Last updated: 4 October 2019

Review of youth work qualifications

In 2014 Careerforce registered the New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work (Level 3) and the New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work (Level 4) with NZQA. These qualifications are now due for review as part of NZQA’s requirement to review qualifications every 5 years.

Background information

Throughout 2017 and 2018 Careerforce representatives consulted with youth workers, trainees, peak bodies, providers and youth work representatives at various youth work hui and conferences (e.g. Involve) on our youth work qualifications.

We received strong support and demand for the development of the New Zealand Diploma in Youth Work (Level 6). The feedback we received helped us to develop the diploma and confirmed a continued need for youth work specific qualifications for youth workers.

The sector also indicated that the current youth work qualifications at Level 3 and 4 are fit for purpose and that they can see clear education pathways towards the diploma at Level 6 and tertiary study in youth development if desired.

In February 2019, we recommended that we make changes to the current qualifications based on the feedback we received from the youth work sector. The sector provided support to this recommendation by providing their attestations.

Reviewed youth work qualifications approved

We are pleased to confirm that the following reviewed youth work qualifications are now listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

2448: NZ certificate in Youth Work (Level 3) v.2 (40 credits)

NZQA page outlining the Qualification Overview

https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/nzqf/search/viewQualification.do?selectedItemKey=2448

2449: NZ certificate in Youth Work (Level 4) v.2 (80 credits)

NZQA page outlining the Qualification Overview

https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/nzqf/search/viewQualification.do?selectedItemKey=2449

Please note the last date of assessment of programmes leading to version 1 is 31 December 2022.

Thank you to all stakeholders who contributed to the qualifications review process.