Core unit standards | Statistical research project | Assessment | FAQs
The National Certificate in Public Sector Services (Official Statistics) has been created to enhance the statistical skills of the state sector and build knowledge and confidence in employees. The qualification is on the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) National Qualification Framework (NQF), and is facilitated by Statistics New Zealand and Victoria University of Wellington School of Government in conjunction with Learning State. Victoria University coordinate formal workshops for each of the core unit standards and Statistics New Zealand coordinate the assessment process for learners to achieve the qualification.
There are four core unit standards that will enable a learner to interpret basic statistics, to understand how statistics influence policy development, to assess datasets, and to understand confidentiality, privacy and security issues surrounding data. A fifth unit standard assesses a statistical research project completed by the learner. Four distinct workshops have been created to address each core unit standard. Informal learning opportunities such as assessment tutorials, online exercises and reading material will help an employee successfully achieve the Certificate.
After gaining the Certificate, the candidate will have shown they are able to:
● Analyse the ethical and legal issues in the collection and use of data in a public sector context
● Interpret and draw conclusions from descriptive statistical information in a public sector context
● Assess data collections and make statistical inferences in a public sector context
● Evaluate and use statistical information to make recommendations in a public sector context
● Carry out a statistical research project in a public sector context
Certificate structure
The Certificate is a 40-credit qualification which includes 24 credits for the core unit standards and 16 credits for the statistical research project unit standard. The Certificate is to be completed within 12 months.
Core unit standards
All core unit standards must be completed as well as the research project. More detail about the unit standards are available through the links below. Please also refer to note on the review of the qualification below.
23268 – Interpret statistical information to form conclusions for projects in a state sector context.
23269 – Evaluate and use statistical information to make policy recommendations in a state sector context.
23270 – Assess a sample survey and evaluate inferences in a state sector context.
23271 – Describe ethical and legal issues in the collection and use of data in a state sector context.
US25440 (Carry out a statistical research project in a state sector context) makes up the remaining 16 credits. People credited with this unit standard are able to plan and carry out a statistical research project, prepare and communicate the research report, and evaluate the research project. More information about this unit standard can be found on this page:
25440 - Statistical research project
Assessment
Assessment of the core unit standards consists of the following process:
● Candidate notifies assessor by email that he/she wishes to be assessed on a particular unit standard.
● The assessor sends the candidate assessment materials including assessment tasks and exemplar reports.
● The candidate answers the questions in reference to the report(s) and sends the responses back to the assessor.
● The assessor marks the paper. If the candidate answers all questions correctly and demonstrates competency, they pass the unit standard.
● If the candidate does not answer all questions correctly, the assessor will start a dialogue with the candidate that will continue until the candidate passes the unit standard.
The qualification has been the subject of a formal review by Statistics New Zealand and Learning State in late 2009 and early 2010. Revisions to the qualification have been proposed and are awaiting approval from NZQA. Approved additions and edits will be added here as soon as they are available.
Workshop timetable
Please see the Victoria University of Wellington website for workshop dates and times.
Core unit standard workshops are delivered approximately 6 to 8 weeks apart to allow learners time to complete assessments. Three of the four workshops are two full days and the fourth (US23271) is a single day workshop.
There are two cohorts of the Certificate in each year, beginning in autumn and spring.
To express interest and receive information about future cohorts please email CertificateOS@stats.govt.nz.
Assessment tutorials
The tutorial timetable is subject to confirmation. Tutorials will be held in Statistics House and can be made available via video or audio conference to other Statistics New Zealand offices in Auckland and Christchurch on request. Additional tutorials can be arranged at other agencies if demand allows.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the workshops take place?
How long does it take to achieve the Certificate?
How much time will I have to commit?
Is there any help available with assessments?
Can the research project be based on work I am doing in my job?
How will my manager know what progress I am making?
Fees
There are two separate fees payable for completing the Certificate. One is payable to the Victoria University of Wellington School of Government for the delivery of workshops for each of the four core unit standards (please see their website for the full fee structure). For 2010, the fee for the workshops only is $1500.
Assessment fees are payable to Statistics New Zealand. State Sector employees are eligible for funding from Learning State, the Industry Training Organisation for the state sector. Half of the funding is paid on commencing the course and the other half for completing the qualification within the training period. The basic cost of assessment for leaners enrolled on the workshops is $800. For state sector staff eligible for funding from Learning State the fee is reduced to $600. A further $200 is available if the assessment is completed within the period of the Training Agreement which is refunded through Statistics New Zealand.
Learning State funding is available to employees of organisations within their gazetted coverage.
Learning State gazetted coverage (2 pages, PDF, 259kb)
Assessment services for staff not enrolled on the workshop programme can be arranged but will incur additional cost. Please contact CertificateOS@stats.govt.nz to discuss your requirements.
Contact us
For more information about assessing for the National Certificate in Public Sector Services (Official Statistics), email: certificateOS@stats.govt.nz.
For enquiries relating to workshops, email: profdev@vuw.ac.nz.
Testimonials
See the Certificate perspectives for more about the Certificate from previous candidates as well as a manager that has had multiple staff study for the qualification.