About the framework
The New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) is at the centre of New Zealand鈥檚 education and training system.
All secondary and tertiary qualifications and credentials approved by 色诱直播 or Universities New Zealand are listed on the NZQCF, and come with an assurance of quality that is recognised and trusted worldwide.
The NZQCF includes information about qualifications and credentials, including qualification types and levels.
It helps individuals and organisations understand the level of skill and knowledge someone with a qualification or credential has. It makes it easier for countries and regions to compare qualifications.
The framework is also important for recognising and helping to advance M膩tauranga M膩ori.
More information
On this page
What 色诱直播 does
色诱直播 maintains the NZQCF and sets the rules that ensure the quality of qualifications and credentials listed on the framework.
These rules apply to schools, kura and tertiary education providers such as universities, New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST), polytechnics, institutes of technology, w膩nanga, private training establishments and government training establishments.
The Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) at Universities New Zealand approves university qualifications.
Structure of the NZQCF
The NZQCF is divided into 10 levels. Each level describes what a graduate is expected to know, understand and be able to do.
Skill and knowledge levels in qualifications and credentials increase from Level 1 to Level 10:
| Level | Qualifications | Credentials |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certificate | Micro-credential |
| 2 | Certificate | Micro-credential |
| 3 | Certificate | Micro-credential |
| 4 | Certificate | Micro-credential |
| 5 | Certificate Diploma |
Micro-credential |
| 6 | Certificate Diploma |
Micro-credential |
| 7 | Diploma Bachelor's Degree Graduate Certificate Graduate Diploma |
Micro-credential |
| 8 | Bachelor Honours Degree Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Diploma |
Micro-credential |
| 9 | Master's Degree | Micro-credential |
| 10 | Doctoral Degree | Micro-credential |
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Read the level descriptors:
Level descriptors for the NZQCF
Read about each qualification type:
New NZQCF booklet
This document describes the framework. It includes the new visual representation, updated level descriptors and updated qualification-type descriptions.
These elements of the framework come into effect on 1 July 2025, and will fully replace the previous descriptions by the end of 2025.
