Certificate in Nursing (Competency Assessment Programme)
HS1703
Course details
-
May 2023Oct 2023Jan 2024
- 6-12 weeks
- Full-time
- $2,928*
- Level 7
- Available for International Students. International Fee Guideline
- Hamilton City Campus
Summary
Do you need to get a New Zealand practising certificate? The Certificate in Nursing (Competence Assessment Programme) can help you complete this.
New Zealand nurses returning to practice after a period of five years or more are required to complete an approved competence assessment programme, such as this programme, before a practising certificate may be issued.
If you are a registered nurse, this programme will allow you to demonstrate your ability to meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for your scope of practice.
If you are an overseas nurse, you may be required to complete this programme before you can become registered in New Zealand.
What You will Learn
This programme will take six to twelve weeks and will involve up to 10 days of classroom and self-directed learning and five to ten weeks of supervised clinical placements.
You will learn content that ensures you are able to demonstrate current and competent nursing skills within your scope of nursing practice. This includes a theory component that is specific to New Zealand’s health context such as an understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi, cultural safety and the legislation and guidelines for the practice of nursing in New Zealand.
You will undertake a period of supervised clinical experience that will allow you to demonstrate your nursing competence.
Career/Further Opportunities
The Certificate in Nursing (Competence Assessment Programme) may allow you to apply for a practicing certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand or if from overseas will allow you to be eligible to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand for registration and a practicing certificate to work in New Zealand as a nurse.
Placements
Events
No events.
Disclaimers
Entry criteria
New Zealand Nurses
New Zealand registered nurses and registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Applicants with New Zealand nursing qualifications who are required by Nursing Council of New Zealand to complete the competency programme to apply for a current practising certificate may also be admitted to the programme.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of any health issues, mental or physical conditions, or criminal history that may prevent their entry onto the Nursing Register.
Overseas NursesOverseas registered nurses wishing to gain New Zealand Nursing Registration must have completed the application for registration process with the NCNZ and have received a decision letter outlining the requirements to be met to verify competency and New Zealand relevant skills.
All applicants
Applicants from a country where English is not the first or native language will need to provide evidence, obtained within two years from the date of assessment for registration, of their ability to speak and write in English. The Nursing Council of New Zealand approved language tests for this programme are:
- Academic International English language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 7.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking respectively
- Occupational English test (OET) with minimum B band in each section.
Applicants must also be able to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively to practise within their scope of practice.
Pathways

To check what you need to gain entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.
Your first day
Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.
Students starting Semester 1 2023
Date: To be confirmed
Time: 9am-4pm
Venue: To be confirmed, City Campus
Students starting Semester 2 2023
Date: To be confirmed
Time: 9am-4pm
Venue: To be confirmed, City Campus
Students starting October 2023
Date: To be confirmed
Time:9am-4pm
Venue: To be confirmed, City Campus
Prospectus (course guide)
The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.
Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus
The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.
Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus
Portfolio
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