Public Sector Decision-Making with Official Data

Core unit standards | Statistical research project | FAQs | Fees | Workshop timetable

The Certificate course, Public Sector Decision-Making with Official Data, was created to raise statistical skills, build knowledge and confidence in the public sector. It is a recognised NZQA qualification on the NQF (National Qualification Framework).

The Certificate is delivered in a partnership between Victoria University, Statistics New Zealand and and Learning State. Workshops are delivered by Victoria University Professional and Executive Development. Assessment is coordinated by Statistics New Zealand. Learning State is the state sector industry training organisation (ITO).

There are four core unit standards that will enable a learner to:

• interpret basic statistics
• understand how statistics influence policy development
• assess the quality of datasets
• be aware of confidentiality, privacy, and security issues surrounding data.

Each core unit standard is covered by a workshop. Candidates then apply their skills to a statistical research project for a fifth unit standard.

There are assessment tutorials, online exercises, and reading material to help an employee successfully achieve the Certificate.

After gaining the Certificate, the candidate will have shown the following skills in a public sector context:

• Analyse the ethical and legal issues in the collection and use of data
• Interpret and draw conclusions from descriptive statistical information
• Assess data collections and make statistical inferences
• Evaluate and use statistical information to make recommendations
• Carry out a statistical research project

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 and draw conclusions from descriptive statistical information in a public sector context.

23269 – Evaluate and use statistical information to make recommendations in a public sector context.

23270 – Assess data collections and make statistical inferences in a public sector context.

23271 – Analyse the ethical and legal issues in the collection and use of data in a public sector context.

Statistical research project unit standard

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.

Review of qualification

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 unit standards have been approved by NZQA and were published on 10 June 2010. 

In 2012 the certificate was given a new name. It was previously marketed as the Certificate of Official Statistics. The formal name of the qualification is still the National Certificate in Public Sector Services (Official Statistics).

Enrolment and workshop timetable

Enrolments for the 2012 cohort are open now.

Core unit standard workshops are delivered approximately six to eight weeks apart, to allow learners time to complete assessments.

2012 cohort workshop timetable

To complete online enrolment please visit the course enrolment page on the Victoria University of Wellington website.

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 at 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. 

Workshop fee (2012): $1500 excluding GST

This fee is paid to Victoria University for the workshops.

Assessment fee (2012): $800 excluding GST (funding available see below)

This fee is paid to Statistics New Zealand for assessment.

Learning State charges a casual credit administration fee of $3 per credit for learners not in a training agreement. For non member agencies outside their gazetted coverage the fee is $6 per credit.

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.

Individual Workshop Fees: 1-day $495 (excluding GST) or 2-day $895 (excluding GST)

(For professionals not wishing to complete the whole certificate)

Learners can chose to enrol on individual workshops only, however they will not be assessed, and they will not be eligible to receive the qualification.

Information about enrolling on individual workshops is available on the short courses section of the Victoria University website.

Contact us

For enquiries relating to workshops, email: profdev@vuw.ac.nz.

For more information about assessment, email: certificateOS@stats.govt.nz.

Testimonials

See the Certificate perspectives for more about the Certificate from previous candidates as well as from a manager that has had a number of staff members study for the qualification.