements of the qualification outcomes the
requirements of the specified Essential Capabilities for
Electrical Registration must be met. Details of the Essential
Capabilities for Electrical Registration are available from the
Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) website.
Candidates will be required to complete a final common
assessment to be undertaken in an invigilated environment.
The final common assessment task will include any
examination that forms part of the licensing requirements of
the EWRB. The Skills Organisation will notify TEOs
annually of the timing and methodology of the common
assessment after consultation with the EWRB.
TEOs are to seek feedback from the Electrotechnology
industry regarding their graduates meeting the qualification
graduate profile outcomes. This will occur through:
-
-
-
Qualification Reference 2388
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Regular monitoring of trainee progression within either
the TEO or the workplace including liaising with
employers, teaching staff, training supervisors, and
industry managers about the value of the training,
graduates, and qualification, to the business.
Feedback from major employers' associations, such as
Electrical Contractors Association of New Zealand
(ECANZ), Electro-Technical Association (ETA),
Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand
(SEANZ), Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA) and
the Electricity Networks Association (ENA) to ensure
their members involved in the Electrotechnology industry
are satisfied with the qualification graduates.
Regular cross-industry meetings (Industry Advisory
Groups) where the changing training needs of the
industry can be discussed in light of technology
changes, workplace practices, and graduate capabilities.
Independent surveys of graduates and employers to
Page 3 of 8
-
determine if the graduates are appropriate for the
workplace.
Monitoring of results of common assessment task.
Providing an alignment matrix of programme outcomes
or unit standards against the qualification outcomes.
All feedback and results will be presented and made
available when a managing consistency event is conducted.
The purpose of this managing consistency event is to:
-
review evidence associated with achievement of
qualification outcomes
identify issues or opportunities associated with outcome
achievement.
Following the event a report to TEOs on their programme
consistency with qualification outcomes and any
recommendations for maintaining currency of industry
context will be provided.
For full details of The Skills Organisation arrangements for
managing consistency, contact The Skills Organisation at:
consistency@skills.org.nz.
It is also anticipated that where unit standards have been
used throughout a programme of learning, moderation of
assessment will occur in accordance with the relevant CMR.
For The Skills Organisation the CMR is 0003.
Credit transfer and recognition of
prior learning arrangements
TEOs delivering programmes that lead to award of this
qualification may transfer credit and recognise prior learning
in accordance with their own credit recognition policies and
procedures.
These policies and procedures, and information about
associated fees, must be available to the applicant prior to
enrolment.
To facilitate credit transfer, education organisations must
clearly demonstrate the equivalency or comparability
between each of the outcomes in the graduate profile, and
the assessment components of their programmes.
Credit transfer will be automatic where standards on the
Directory of Assessment Standards are used within
programmes of study or training leading to this qualification.
Minimum standard of achievement
and standards for grade
endorsements
The minimum standard of achievement required for the
award of the qualification will be:
-
-
Qualification Reference 2388
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
achievement of all graduate outcomes in the graduate
profile through successful completion of an approved
programme
successful completion of the final common assessment
task for the qualification
holding a Trainee Limited Certificate (TLC) issued by the
EWRB
Page 4 of 8
-
holding a current First Aid certificate.
There are no grade endorsements for this qualification.
Entry requirements (including
prerequisites to meet regulatory body
or legislative requirements)
Candidates must have achieved the New Zealand Certificate
in Educational Achievement (Level 2) in Mathematics,
English, and Physics or General Science, or equivalent
qualifications before starting the qualification.
Qualification conditions
Overarching conditions relating to the qualification
Conditions for programme
structure
Not applicable
Conditions for programme
context
Programmes leading to the award of this qualification must
incorporate the applicable minimum standards for registration as an
electrician along with the requirements of the Supervision Procedures
for Trainees as published by the EWRB.
Candidates who are working towards this qualification must hold a
TLC issued by the EWRB. Details of both the Supervision
Procedures for Trainees and the TLC are available from the EWRB
website at:http://www.ewrb.govt.nz/.
The common assessment task described under Evidence
requirements for assuring consistency will include any examination
that forms part of the licensing requirements of the EWRB. Therefore,
graduates may use this New Zealand Certificate as evidence of
having met the minimum applicable standards when applying to the
EWRB for registration under the Electricity Act 1992.
Other conditions
TEOs offering programmes leading to this qualification must maintain
currency with amendments to, and replacements of, relevant
legislation, regulations, government departments, and Australia/New
Zealand Standards.
Programmes must reflect industry best practice, including commercial
competence, and currency with regard to legislation and regulations.
Programmes must be of sufficient duration to allow the graduate to
attain commercial competence, which will normally require
approximately 7000 hours workplace experience.
Programmes will include:
-
Broad operational knowledge of the electrical industry
Safety requirements and regulations relating to the electrical
industry
Applied knowledge to install, maintain, and repair electrical
equipment in the context of the chosen speciality.
