Versions - FAQs

• When a unit standard has been reviewed and superseded by a new version, or replaced by a new unit standard, how long can providers keep using the old version or replaced unit standard?
  
  
• When a qualification has been reviewed and superseded by a new version, or replaced by a new qualification, how long can providers keep using the old version or replaced qualification?
  
  
• Can a person who has a superseded version of a unit standard be awarded a qualification that has a new version specified in it?

Q: When a unit standard has been reviewed and superseded by a new version, or replaced by a new unit standard, how long can providers keep using the old version or replaced unit standard?

A: Unit standards that have been designated as expiring and replaced with a new unit standard with a new ID ( category C review) or, designated as expiring and not replaced ( category D review) are no longer available for new training programmes but may continue to be used by providers in existing programmes until their status changes to 'expired'. The date that category C and D unit standards expire is stated in the Review Report, available on the NZQA website. The expiry date is normally two years from the date that the review is completed, however, this transition period may be longer or shorter depending on the reason for and outcome of the review. The two-year period recognises the time needed to develop new assessment materials, and the fact that many providers need to put their programmes through approval processes at particular times in the year.

Unit standards that have been superseded by a new version retain the same ID (category A or B reviews) and may continue to be used by providers as long as they continue to meet the moderation requirements of the relevant Standard Setting Body (SSB). The SSB for the unit standards is responsible for ensuring that training relates to current versions of unit standards, assessment guides, resources, and national qualifications . If a provider does not meet moderation requirements the SSB can report non-compliance to NZQA and recommend the removal of accreditation.

See also:

• An explanation of unit standard review categories
• The catalogue of review reports
• An explanation of moderation

Q: When a qualification has been reviewed and superseded by a new version, or replaced by a new qualification, how long can providers keep using the old version or replaced qualification?

A: Transition requirements differ between qualifications. Always check the 'Transition Arrangements' section of the registered qualification document on the NZQA website for information on transition (it will address transition from all previous versions). Transition arrangements include the last date for people to complete the replaced qualification or superseded version of a qualification, and may involve credit exemptions for people wishing to transfer. The transition period will reflect the principle that no candidate should be disadvantaged by the review.

Qualifications that have been superseded by a new version, and have no last dates in the qualification transition arrangements, may continue to be used by providers as long as they continue to meet the moderation requirements of the relevant Standard Setting Body (SSB).

Q: Can a person who has a superseded version of a unit standard be awarded a qualification that has a new version specified in it?

A: Yes. Reviewed unit standards that continue to recognise the same overall outcome retain their identification number (ID). Holders of any version of a unit standard with the same ID may use that standard to meet qualification requirements where that ID is listed. If a candidate for a qualification has a version of a unit standard with a different level and/or credits from the unit standard listed in a qualification, the level and credits as they appear in the qualification will be used to determine whether the candidate has met the requirements of the qualification.

Page updated: