Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
If you have decided that a new career in IT is just what you need, then this certificate will provide the first building block of your new career.
Everyone needs to take that first step when it comes to forging a new career path. It’s not always easy to change direction or start afresh but the rewards can be powerful.
Who is this for?
This programme will provide the starting point for you if you want to explore a career in Information Technology. Graduates completing the qualification will feel confident about their chosen career direction and will have the transferable skills and knowledge to commence a career in IT or move on to more advanced study.
What you will learn
Explore software development
Understanding software development and design is like unlocking a door to a whole new world. It’s a world of programming, documenting, testing and bug fixing and it’s a specialised field. This qualification will open that door and provide you with the early building blocks and knowledge to determine if this is the career path for you.
Learn how to fix the problem!
We all love technology when it works, but when things go wrong the love affair can quickly turn to loathing! Having the knowledge to fix common IT problems is a desirable and sought after skill and one you will learn on this certificate course.
Organise the office
Information Management Systems can make or break a business. Information is the foundation of every business and effective Information Management Systems can be the difference between failure or success. Learn the role of IT in effective information management and how you can contribute to driving successful outcomes.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- Be at least 16 years of age at the time of enrolment into the programme;
- Hold 40 credits NCEA (Level 1), including 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits; or hold NZ Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3).
Alternative requirements
Skills for tertiary study (including literacy and numeracy) may be acquired through study, work and/or life experience. Students who can demonstrate these skills may be approved for alternative entry.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language, must achieve an IELTS Academic Score of 5.5, with no bands lower than 5.5; or hold an accepted international equivalence; or hold New Zealand Certificate in English Language (General, Workplace, or Academic) (Level 4).
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Required Equipment - Computers
You will need to have two computers to study this qualification due to the practical nature of our Technical IT Skills course.
- The computer that you will use to access the course will need to capable of running MS Office 365 (the web-based version is fine although you may prefer to install the software so you can use the features offline).
- The computer that you need to disassemble and reassemble. It can’t be a laptop or an all-in-one PC.
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
