Our Qualifications

Qualification Levels  |  Scope and Syllabus  |  Training  |  Assessment  |  Qualification Registration  |  How do you get a NZOIA Qualification?

The NZOIA Qualifications Scheme recognises your performance and reflects the minimum requirements for a person to lead, instruct or guide others, in a given activity or environment. NZOIA qualifications are recognised throughout NZ as the industry standard.

The NZOIA qualification scheme has been developed in partnership with other relevant industry bodies such as: Whitewater NZ, NZ Speleological Society, Sea Kayak Operators Association NZ and various Canyon Guides and Operators throughout NZ.       

The scheme has 3 qualification levels:

Leader

Leaders can work independently without direct supervision. Leaders are qualified to operate within an activity and site specific risk management plan but the qualification does not define the skill set required to write or approve such a plan. Specific scope and skills sets required are defined in each qualification’s Scope and Syllabus documents. This is a foundation qualification and provides a stepping stone towards NZOIA 1 & 2.

NZOIA 1

NZOIA 1 holders can work independently without supervision. They have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of safety management plans and processes and are able to write and approve these plans. This qualification is not site specific and therefore NZOIA 1 holders can work nationally without a requirement to be inducted into a site. Specific scope and skill sets required are defined in each qualification’s Scope and Syllabus documents.

NZOIA 2

NZOIA 2 holders can work independently without supervision. It is for those who are instructing more advanced skills, developing and supervising programmes and training instructional or guiding staff. They have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of safety management plans and processes and are able to write, critique and approve these plans. This qualification is not site specific and NZOIA 2 holders can work nationally without a requirement to be inducted into a site. Specific scope and skill sets required are defined in each qualification’s Scope and Syllabus documents.      

Scope and Syllabus

The Scope and Syllabus documents can be found under the specific discipline page. e.g. to find the Rock 1 Scope and Syllabus  select the ‘Rock’ image to the right of this text (or below if using a mobile) You can also select Rock from the Qualifications/Courses drop-down menu.

Each qualification has a Scope and Syllabus. This represents the minimum level of ability required for an instructor or guide to be safe and effective in this discipline at the qualification level.      

Training

Training for an NZOIA assessment can take place in many shapes and forms. NZOIA offers pre assessment training courses for those who are preparing for an assessment. To aid in the success of an assessment, we strongly recommend people to attend a pre assessment training course before applying.

For more information about NZOIA pre assessment training courses click here.       

Assessment

NZOIA assessments are designed to give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in both personal, instructional and guiding areas. Assessors strive to create an environment that is non-threatening and where communication is open - we want assessments to be positive learning experiences.

Assessments range from 1 day to 4 days long depending on the discipline.

For more information about NZOIA Assessments click here.      

Qualification Registration

For a qualification to remain registered within NZOIA, qualification holders must:

1. Maintain annual Registered Membership with NZOIA
2. Maintain a current First Aid certificate
3. Revalidate their qualifications on a four yearly cycle (see Revalidation)
4. Log personal and instructional experience and professional development

This process allows employers and other stakeholders (e.g. clients, students and parents) to have confidence in an instructor or guide that is maintaining currency by continuing professional development and upholding the high standard that NZOIA represents.       

So how do you get a NZOIA Qualification?

1. Check out the Scope and Syllabus documents for the qualification you are interested in to see if you meet the requirements, or to find out what you need to work towards
2. Join NZOIA as a Registered Member
3. Find the assessment on the Course Calendar – ensure you have all the necessary documentation ready to go
4. Apply for the assessment
5. Attend and pass the assessment
6. Maintain your qualification by keeping up with NZOIA's Registration and Revalidation requirements