Candidates must hold a current First Aid certificate before they can be
awarded this qualification.
For detailed information on these and recommended unit standards
visit http://www.skills.org.nz/resources-for-training-providers/.
Qualification Reference 2388
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Page 5 of 8
Credit gained for an outcome or a standard may be used only once to
meet the requirements of this qualification.
Definition
-
Commercial competence – the application of practical activities
that must be satisfactorily demonstrated within a timeframe within
which a competent person at this level could reasonably be
expected to perform the task, and reliably achieve the accepted
industry practice outcomes with regard to quality, safety, and
commercial viability under the required range of workplace
conditions.
Specific conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
Conditions
Mandatory
or Optional
1
To meet the requirements of this outcome
the requirements of the following EWRB
Essential Capabilities for Electrical
Registration must be met:
Mandatory
Install, commission, and maintain
electrical systems and equipment,
including electrical protection
Credits 130
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 16, 17, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24, 27, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,
39, 40, 41, 42, 50, 51, 53, 55.
2
Carry out fault diagnosis and
testing of electrical systems and
equipment
Credits 28
To meet the requirements of this outcome
the requirements of the following EWRB
Essential Capabilities for Electrical
Registration must be met:
Mandatory
26, 30, 54.
3
4
Monitor and maintain safe working;
procedures, practices, and
environment, and identify and
control hazards in the workplace
To meet the requirements of this outcome
the requirements of the following EWRB
Essential Capabilities for Electrical
Registration must be met:
Credits 12
2, 10, 31, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48.
Apply electrical and relevant nonelectrical legislation governing the
work of electricians
To meet the requirements of this outcome
the requirements of the relevant capabilities
of the section entitled Areas of additional
coverage located in the Essential
Capabilities for Electrical Registration must
be met. Details of these capabilities are
available from the EWRB website at:
http://www.ewrb.govt.nz.
Credits 22
Mandatory
Mandatory
Also, the following unit standards are
mandatory to meet the EWRB Electrical
Licensing requirements:
1702
Qualification Reference 2388
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Page 6 of 8
21766
27352
There are additional optional unit standards
covering relevant non-electrical legislation:
Optional
15860
5
Install and maintain electrical
machines and control systems
Credits 32
To meet the requirements of this outcome
the requirements of the following EWRB
Essential Capabilities for Electrical
Registration must be met:
Mandatory
12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 52.
6
Install and maintain electrical
equipment in special electrical
situations
Credits 15
To meet the minimum requirements of this
outcome the requirements of the following
EWRB Essential Capabilities for Electrical
Registration must be met:
Mandatory
25, 28, 29, and the relevant capabilities of
the section entitled Areas of additional
coverage located in the Essential
Capabilities for Electrical Registration must
be met. Details of these capabilities are
available from the EWRB website at:
http://www.ewrb.govt.nz.
7
Work ethically and professionally
within the electrical industry, as a
commercially competent registered
electrician, including maintaining
current competency and
communicating with stakeholders
on electrical and related matters
To meet the minimum requirements of this
outcome the requirements of the following
EWRB Essential Capabilities for Electrical
Registration must be met:
Mandatory
49.
Credits 11
Transition information
Replacement information
This qualification replaced the following qualifications:
-
-
National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electrician for
Registration) (Level 4) [Ref: 1195]
National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Electrical) (Level 4) with
strands in Electricity Supply Electrician, Electrical Fitter, and Electrical
Technician [Ref: 1295]
MIT Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 4) [Ref: MN4327]
Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 4) [Ref: HV4200]
Certificate in Advanced Pre-trade Electrical Engineering Skills [Ref:
ST5006]
Certificate in Electrical Technology (Level 4) [Ref: OT5005]
Certificate in Electrical Apprenticeship Preparation [Ref: 108872]
Qualification Reference 2388
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Page 7 of 8
The last date for entry into programmes leading to the replaced National qualifications is 31 December
2016, except for the National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electrician for Registration) (Level 4)
[Ref: 1195] and the National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Electrical) (Level 4) with strands in Electricity
Supply Electrician, Electrical Fitter, and Electrical Technician [Ref: 1295] for which the last date for entry
is 31 December 2017.
The last date for assessment to take place for the replaced National qualifications is 31 December 2021.
It is recommended that candidates currently enrolled in programmes leading to the replaced National
qualifications and who are unable to complete by 31 December 2021 transfer their existing achievement
to this qualification.
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 The Skills Organisation.
For last dates of entry and last dates of award of the other replaced qualifications; please contact the
relevant qualification developer.
Republication information
Version 1 of this qualification was republished in June 2016 to extend the last date for entry into
programmes leading to the National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electrician for Registration)
(Level 4) [Ref: 1195] and the National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Electrical) (Level 4) with strands in
Electricity Supply Electrician, Electrical Fitter, and Electrical Technician [Ref: 1295] from 31 December
2016 to 31 December 2017.
Qualification Reference 2388
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2014
Page 8 of 8