Frequently Asked Questions

Learner FAQs

My qualification FAQs

How do I get a copy of my certificate?

You will be given a printed certificate by your Competenz contact when you complete your qualification. Or your certificate will be couriered to your workplace.

‍We are only able to re-print your certificate if it is LOST or DAMAGED.  If you would like us to reprint your certificate for you, there is a cost of $120.75 incl GST.

Email support@competenz.org.nz and include:

  • Your full name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your NSN number (if known)
  • The qualification you completed

Once payment is received, your replacement certificate will be couriered to your nominated address.

Please note: Competenz can only reprint certificates for qualifications completed after August 2012. If your qualification was completed before this date, please contact NZQA.

Can I do my assessments online?

Some unit standards are available through Canvas online learning, but not all assessments can be completed online.

Your Training Plan Report tells you which units are delivered online and marked by an e Assessor or are On Job and marked by your TA. The units themselves are also described as (On-Job) or (On Line) in their title.  

You can also check the Canvas help section for a list of unit standards that are available online.

What happens when you’ve finished an apprenticeship/traineeship?

When you finish your apprenticeship or traineeship, you will be marked as completed in our database once your final unit standard result has been entered.

For Engineering trade qualifications and apprenticeships, completion also requires confirmation from your employer of the total hours you have worked during your apprenticeship. These hours are submitted as part of the completion documentation. As most apprenticeships run for around four years, this typically equates to approximately 8,000 hours of work and training.

Once all requirements are confirmed and your completion has been processed, you will receive a printed certificate from your Competenz contact, or it will be couriered to your workplace.

How can I see what unit standards I have achieved?

If you have access to Competenz Central you can see your training plan and your record of achievement by logging in to Competenz Central. Click on the tab Training Plan and Achievement.

Both your training plan and your record of achievement will show you which unit standards you have or have not yet achieved. Though it can take between 1 – 3 months for unit standard results to be entered into our database.

‍If you do not have access to Competenz Central you can visit the NZQA website and login to NZQA learner log-in to see your record of achievement. OR, talk to your Competenz contact to get a copy of your training plan.

‍If you still have difficulty, please call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz.  

How can I see my record of achievement?

If you have access to Competenz Central you can see your record of achievement by logging in to Competenz Central. Click on the Achievement tab.

If you do not have access to Competenz Central you can visit the NZQA website and login to the NZQA learner log-in.

If you still have difficulty, please call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz. We can send you a copy of your record of achievement.

I am stuck with an assessment, how can I get help?

If you need help with an assessment, the best person to contact is your assessor or training advisor.

Support may come from:

  • Your supervisor or workplace trainer
  • Your training advisor
  • A Competenz assessor
  • A Competenz eAssessor for online learning

Your supervisor may help guide your learning, but the final assessment decision is made by a Competenz assessor.

If you are unsure who to contact, speak with your training advisor.

I thought I’d finished my training?

If you have access to Competenz Central you can see your training plan by logging in to Competenz Central. This will show your ‘To-do’ unit standards and your ‘Achieved’ unit standards.

If you do not have access to Competenz Central you can ask your Competenz contact to run a qualification check to see what unit standards are outstanding to complete your qualification.

What do I have left to complete my qualification?

If you have access to Competenz Central you can see your training plan by logging in to Competenz Central. This will show your ‘To-do’ unit standards and your ‘Achieved’ unit standards.

If you do not have access to Competenz Central you can ask your Competenz contact/Training Advisor to give you a Training Plan Report to see what unit standards are outstanding to complete your qualification.

I have completed a unit standard, but it is still showing as outstanding on my training plan and record of achievement – why?

It can take between 1 – 3 months for unit standard results to be entered into our database.

If it has been over 3 months and the result has still not appeared on your training plan and/or your record of achievement, then please talk to your Competenz contact/training advisor  or. If you still have difficulty, please call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz.

Why is my answer incorrect?

Your assessor will provide feedback for questions that are  incorrect.

For online assessments using Canvas: The eAssessor will direct you to the relevant learning material

 

For paper-based assessments: Your assessor will send you feedback on your completion of the assessment guide and/or evidence provided. This is normally emailed to the learner.

How can I see my training plan?

Your Competenz contact /Training Advisor should have given you a paper copy of your training plan when you first signed up. If you have lost this copy, talk to your Competenz contact to get a new copy.

