Short Course Training Project

The Short Course Training Project team have been working on updates to the Short Course Training and Assessment Guidance, following feedback from industry and providers, as well as ongoing work on the project.

These updates include timelines and additional clarification to support the delivery and assessment of short course training.

Revised timelines

• The guidance will be effective from 1 January 2026. However, we encourage providers to begin implementing changes to assessment material and short course content from 1 September 2025.
• Additional verified workplace experience evidence for standards 16617, 3800, 23637, 33425, and 33426 must be implemented from 1 September 2025.
• Unit standard 31245 has now been included and will be effective from 1 January 2026.
• For standards delivered in a secondary school environment (including tertiary providers delivering to secondary students), the guidance is effective from 1 August 2025.

Summary of changes to the guidance document

• Section 1.2 – Change of implementation timeframes (as above).
• Section 2.2 – more clarification added around the recognition of experience or numbers on a course.
• Section 6.3 – Clarification around other SSB unit standards.
• Section 11 – Addition of guidance for US31245 – Plan for and lift, move, and place loads using mobile plant.
• Appendix B – A sample of how assessors could evidence decisions around experience or shortened training.

The guidance document:

• is specific to Working at Heights, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP), Cranes, Telehandler, and Wheels-Tracks-Roller standards.
• outlines changes to how the training and assessment for specific unit standards need to be undertaken. It also outlines what unit standards can or cannot be used within the secondary school system from 1 August 2025.
• will assist industry and providers in selecting the appropriate standard/s to ensure that workers have the knowledge and skills to be safe at work and be deemed competent at the appropriate level.

The guidance is based on a ‘full cohort’ of learners with no relevant skills, knowledge, or industry experience, who need to develop the required skills and knowledge, including the opportunity to practice and apply these skills and knowledge, prior to summative assessment taking place.

The implementation of this guidance is the first step in ensuring consistent training and assessment across the industry sectors that require these skills.

The Waihanga Ara Rau Assurance Team wants to work with providers who are interested in exploring how practical assessment can be used to meet the requirements of any standards outlined in the Training and Assessment Guidance document. Get in touch if you would like to explore the possibilities in this area.

Pre-assessment moderation

Pre-moderation is now open for submissions. Your Assurance Specialist will follow up on any pre-moderation currently on hold, outlining any necessary changes to align with the guidance document.

Where a training provider already has a Waihanga Ara Rau approved assessment resource, including an integrated assessment, for US23229, 15757, 30072, 23966, or 23960-23964:

• The provider can revise the current assessment so that it only contains the standard aligned to the short course training.
• Provided the outcome of the assessment doesn’t change, and aligns with the guidance given, the provider will not be required to submit the changed assessment for pre-assessment moderation, provided they send Waihanga Ara Rau:
  • A copy of the revised assessment, with the associated assessor’s guide.
  • A copy of the internal moderation report.

Where a training provider already has a Waihanga Ara Rau approved assessment resource for US16617, 3800, 23637, 33425, or 33426:

• The provider will need to revise the assessment resource to show how the required workplace experience will be integrated into the assessment before the learner undertakes the summative assessment.
  • Note: the workplace experience must be specific to the context of the standard being assessed.
• The requirements for the workplace verifier sign-off.
• Provided the assessment is only being changed to accommodate the additional requirements, and aligns with the guidance given, the provider will not be required to submit the changed assessment for pre-assessment moderation, provided they send Waihanga Ara Rau:
  • A copy of the revised assessment, with the associated assessor’s guide.
  • A copy of the internal moderation report.

It is not expected that the assessment for US16701, 16702, or 16703 will need to change based on the guidelines given in this document.

NOTE:

• Should it be necessary to change the outcome of any assessment resource or develop a new assessment, the provider will be required to submit the assessment resource to Waihanga Ara Rau for pre-assessment moderation.

Contact [email protected] or your Assurance Lead if you have any questions.

Get in touch

If you’d like more information about this project please get in touch.