Certificate in
Nursing (Competence Assessment Programme) (Level 7)
HL1001
Starts February
For 6 - 12 weeks
Applications are accepted throughout the year
Domestic Student fees are $5,435 *
Study part-time
Hamilton City Campus
Need to get a New Zealand practicing certificate? The Certificate in Nursing (Competence Assessment Programme) (Level 7) can help you complete this.
If you are a registered Nurse, enrolled Nurse or Nurse Assistant this programme will allow you to demonstrate your ability to meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for your scope of practice.
New Zealand nurses returning to practice after a period of five years or more are required to complete an approved competence assessment programme, such as this programme, before a practising certificate may be issued.
If you are an overseas nurses may be required to complete this programme before you can become registered in New Zealand.
Programme Content
This programme will take six to twelve weeks and will involve 10 days of classroom and self-directed learning and five to ten weeks of supervised clinical placements.
You will learn content that ensures you are able to demonstrate current and competent nursing skills within your scope of nursing practice. This includes a theory component that is specific to New Zealand’s health context such as an understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi, cultural safety and the legislation and guidelines for the practice of nursing in New Zealand.
You will undertake a period of supervised clinical experience that will allow you to demonstrate your nursing competence.
Career Opportunities
The Certificate in Nursing (Competency Assesment Programme) (Level 7) may allow you to apply for a practicing certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand or if from overseas will allow you to be eligible to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand for registration and a practicing certificate to work in New Zealand as a nurse or nurse assistant.
Entry Criteria
New Zealand Nurses
New Zealand registered nurses, enrolled nurses or nurse assistants registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and who are returning to nursing practice after a break of 5 or more years.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of any health issues or criminal history that may prevent their entry onto the Nursing Register.
Overseas Nurses
Overseas registered nurses or nurse assistants wishing to gain New Zealand Nursing Registration must have completed the application for registration process with the NCNZ and have received a decision letter outlining the requirements to be met to verify competency and New Zealand relevant skills.
All applicants
All applicants who have English as a second language must meet the English language requirements set by the NCNZ. They will be required to provide evidence obtained within the last 2 years of their ability to speak and write in English
Approved English language assessments are:
- IELTS with a score of at least 7.0 in reading, listening, writing and speaking or
- Occupational English Test with a B band in each section
Applicants must also be able to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively to practise within their scope of practice.