Water Services qualifications

We have completed a review of the following water services qualifications:

• New Zealand Certificate in Water Treatment (Small Scale Systems) (Level 3)
• New Zealand Certificate in Drinking-water Treatment (Level 4) [Ref: 4138]
• New Zealand Certificate in Wastewater Treatment (Level 4) [Ref: 4142]
• New Zealand Certificate in Drinking-water Supply (Assessment) (Level 5) [Ref: 4223]

We are pleased to share the details of the new qualifications and micro-credentials for the water services sector.

* The reviewed qualifications and draft skill standards have been submitted to NZQA for evaluation.

At the same time, we have developed a suite of new skill standards to meet future industry requirements. Current unit standards will expire (proposed December 2028) once the new skill standards have been evaluated and approved by NZQA.

About the review process

The review took place in two stages:

Stage 1 – Investigative phase (Complete)

• Stage 1 provided an opportunity for the sector and providers to share feedback on the current qualifications, standards, and development needs across the water services sector.
• The Stage 1 report is available here:  Water Services Qualification Review Insights Report.

Stage 2 – Qualifications and Standards Review (In progress)

• Stage 2 involved working with subject matter experts and the Water Services Steering Group to develop an improved suite of credentials for the sector.
• A future education pathway, along with the Level 3 and Level 4 qualification and standards reviews, is now complete.

Stage 2 will continue into 2026 under the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board.

The Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board will be responsible for:

• The review of the New Zealand Diploma in Drinking-water Treatment (Level 5) [Ref: 4139]
• The review of the New Zealand Diploma in Wastewater Treatment (Level 5) [Ref: 4143]
• The review of the New Zealand Certificate in On-site Wastewater Management Systems Design (Level 4) [Ref: 4216]
• Micro-credential development to support Level 4 treatment-processes

Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this review to date, including the dedicated subject matter experts and the Water Services Steering Group, whose considerable input and support have been invaluable.