If you have access to Competenz Central you can see your training plan by logging in to Competenz Central. This will show your ‘To-do’ unit standards and your ‘Achieved’ unit standards.

Canvas Online Learning

What are the recommended system requirements for Canvas online learning?
  • Firefox 131 | 132 (Extended Releases are not supported*)
  • Edge 129 | 130
  • Respondus LockDown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements)
  • Safari 17 | 18 (Macintosh only)

iOS

  • Safari (default browser with limited Canvas support)
  • Chrome

Android

  • Chrome (default browser with limited Canvas support)*
  • Internet
  • Firefox

*Android default browser varies per mobile device.

  • Windows 7 and newer
  • Mac OSX 10.6 and newer
  • Linux – chromeOS
  • Use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible
  • 4GB of RAM
  • 2GHz processor

How do I login to Canvas online learning?

Access to Canvas online learning is through Competenz Central.

‍To login to Competenz Central click the link ‘Login Competenz Central’ in the top right-hand corner of this website.

‍Once you are logged in, click the Canvas online learning button.

Where are the user guides for Canvas online learning?

The ‘Welcome to Canvas’ course and user guide can be found by clicking on the ‘Help’ tab in Canvas on the left-hand side.

OR, the user guide may already be loaded to your dashboard.

My login does not work for Canvas online learning

Access to Canvas online learning is through Competenz Central.

‍To login to Competenz Central click the link ‘Login Competenz Central’ in the top right-hand corner of this website.

‍If you require further assistance, please call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz.

AI Guidance FAQs

Can I use AI for my assessments?

No – You must not use AI to help with assessments.

‍This means no ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, or any other AI tools even for rewriting, summarising, or checking your answers.

‍Your assessments need to show your own thinking, skills, and effort. That’s how we know you’re ready for the next step. Please view more detailed information on this here.

Competenz Central

Where do I login to Competenz Central?

To login to Competenz Central click the link ‘Canvas login’ in the top right-hand corner our website.

How can I request a login for Competenz Central?

Please send an email to support@competenz.org.nz.

We will need to verify your access with your Competenz contact first, so please be aware that your request may take some time.

What is Competenz Central?

Competenz Central is an online platform that supports learners, employers and assessors throughout their training.

Learners can use it to:

  • View their training plan
  • Track their progress and achievements
  • Access Canvas online learning
  • Find Competenz contact details

Employers and assessors can also use the platform to monitor learner progress and access training information.

Off job learning FAQs

Can I do more than one course in a year?

You can only do one course per year.

‍If you need to do more than one course in a year then you will require approval. Talk to your Competenz contact if you need to do more than one course in a year.

When will my block course unit standards be registered on my record of achievement?

Block course training providers have within 30 days from the last day of the block course to register your unit standards.

If your unit standards are not appearing as completed on your record of achievement and it has been over 30 days, please call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 and ask to speak to our Course Management Team.

When is my block course?

Block courses are allocated on a first come first served basis by Competenz Course Admin once your prerequisites for attendance have been met. Your Training Advisor will guide you on Pre Requisites for your block course.

Your employer may be sent and email six to eight weeks prior to the start date inviting you to the first available block course for your preferred provider.  If there are none available in your region you will be given options to a provider possibly outside your region.

‍Once your attendance is confirmed, the block course training provider will send you an email with the course information two weeks prior to the block course starting.

Funding

What if I missed the deadline to confirm eligibility for first-year Fees Free?

The deadline to confirm eligibility for first-year Fees Free was 31 December 2025, and this has now passed. If you did not submit a complete and signed statutory declaration to TEC by this date, you are no longer eligible for first-year Fees Free.

You may still be eligible for final-year Fees Free from 2025. To check your eligibility, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.

What are the key changes under the new final-year Fees Free policy?

The final-year Fees Free policy has replaced the first-year Fees Free policy, as of 1 January 2025.

The final 24 months of work-based training costs may be reimbursed to the learner if they are eligible. Eligible learners will need to make the claim for reimbursement via IRD once they have completed their qualification.

Visit the IRD website for full details.

How will the final-year Fees Free impact learners who used first-year Fees Free?

Learners who used first-year Fees Free funding will not be eligible for final-year Fees Free, even if they did not use the full amount they were entitled to.

Reimbursements

Employer FAQs

I already have a learner with Competenz

Am I up-to-date with my invoices?

All customers who have a balance on their account with Competenz at the end of the month will receive a statement detailing any unpaid invoices.

Alternatively, please call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800.

Has my learner passed their assessment?

The best way to view the progress of your learner(s) is through Competenz Central.

‍Competenz Central allows you to see the training plan details of your learner(s) through the tile called eServices.

Click into eServices:

Competenz Central eServices

Click on the name of the learner you want more information on:


Click on Training Plan Detail, then click the Unit Standards drop down and change the selection to Show All.

If a unit standard is complete then a date will show in the Date Assessed column.

Please be aware that it can take between 1 – 3 months for unit standard results to be entered into our database.

See the Competenz Central help section for more information about how to access Competenz Central.

How do I pay my invoice?

Competenz prefers payment by Direct Credit deposit to our bank account.

‍When making payment it is important that you include your Competenz Account Number as a reference – this is an eight character number beginning with ‘CC’ and can be found on your invoice or statement.

Our bank account number is also shown on our invoices and statements.

We are now offering the option of quarterly payments of annual fees (for Elev8 and Canvas). Please contact ar@competenz.org.nz for more information.

I don’t have a learner with Competenz

I want to put my employee through an apprenticeship or traineeship. What do I need to do?

The first step is to call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz. We will arrange for someone to visit your workplace to discuss your training needs.

How much does an apprenticeship or traineeship cost?

Pricing varies depending on your industry and the apprenticeship/traineeship model selected.

Call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz and we can arrange for someone to visit your workplace to discuss your training needs.


Use this ROI calculator to view the approximate cost of an apprenticeship.

Can you help me find an apprentice/trainee?

Competenz offers a free digital self-service job board which makes it easy to create and post your job advert with our step-by-step job ad builder, helping you reach the right candidates. Add link to website

  • Receive applications: When a candidate applies and grants permission, you will automatically be sent their application and CV.
  • Interview  process: If you chose to take them forward to interview you'll have the option to provide feedback to help us maintain candidate quality.
  • Onboarding  and training: Once you’ve found the right person, we’ll support you page in setting up a training plan to ensure your learner succeeds and meets your business goals.
  • Browse available candidates: Need someone now? Check our Candidates page for profiles of learners actively seeking employment.

Funding

Are reimbursements for first-year Fees Free still available?

No. Reimbursements for first-year Fees Free have ended.  

Employers can no longer make a claim for a reimbursement for fees related to the first-year Fees free programme.

If you submitted an eligible claim before the 31 December 2025 deadline, it will be processed

For full details and the most up-to-date information, visit the Inland Revenue (IRD) website.

How do employers make a claim for fees paid under final-year Fees Free?

Applications for reimbursement of training fees can only be submitted by learners, via the IRD, once they have completed an eligible qualification and a certificate has been issued.

  • The IRD will only reimburse learners directly – employers cannot claim the entitlement. We recommend that employers and learners agree on how fees will be paid before enrolling to enable a smooth reimbursement process
  • Competenz no longer administers the Fees Free fund. Any queries about the fund should be directed to the IRD.

What is the Apprenticeship Boost?

Apprenticeship Boost provides support for employers to keep and take on new apprentices. It aims to help apprentices to earn and learn while training, so they become skilled practitioners in targeted occupations that are critical to New Zealand’s growth and sustainability.

The Apprenticeship Boost is a payment available through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to support employers of apprentices in their first year of training in particular qualifications. Employers can receive up to 12 months of support. Payment is currently $500 per month for eligible apprentices.

For more information visit  Apprenticeship Boost - Work and Income.

Reimbursements

Forklift trainers and operators FAQs

I already have a learner with Competenz

Am I up-to-date with my invoices?

All customers who have a balance on their account with Competenz at the end of the month will receive a statement detailing any unpaid invoices.

Alternatively, please call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800.

Has my learner passed their assessment?

The best way to view the progress of your learner(s) is through Competenz Central.

‍Competenz Central allows you to see the training plan details of your learner(s) through the tile called eServices.

Click into eServices:

Competenz Central eServices

Click on the name of the learner you want more information on:


Click on Training Plan Detail, then click the Unit Standards drop down and change the selection to Show All.

If a unit standard is complete then a date will show in the Date Assessed column.

Please be aware that it can take between 1 – 3 months for unit standard results to be entered into our database.

See the Competenz Central help section for more information about how to access Competenz Central.

How do I pay my invoice?

Competenz prefers payment by Direct Credit deposit to our bank account.

