Micro-Credential Registration Support

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

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

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

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

The benefits of getting support from a WDC are 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 we can advise you 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 Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will fund it. 

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

1. Complete the NZQA application form.
2. Complete the Ringa Hora application form.
3. Submit your application to us by email to [email protected]. We’ll get back to you within 20 working days with our decision. If you’re successful, you’ll receive a letter of support from us.
4. Send the letter of support you receive from us and your NZQA application to NZQA to be processed.
5. NZQA will process your application.