WDC support is now required before education providers can seek NZQA approval for micro-credentials.

As part of the new vocational education and training system, Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) ensure that industry needs are met.

We provide industries and employers with greater leadership and influence across vocational education.

Our support is now required before education providers can seek approval from NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) for micro-credentials.

The benefit of getting support from a WDC is that they understand industry needs and the qualifications system well.

If you’re an education provider looking to register a micro-credential, we encourage you to look for relevant workforce development information published on our websites to check if your planned micro-credential meets industry needs.

Talk to a WDC about your plans early in the development process so that we can give you advice about your planned micro-credential.

To list a micro-credential on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) you need to apply to the relevant Workforce Development Council (WDC) for a letter of support. Find the relevant WDC.

Once you have developed your micro-credential, you will need to complete the NZQA micro-credential application form, and our application, before approaching us for support. 

We will review your application and consider the following:

1. Does it add value to industry, learners and community?
2. Does it meet an industry need?
3. Does it have a coherent structure?
4. Does it address a skills or pathway gap?

Support from a WDC does not guarantee that NZQA will list the micro-credential or that the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will fund it.

Follow these steps to get our support for your micro-credential

1. Complete the NZQA application.
2. Complete the application for support from the relevant Workforce Development Council.
3. Email your application for support (with your NZQA application attached) to the relevant Workforce Development Council. They’ll get back to you within 20 working days with their decision. If you’re successful, you’ll receive a letter of support from the WDC.
4. Send the letter of support you receive from your WDC and your NZQA application to NZQA to be processed.
5. NZQA will process your application.