Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Building Services (Trade) (Level 4)
Version
1
Qualification type
Certificate
Level
4
Credits
280 credits
NZSCED
030799
Engineering and Related Technologies > Mechanical and
Industrial Engineering and Technology > Mechanical and Industrial
Engineering & Technology not elsewhere classified
Qualification developer
Competenz
Next review
July 2020
Approval date
July 2015
Strategic purpose statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the construction and
infrastructure sectors with skilled tradespeople who are able to
safely and independently fabricate, assemble, install, commission,
and maintain mechanical service systems.
Mechanical service systems may include: environmental control
systems; air conditioning and heating systems; specialist
ventilation and fluid conveyancing systems; non-potable water
systems; medical and laboratory gas systems.
This qualification is designed for people working in the industry
and will typically be achieved in a workplace environment whilst
completing a New Zealand Apprenticeship.
The ‘Mechanical Building Services’ industry was formerly known
as the ‘Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning’ industry.
Graduate profile
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
Outcome statement
-
-
-
-
-
Qualification Reference 2717
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Apply an understanding of the relevant Health and Safety
legislation and workplace safety culture in order to work safely
and meet responsibilities in a commercial mechanical building
services environment
Interpret drawings and/or specifications and select and use the
appropriate engineering materials, processes, tools and
equipment for the mechanical building services task being
undertaken
Apply a basic knowledge of sustainability and the refrigeration
cycle as they relate to the building services industry and the
significance of refrigerants to the industry and the environment
Apply trade engineering skills and knowledge to plan,
fabricate, assemble, install, test, and maintain a range of
mechanical building services plant and systems
Commission basic installations and work with specialists in the
commissioning of the full range of complex mechanical
Page 1 of 6
building services plant and systems
Education pathway
-
Apply an understanding of effective and efficient processes
and principles, and quality systems, to the production of
components and/or provision of mechanical building services
-
Practise effective communication within own mechanical
building services team and the wider workplace
-
Recognise the limits of own ability and the importance of
working with integrity and maintaining currency in the
mechanical building services field
This qualification can build on the National Certificate in
Mechanical Engineering (Level 2) [Ref: 1220] or the New Zealand
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) [Ref: 2715].
Graduates of these qualifications will have credits towards this
qualification.
This qualification can lead to the New Zealand Certificate in
Mechanical Engineering (Advanced) (Level 5) [Ref: 2716].
Graduates intending to become Certified Engineering Technicians
should complete the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice
(with strands in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and
Mechanical Engineering) (Level 6) [Ref: 1714].
Employment pathway
Graduates of this qualification will be able to work independently
as Mechanical Building Services tradespeople in the construction
or infrastructure industries.
Specific roles may include: Plant Maintenance Specialist;
Insulation Specialist; Pipe Fitter; HVAC Installer.
In the future graduates may choose to specialise and progress to
one of the following roles: Mechanical Services Designer,
Commissioning Engineer; Building Services Maintenance
Engineer; Services Project Manager; Sales Engineer.
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
assuring 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 graduates’
achievement of outcomes, and agreeing acceptable thresholds
for qualification outcome achievement and areas for
improvement.
To demonstrate how graduates are achieving the qualification
Qualification Reference 2717
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Page 2 of 6
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.
Minimum standard of
achievement and standards for
grade endorsements
Achievement of all outcomes is required.
Other requirements for the
qualification (including regulatory
body or legislative requirements)
It is recommended that people enrolling in a programme leading
to this qualification will hold the National Certificate in Education
Achievement (NCEA) Level 2 [Ref: 0973] or equivalent.
There are no grade endorsements for this qualification.
General conditions for the programme leading to the qualification
General conditions for
programme
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.
This qualification will typically be achieved in a commercial
environment whilst completing a New Zealand Apprenticeship.
It is expected that the learning of technical knowledge and skills will
be reinforced through application in a commercial environment.
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.
Conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
Conditions
1
Programmes must include coverage of the following topics (as a
minimum):
Apply an understanding of
the relevant Health and
Safety legislation and
workplace safety culture in
order to work safely and
meet responsibilities in a
commercial mechanical
Qualification Reference 2717
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
-
Understanding of own responsibilities in the workplace under
relevant current Acts and Regulations
Understanding of machine guarding principles and
requirements
Page 3 of 6
building services
environment
-
Credits 15
Working safely and contributing to a safe environment
Hazard identification, assessment and control, machine
isolation, reporting, audit and Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) requirements
Programmes may also include completion of the relevant current
safety course(s) for working on employer and building sites
2
Interpret drawings and/or
specifications and select and
use the appropriate
engineering materials,
processes, tools and
equipment for the
mechanical building services
task being undertaken
Programmes must include coverage of the following topics (as a
minimum):
-
Credits 80
-
Production and interpretation of engineering sketches
Production and interpretation of simple component drawings
Knowledge of calculations and units of measurement for
mechanical engineering
Job planning, including: process analysis, sequencing, risk
assessment, job costing, material optimisation, ergonomics, a
degree of spatial cognisance
Knowledge of the composition and characteristics of
engineering metals
Knowledge of available and appropriate
processes/tools/equipment to suit material, plan, etc
Overview of manufacturing and installation processes
Understanding of seismic restraint and vibration isolation
Programmes may also include:
3
Apply a basic knowledge of
sustainability and the
refrigeration cycle as they
relate to the building services
industry and the significance
of refrigerants to the industry
and the environment
Programmes must include coverage of the following topics (as a
minimum):
-
Credits 20
-
4
Apply trade engineering skills
and knowledge to plan,
fabricate, assemble, install,
test, and maintain a range of
mechanical building services
plant and systems
Credits 120
Qualification Reference 2717
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Basic Computer Aided Design (CAD) knowledge - open, read
and interpret models
Use of marking out equipment
Basic knowledge of the refrigeration cycle
Installation of pipework, including an understanding of
cleanliness, materials and health and safety
Basic knowledge of refrigerants, including – types, handling
safety, and sustainability
Basic knowledge of ozone depletion and global warming, and
their significance to the RAC industry
Programmes must include coverage of the following topics (as a
minimum):
-
Knowledge of plant and equipment types, pumps, valves, and
fans
Use of tools and equipment
Ductwork, fabrication and installation
Pipework fabrication and installation
Workshop and site installation
Installation of seismic restraint and vibration isolation
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5
Commission basic
installations and work with
specialists in the
commissioning of the full
range of complex mechanical
building services plant and
systems
Labelling and identification of plant and systems
Welding and brazing
Pressure testing ductwork or pipework
Awareness of maintenance requirements
Compliance with health and safety requirements
Correct and safe operation of lifting and access equipment
Implementing quality assurance processes
Programmes must include coverage of the following topics (as a
minimum):
-
Credits 25
-
Understanding and use of commissioning equipment for basic
installations, e.g. flow measuring hood
Understanding system requirements for commissioning
Pre commissioning – pipework flushing, pressure testing
(water, air and gases), check control components, verification
of installation configuration
Knowledge of plant and equipment types
Understanding control systems
The term ‘Basic installations’ includes, for example, small
ventilation systems, split systems and water systems
6
Apply an understanding of
effective and efficient
processes and principles,
and quality systems to the
production of components
and/or provision of
mechanical building services
Credits 5
7
Practise effective
communication within own
mechanical building services
team and the wider
workplace
Credits 10
Programmes must include coverage of the following topics (as a
minimum):
-
Awareness of different models, e.g. lean manufacturing
Identifying and eliminating wasteful processes
Applying the concepts of continuous improvement
Quality control
Process planning
Delivering in full, on time and to specifications
Programmes must include coverage of the following topics (as a
minimum):
-
-
Confirming and clarifying instructions
Understanding the importance of, and completing, workplace
documentation
Communication with teammates, customers, supervisors,
other trades, other management (including awareness of other
cultures and languages in the workplace)
Communicating health and safety matters
Note: ‘wider workplace’ includes employer and building sites
Programmes may also include the mentoring of apprentices,
peers, etc
8
Recognise the limits of own
ability and the importance of
working with integrity and
Qualification Reference 2717
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Programmes must include coverage of the following topics (as a
minimum):
-
Working to an accepted industry standard for a tradesperson
Page 5 of 6
maintaining currency in the
mechanical building services
field
-
Seeking advice or guidance when required
Overview and understanding of alternative manufacturing and
engineering processes
Credits 5
Programmes may also include:
-
Continual/lifelong learning and knowledge acquisition
Researching new technology, processes, practices, equipment
Transition information
Replacement information
This qualification replaced the National Certificate in Heating, Ventilating
and Air Conditioning (Mechanical Services) (Level 4) [Ref: 0124]
The last date for entry into the replaced qualification is 31 December 2017.
The last date for assessments to take place for the replaced qualification is 31 December 2021.
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
Telephone 0800 526 1800
Email qualifications@competenz.org.nz
Republication information
Version 1 of this qualification was republished in May 2016 to extend the last date of enrolment into
programmes leading to the National Certificate in Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (Mechanical
Services) (Level 4) [Ref: 0124] from 31 December 2016 to 31 December 2017.
Qualification Reference 2717
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Page 6 of 6