Development of national qualifications and standards

NZQA administers national standards and qualifications, to ensure that only credible, robust, consistent standards and qualifications are listed on  the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) and the Directory of Assessment Standards (DAS). National qualifications and standards are recognised both nationally and internationally.

National standards and qualifications are:

• drafted by expert groups and circulated to stakeholders for comment and contribution
• submitted to NZQA for quality assurance and listing
• subject to review by stakeholders and experts on a regular basis. This allows for national qualifications and standards to be refined and updated over time.

Note: The NQF and the Register will both be replaced post 1 July 2010 by the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) and the Directory of Assessment Standards (DAS). All qualifications in New Zealand will be listed on the single unified repository of qualifications called the NZQF. All current references in this website to the Register and the NQF will mean the NZQF and the Directory of Assessment Standards.

Standard-setting bodies

Standard-setting bodies (SSBs) are responsible for the quality and credibility of the national standards and qualifications that are submitted to NZQA for registration. The SSBs work with industry partners, professional groups, and other stakeholders to develop useful qualifications and relevant standards that are nationally recognised.

Framework Registration

Framework Registration is the business unit within NZQA that is responsible for:

• the quality assurance and registration of unit standards
• the quality assurance and listing of NZQF national qualifications.

Framework Registration criteria focus on:

• standards being fit for purpose, assessable and capable of consistent interpretation
• qualifications being attainable, clear in purpose and well designed
• general editorial and formatting matters.

Framework Registration is also responsible for:

• coordination of the AMAP Panel, whose members quality assure and recommend for approval Accreditation and Moderation Action Plans (AMAPs)
• management of additions and changes to the classification system.

Australian units of competency

In October 2002, the Qualifications Authority Board approved a policy for the registration of Australian units of competency on the DAS. An SSB submits a  DAS cover sheet and associated documentation to Framework Registration for evaluation and registration.