Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Certificate in Fire Protection Systems Technology (Testing)
(Level 3)
Version
1
Qualification type
Certificate
Level
3
Credits
140
NZSCED
039905 Engineering and Related Technologies > Other
Engineering and Related Technologies > Fire Technology and
Rescue Services
Qualification developer
Competenz
Next review
December 2021
Approval date
March 2016
Strategic purpose statement
The purpose of this entry-level qualification is to provide the Fire
Protection industry with testers who have the skills and
knowledge to test active fire protection systems (fire detection
and alarm systems and fixed fire protection systems).
Graduates will work under limited supervision, and in accordance
with the New Zealand Building Code, current Standards,
regulations and ordinances, and other internationally accepted
standards.
Outcome Statement
Graduate profile
Education pathway
Qualification Reference 2578
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
-
Perform routine testing of fire detection and alarm systems in
accordance with instructions.
-
Perform routine testing of fixed fire protection systems in
accordance with instructions.
-
Manage appropriate records and reports.
-
Identify and report on any deficiencies that impair
performance of the fire protection systems.
-
Work safely on and around the immediate work area.
-
Use skills and knowledge of fixed fire protection systems to
effectively contribute to the performance of the team.
This qualification may lead to the:
-
New Zealand Certificate in Fixed Fire Protection Systems
(Level 4) with an optional strand in Special Hazards Fixed
Fire Protection Systems [Ref:2577]; or
-
New Zealand Certificate in Fire Detection and Alarm
Systems (Level 4) [Ref:2575]; or
-
New Zealand Certificate in Fire Protection Systems
Page 1 of 3
Technology (Inspections) (Level 4) with strands in Fire
Detection and Alarm Systems, and Fixed Fire Protection
Systems [Ref:2579].
Employment pathway
Graduates will be equipped to work as testers of fire detection
and alarm systems and fixed fire protection systems.
Qualification specifications
Qualification award
This qualification can be awarded by an organisation which
has an approved programme of study or programme of
industry training leading to the qualification.
Evidence requirements for assuring
consistency
Evidence must 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.
Minimum standard of achievement
and standards for grade
endorsements
Achieved.
Other requirements for the
qualification (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].
General conditions for the programme leading to the qualification
General conditions for
programme
This qualification will typically be achieved through a combination of
on-job training and assessments and distance learning (e-learning
and/or correspondence).
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems refer to apparatus which perform
specified fire-related functions in response to the operation of a
detector, manual call point, or other input. They include manual call
points, detectors, control and indication equipment, alerting devices,
interconnections (to other building services such as Heating,
Ventilating and Air Conditioning Systems, Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning Systems, Lifts, Escalators), fittings, labels, and energy
sources. Where the system is connected to a remote receiving centre,
it will also include remote signalling devices.
Fixed Fire Protection Systems refers to automatic fire sprinkler
systems. The system includes an adequate and reliable water supply,
and a network of specially sized piping and sprinkler heads or
sprayers designed to deliver a predetermined volume of water over
Qualification Reference 2578
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Page 2 of 3
given area.
The context for ‘contribute effectively to the performance of a team’
relates to system installation where each person is expected to define
their technical strengths and apply them as relevant to ensure the job
is completed.
Programmes leading to this qualification may include some or all of
the standards listed in the conditions column below. Use of these unit
standards to meet the outcomes of this qualification is not mandatory.
Should unit standards be specified in a programme of study or
programme of industry training leading to this qualification, the
explanatory notes section of the unit standards concerned must be
considered as there may be legislative and health and safety
requirements such as the New Zealand Building Code, Industry
Standards, regulations and ordinances, and Territorial Authority bylaws.
Conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
Conditions
1
57, 2395, 4432, 4433, 4647, 15845, 15847, 15851,
23258, 23259, 23262, 28813
Perform routine testing of fire detection
and alarm systems in accordance with
instructions.
Credits 60
2
Perform routine testing of fixed fire
protection systems in accordance with
instructions.
57, 2395, 4432, 4433, 4647, 15845, 15847, 15851,
17729, 17730, 17731, 28820
Credits 55
3
Manage appropriate records and reports.
3492, 17712, 23262, 28820
Credits 5
4
Identify and report on any deficiencies
that impair performance of the fire
protection systems.
23262, 28820, 29157
Credits 10
5
Work safely on and around the immediate
work area.
497, 3271, 6401, 6402
Credits 5
6
Use skills and knowledge of fixed fire
protection systems to effectively
contribute to the performance of the team.
57, 23262, 28820
Credits 5
Qualification Reference 2578
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Page 3 of 3