Have you got experience but don’t have the formal qualification? Or maybe you have an overseas qualification and you’re looking to get recognition towards registration in New Zealand?
Have you got experience but don’t have the formal qualification? Or maybe you have an overseas qualification and you’re looking to get recognition towards registration in New Zealand?
Recognition New Zealand is a platform developed by EarnLearn to deliver a Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) programme. It’s designed to assess and recognise the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from previous training or hands-on experience, giving you a pathway to a New Zealand qualification.
The RCC process formally recognises the skills and knowledge you already have, which can reduce the amount of training you need to complete a New Zealand qualification. You’ll submit evidence of your previous experience and qualifications, which are then assessed by industry experts.
We’ll work with you to identify any gaps and outline the most efficient pathway to complete your qualification.
EarnLearn is currently updating the Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) process for Electrical. The new programme will provide a pathway for experienced or internationally qualified electricians to gain recognition towards the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Trade) [Level 4].
We’re working with industry to ensure the programme is robust, compliant, and aligned with current registration requirements.
Check back soon for updates, or contact our team if you’d like to be notified when applications open.
EarnLearn is no longer offering RCC programmes for Scaffolding or Rigging. If you already have an existing application, our assessors will continue to support you through to completion.
For new applicants:
Scaffolding Certificate of Competence (CoC): A recognition process is available through Scaffolding, Access & Rigging NZ (SARNZ).
Rigging qualifications: You can explore study and training options through our Rigging careers and training pathways.
Short answers to the most common questions about Recognition of Current Competency (RCC)
RCC is a structured assessment process that evaluates the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through previous training or hands-on industry experience. It gives you the opportunity to have your competencies formally recognised and credited toward a New Zealand qualification.
RCC is suitable for people who have extensive industry experience, overseas qualifications, or older New Zealand qualifications but do not hold the current NZ certificate. It provides a pathway for experienced workers to gain recognition without repeating training they have already completed.
You submit evidence of your prior learning and experience, which is reviewed by an assessor. They determine whether your skills meet the requirements of relevant unit standards. If approved, the credits are added to your NZQA Record of Achievement, giving you recognised progress toward a qualification.
RCC may award you some or many of the unit standards required for a qualification, depending on your experience and evidence. If you still have gaps after the assessment, you can complete the remaining training and assessment through EarnLearn or another provider.
No. The availability of RCC differs by industry area:
Electrical RCC is currently being updated.
Scaffolding & Rigging RCC is no longer offered by EarnLearn; existing applications are still being supported.
Future RCC programmes will be announced on this page as they are released.
If RCC is unavailable for your area, you may still be able to:
Apply for a Recognition of Competence process through another industry body (e.g., SARNZ for Scaffolding CoC).
Enrol directly into a training programme to complete the full qualification.
Register your interest on this page to be notified if RCC becomes available in your trade.
Fill out the form and our team will be in touch to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you take the next step in growing your workforce.
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