Qualifications and their levels

Tertiary qualification levels in New Zealand range from Level 1 certificates to Level 10 Doctorates:

• Level 1 certificates
• Level 2 certificates
• Level 3 certificates
• Level 4 certificates
• Level 5 certificates and diplomas
• Level 6 certificates and diplomas
• Level 7 graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and Bachelor’s degrees
• Level 8 postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas and Bachelor’s Honours degrees
• Level 9 Master’s degrees
• Level 10 Doctoral degrees.
  
  
• NZQA website - understanding New Zealand qualifications
• Which places offer which qualifications

Qualification levels

Information about qualifications should always state their level, which indicates how much work's involved. For example, these certificates in applied science have very different requirements for learners:

• Certificate in Applied Science (Level 3)
• Certificate in Applied Science (Level 4)
• Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Level 7).
  
  
• Courses database - search for tertiary courses or education providers
• NZQA website - knowledge and skills needed to achieve a qualification at each level

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA):

• approves secondary and tertiary qualifications
• places those qualifications at the appropriate level on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)

National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA):

• are usually studied at secondary school
• are part of the NZQCF
• range from Level 1 to 3.

• What is NCEA?

You may be able to study for tertiary or workplace qualifications as well as NCEA while at school.

• Start tertiary or workplace learning at school

Pay rates 

Higher qualifications usually lead to higher incomes and better chances of employment. Your subjects, skills and talents also affect your income and job chances.

• Compare Study Options - compare earnings at different qualification levels
• The effect of education on income
  

Job entry and qualifications

You need a degree to do some jobs. For others you need a certificate or diploma, and some jobs have no formal entry qualifications.

• Entry requirements for over 400 jobs 
• Ministry of Education website - school leavers' myth- busting - a university degree is not the only way to get a job  Video 

Micro-credentials recognise your skills and knowledge in an area that employers are looking for, such as repairing electric vehicle batteries. Some micro-credentials are registered on NZQCF.

• Micro-credentials

• Where to get qualified
• Credit work or learning towards a qualification
• What study costs and how to fund it
• Get the best start for your study
• NCEA credits needed for study, apprenticeships and training
• How to apply for study, apprenticeships or training