‍When making payment it is important that you include your Competenz Account Number as a reference – this is an eight character number beginning with ‘CC’ and can be found on your invoice or statement.

Our bank account number is also shown on our invoices and statements.

We are now offering the option of quarterly payments of annual fees (for Elev8 and Canvas). Please contact ar@competenz.org.nz for more information.

Reimbursements

Funding eligibility FAQs

Changes to Fees Free

The Final-Year Fees Free policy has replaced the First-Year Fees Free policy, as of 1 January 2025. The final 24 months of work-based training costs may be reimbursed to the learner if they are eligible. Eligible learners will need to make the claim for reimbursement via IRD once they have completed their qualification. 

 Visit the IRD website for full details.

What it means for Learners who started in 2024 or earlier

Learners: What if I missed the deadline to confirm eligibility for first-year Fees Free?

The deadline to confirm eligibility for first-year Fees Free was 31 December 2025, and this has now passed. If you did not submit a complete and signed statutory declaration to TEC by this date, you are no longer eligible for first-year Fees Free.

You may still be eligible for final-year Fees Free from 2025. To check your eligibility, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.

Employers: Are reimbursements for first-year Fees Free still available?

No. Reimbursements for first-year Fees Free have ended.  

Employers can no longer make a claim for a reimbursement for fees related to the first-year Fees free programme.

If you submitted an eligible claim before the 31 December deadline, it will be processed

For full details and the most up-to-date information, visit the Inland Revenue (IRD) website.

2025 Final-year Fees Free

What are the key changes under the new final-year Fees Free policy?

The final-year Fees Free policy has replaced the first-year Fees Free policy, as of 1 January 2025.

The final 24 months of work-based training costs may be reimbursed to the learner if they are eligible. Eligible learners will need to make the claim for reimbursement via IRD once they have completed their qualification.

Visit the IRD website for full details.

How will the final-year Fees Free impact learners who used first-year Fees Free?

Learners who used first-year Fees Free funding will not be eligible for final-year Fees Free, even if they did not use the full amount they were entitled to.

How do employers make a claim for fees paid under final-year Fees Free?

Applications for reimbursement of training fees can only be submitted by learners, via the IRD, once they have completed an eligible qualification and a certificate has been issued.

  • The IRD will only reimburse learners directly – employers cannot claim the entitlement. We recommend that employers and learners agree on how fees will be paid before enrolling to enable a smooth reimbursement process
  • Competenz no longer administers the Fees Free fund. Any queries about the fund should be directed to the IRD

Apprenticeship Boost

What is the Apprenticeship Boost?

Apprenticeship Boost provides support for employers to keep and take on new apprentices. It aims to help apprentices to earn and learn while training, so they become skilled practitioners in targeted occupations that are critical to New Zealand’s growth and sustainability.

The Apprenticeship Boost is a payment available through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to support employers of apprentices in their first year of training in particular qualifications. Employers can receive up to 12 months of support. Payment is currently $500 per month for eligible apprentices.

For more information visit  Apprenticeship Boost - Work and Income.

Reimbursements

Assessor FAQs

Competenz Central for Assessors

How do I print my buyer created invoices?
How do I navigate Competenz Central - selecting an assessment?
How do I navigate Competenz Central - assessment entry?
Reimbursements

Schools FAQs

Schools Resources/General FAQs

How do I login or register for the Competenz Schools’ Resources?

To register, visit the login page and enter your details to create an account.

Please note: We have updated our website in July 2025 and you will need to re-register if you have logged in previously. Once this is done simply log in using your credentials.

What if I forget my password?

Please follow the prompts to reset your password through the website.

Can I photocopy the resources?

No, you generally cannot photocopy, scan, or alter these resources as they are protected under copyright and intellectual property rights. Copying them, even for educational purposes is not permitted without explicit permission from Competenz.

What are the copyright/licensing restrictions on how resources are used or shared?

These materials are protected under the Copyright Act 1994 (NZ) and the publisher (not the purchaser or institution) retains full copyright. Unless under specific licensing agreement in writing, there is to be no copying, scanning, sharing or uploading without a license. This applies to print and digital copies.

How long do I have to use my download link?

Upon ordering resources, you will be sent a downloadable link with a PDF to your email used to purchase. Please note this download will expire after 7 days.

If my download link expires, how can I access my paid for resources?

