New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 120 credits. The courses includes;

Electrical Work Practices (15 Credits)
Apply fundamental knowledge and principles of electrical theory and practice, including safe plant isolation and associated electrical testing procedures. Learn about electrical workplace health and safety, and employment rights and responsibilities. Achieve a basic first aid and CPR certificate

DC Fundamentals (15 Credits)
Learn about conductors, insulators, and resistance in electrical circuits. Apply electromagnetic theory to a range of problems. Explain battery care and maintenance.

Installation Fundamentals (15 Credits)
Demonstrate knowledge of AC, cables and cords and their installation, and associated testing practices. Learn about electrical protection, and perform testing of electrical installations under supervision.

Electrical Applications (15 Credits)
Apply knowledge of electrical fittings and fixtures and their installation in line with specifications. Learn about electric lighting, lighting terms, lighting installation, and safe disposal requirements. Also gain knowledge of single-phase transformer construction, operating principles, safety requirements, and applications.

Electricity Systems (15 Credits)
Apply knowledge of inductance, capacitance, power factor, and power factor calculations. Learn about electronics, and gain knowledge of generator construction, operation, and single-phase theory.

Electrical Supply and Distribution (15 Credits)
Gain understanding of the fundamentals of the New Zealand electricity supply system and devices used to ensure the safety and protection of users and installations.

Circuit Design and Operation (15 Credits)
Understand the theory and application of electrical diagrams in terms of circuit design and lighting installations.

Electrical Machines (15 Credits)
Understand the theory and application of electrical machine protection, fault diagnosis, special power supplies and rotating machines.

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered: 

• Certificate in Electrical and Related Trades (Pre-Employment) Level 2

NCEA Level 1, 10 Credits in each of Mathematics, English, and Physics or General Science;

OR

Equivalent academic achievement or work experience. Feel free to contact UCOL and arrange a conversation.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.0 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.0 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course or unit standards have already been met.

Work experience
While work experience is not a requirement for this programme, it is an advantage if students have some practical experience while completing their study.

Before students are awarded with this qualification they must pass the one credit unit standard 29484, to demonstrate knowledge of theory and practice for electrical workers.  There is an exam for this unit, which is set by the Industry Training Organisation.  The exam covers all aspects of the programme and students must gain 60% to achieve a Pass.

Timetable
Your personalised timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a weekly commitment of:

• 22 hours of theory and practical classes
• 14 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent on research; study for tests and exams; writing assignments; on-line work (as applicable) and work experience (voluntary) where you can develop a portfolio of learning.)

The programme generally runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8am - 5pm, except for the first week, on which it runs Monday to Thursday.

Work experience
While work experience is not a requirement for this programme, it is an advantage if you have some practical experience while completing their study.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).