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 Zealands 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.
September 2025
Wintec
Hamilton City Campus,
A Block, Gate 3, Tristram Street,
HAMILTON,
Whitiora,
3200, New Zealand
Overseas 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.
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.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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