NZQF NQ Ref
Version
1670
Page 1 of 5
2
National Certificate in Science (Level 5)
Level
5
Credits
60
This qualification has been reviewed. The last date to meet the requirements is 31
December 2018.
Transition Arrangements
This qualification has been reviewed and will not be replaced.
The last date for entry into programmes leading to this qualification is 31 December 2016.
The last date to meet the requirements of this qualification is 31 December 2018 at which
point the qualification will be designated discontinued. From that date no results can be
reported against the qualification.
For detailed information see Review Summaries on the NZQA website.
NZQF National Qualification Registration Information
Process
Registration
Review
Version
1
2
Date
June 2011
January 2015
Last Date for Assessment
December 2018
December 2018
Standard Setting Body
National Qualifications Services
NZQA
PO Box 160
Wellington 6140
Telephone
Email
04 463 3000
nqs@nzqa.govt.nz
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
MoE Code 9999
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
Version
1670
Page 2 of 5
2
National Certificate in Science (Level 5)
Level
5
Credits
60
Purpose
The National Certificate in Science (Level 5) [Ref: 01670] is designed for people wanting to
develop further science skills and knowledge, in particular skills and knowledge related to
safety aspects in microbiological and chemical laboratory contexts. These skills and
knowledge are needed to gain employment as a technical assistant in a laboratory or the
wider science sector or to move onto further study in the sciences.
The emphasis in this qualification is on laboratory safety skills in the microbiological and
chemical laboratory setting. Holders will be able to undertake and perform common
laboratory practices safely, competently measure and record in a laboratory, and adhere to
health and safety procedures relevant to a laboratory, with minimal supervision.
The skills in the compulsory section include:
 performing common laboratory tasks associated with laboratory techniques
 working safely in a chemical and microbiological laboratory
 competently applying principles of laboratory measurement and recording
 performing aseptic laboratory techniques
 performing analysis using titrimetric techniques.
The compulsory section of this qualification recognises core competencies, and the
elective structure and content allows recognition of competence in skills and techniques in
a variety of specific science contexts.
This qualification builds on scientific skills and knowledge acquired from secondary school,
the National Certificate in Science (Level 4) [Ref: 1669], or elsewhere, and can lead onto
the National Diploma in Science (Technician) (Level 5) with optional strands [Ref: 0234],
National Diploma in Science (Advanced Technician) (Level 6) with optional strands
[Ref: 0235] or an equivalent qualification. It provides a foundation for employment and/or
further study towards specialist laboratory qualifications and/or science qualifications
related to other science related qualifications such as nursing.
Special Notes
It is recommended that candidates already possess the National Certificate in Science
(Level 4) [Ref: 1669] or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills before
beginning this qualification.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
MoE Code 9999
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
Version
1670
Page 3 of 5
2
Credit Range
Level 4 credits
Level 5 or above credits
Minimum totals
Compulsory
19
19
Elective
41
41
Requirements for Award of Qualification
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.
Summary of Requirements
 Compulsory standards
 Elective – A minimum of 41 credits as specified
Detailed Requirements
Compulsory
The following standards are required
Sciences > Science > Chemistry
ID
Title
26341
Perform titrimetric analyses
Sciences > Science > Microbiology
ID
Title
8040
Perform aseptic laboratory techniques
Sciences > Science > Science - Core
ID
Title
Level
Credit
4
6
Level
Credit
4
4
Level
Credit
8029
Work safely in a microbiological laboratory
4
2
8466
Demonstrate competent use of laboratory
measurement and recording procedures
Work safely in a chemical laboratory
4
4
4
3
8467
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
MoE Code 9999
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
Version
1670
Page 4 of 5
2
Elective
A minimum of 41 credits at Level 5 or above
Field
Subfield
Domain
Sciences
Science
Any
Transition Arrangements
Version 1
Version 1 was issued following a review of the National Certificate in Science [Ref: 0233],
the National Diploma in Science (Level 5) [Ref: 0234], and the National Diploma in
Science (Level 6) with optional strands in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology,
and Molecular Biology/Biochemistry [Ref: 0235].
The review identified a gap in the Science qualifications at Level 5. It was identified that
the National Diploma in Science (Level 5) [Ref: 0234] and the National Diploma in Science
(Level 6) with optional strands in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, and
Molecular Biology/Biochemistry [Ref: 0235] were not meeting the needs of the sector. It
was decided that a new qualification in Science at Level 5 was required to provide a
pathway to the National Diploma in Science (Technician) (Level 5) with optional strands in
Laboratory Practice and Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Applied [Ref: 0234], or
into employment in a Science workplace.
Certification
This certificate will display the logos of NZQA 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
NZSCED
Code
Description
Code
Description
316
Sciences > Science
019909
Natural and Physical Sciences >
Other Natural and Physical
Sciences > Laboratory
Technology
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
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
MoE Code 9999
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQF NQ Ref
1670
Version
2
Page 5 of 5
system are outlined in the associated Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) for each standard.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
MoE Code 9999
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016