Please contact the schools team: schools@competenz.org.nz

Who do I contact if I need help?

If you need help or have any questions about accessing resources, placing orders, or technical issues, please contact the Competenz Schools Support Team:

  • Phone: 0800 526 1800 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)

They will be happy to assist you!

Can teachers use the same login?

No, each teacher must create their own unique login and password to access school resources.

If I see an error in the resources, who can I contact?

If you spot an error or something unclear in the resources, please email a clear description or screenshot of the issue to resource.help@competenz.org.nz. This will help our design team review and correct the materials as quickly as possible.

Are the resources the most up to date / why are they not the most up to date?

We aim to provide the most current versions of print resources wherever possible. However, in some cases, a sector may shift to online-only content, which is available exclusively to Competenz learners. We will continue to supply valid, print-ready unit standards for schools as long as it is practical to do so.

Can I have a PDF emailed?

Upon ordering resources, you will be sent a downloadable link with a PDF to your email used to purchase. Please note this download will expire after 7 days.

In any other circumstances we are unable to email PDF’s of our resources.

How long does delivery of print resources take? What if they don’t arrive?

Print resources are typically delivered within 5 working days (from your confirmation email). If they have not arrived within this period, please contact us at: resources.help@competenz.org.nz

What if I’ve ordered the wrong thing?

Please check your order carefully before confirming. As we use a print on demand system with an external company we are unable to accept returns for ordering mistakes. If you believe you have received the wrong item, (different from what you ordered), please contact as at: resources.help@competenz.org

What to do if my downloads do not work correctly or disappear?

Please contact the schools team: schools@competenz.org.nz

How often are resources reviewed or up versioned? Will teachers be notified?

Resource updates are guided by changes with NZQA. When NZQA updates unit standards or qualifications, we review and update our resources accordingly. Any upcoming changes are published in NZQA’s monthly change report which you can view here: Change reports - NZQA

Can the resources be altered to accessible formats (large print, screen reader friendly)

Yes. Our downloadable PDF’s are not encrypted, so you can use third-party tools or accessibility software to adjust font size, colours, or convert them to screen reader-friendly formats.

Schools Resources/General FAQs

How do I find if my school has current consent to assess (CTA)?

1. Go to https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/explore/index.do and enter your school's name

2. Click on your school's name, and under Consent to Assess click the link 'these standards and groups of standards':

Where are the industry units (formerly known as Tools4Work)?
Can the unit standards stand alone? For example, can I offer 32053/32055 without offering 32051? I would have them working off set plan drawings instead.

Yes, they can be used individually, or together and in any order.

What work do learners need to do for each of the Level 2 MaPS units?

Level 2 has a theory component and a practical assessment. For the practical assessment please read the first 1-4 pages of the Assessment Guide in each unit standard.

How do I find apparel units?

Follow the link https://www.competenz.org.nz/resources/categories/apparel

Schools have base scope to Level 2, but you will need to check that you have CTA for Level 3.

With the introduction of the engineering unit standards for schools (Manufacturing Pathway Skills), will the industry unit standards still available for us to use?

Yes, please ensure you check the unit standard expiry date and version. You can do this via NZQA.

Please note: It is preferred that schools use the new unit standards. They have been created specifically for use in schools. Industry and teacher input, and collaboration was sought regarding skills and knowledge required for school leavers.

Are we limited to the projects presented in the Teacher Guidebook?

No, your learners may complete any project, as long as it shows they meet the assessment criteria.

Are we limited to the projects presented in the Manufacturing Pathway Skills Teacher Guidebook?

No, your learners may complete any project, as long as it shows they meet the assessment criteria.

Projects

Can the unit standards stand alone? For example, can I offer 32053/32055 without offering 32051? I would have them working off set plan drawings instead.

Yes, they can be used individually, or together and in any order.

What work do learners need to do for each of the Level 2 MaPS units?

Level 2 has a theory component and a practical assessment. For the practical assessment please read the first 1-4 pages of the Assessment Guide in each unit standard.

Do we need to get projects pre-moderated if they are different from the Competenz project examples?

No, projects your students undertake in school are the evidence and learning they develop and use towards the assessment of the standards. A project is deemed acceptable so long as the project meets the learning intentions of the unit standard.

Are we limited to the projects presented in the Teacher Guidebook?

No, your learners may complete any project, as long as it shows they meet the assessment criteria.

Consent to Assess (CTA)

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Reimbursements