Scaffolding
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC)
Are you an experienced scaffolder ready to take on more responsibility, but don’t have the formal qualifications to get your Certificate of Competence (CoC)?
Maybe you have a overseas-qualification, you’re on your restricted CoC and want to stay on the job.
Recognition New Zealand is a platform developed by The Skills Organisation to deliver a recognition of current competence (RCC) programme for the Scaffolding industry. The RCC programme in scaffolding is designed to recognise the skills and knowledge gained from hands-on experience in the industry, giving the applicant a pathway to a New Zealand qualification in scaffolding.
The RCC programme in scaffolding, could be the solution you have been looking for. This programme is designed to recognise the skills and knowledge gained from hands-on experience in the industry, giving the applicant a pathway to a New Zealand qualification in scaffolding.
Once you have your qualifications you can apply to Scaffolding, Access & Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ) for your CoC.
There are three qualifications that you can apply for:
New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 3) General
Who it’s designed for
To work on elementary scaffolding, you’ll need to hold a New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 3) General. This will allow you to put up, sign off on, and take down common scaffolding, such as system scaffolds, standing tube and fitting scaffolding, and elementary falsework.
Gaining this qualification will show that you have the competencies required to gain the Certificate of Competence (Elementary) needed to work at this level.
New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 4) Trade
Who it’s designed for
The New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 4) Trade is also known as the Scaffolding Apprenticeship. People with this qualification would have learnt how to put up, sign off on, and take down complex scaffolding like birdcage scaffolding and vessel scaffolding. People with this qualification can work on bigger, more complex sites.
If you believe you have the skills at Level 4, you can directly apply for this level. You will also be assessed for Level 3 as part of the Level 4 programme.
Gaining this qualification will show that you have the competencies required to gain the Certificate of Competence (Intermediate) needed to work at this level.
New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 5) Advanced
Who it’s designed for
A New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 5) Advanced is the highest scaffolding qualification in New Zealand. People with this qualification have mastered complex scaffolding and have the skills to be able to take the lead at sites, including the supervision of staff on medium to large projects, and certifying advanced scaffolding. Applicants for Advanced Scaffolding must also be proficient at general level 3, and trade level 4, and if you apply for Level 5, you will also be assessed for the lower levels, if you do not already hold these qualifications.
The New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 3) Proprietary Suspended is also required before Level 5 can be awarded.
See the important note below on Level 5 Advanced.
Gaining the level 5 qualification will show that you have the competencies required to gain the Certificate of Competence (Advanced) needed to work at this level.
Who can apply?
People who have overseas qualifications, OR an old New Zealand qualification, OR part of a New Zealand qualification, AND meet the eligibility requirements, as set out below.
Overseas qualifications
Your overseas tickets will be looked at as part of the process for RCC, however they are not automatically transferable to New Zealand. That is because New Zealand has different standards and legislation that must be met. The table below is a guide around some common overseas qualifications and is designed to assist you in applying for the correct level of qualification here. If you have a different overseas qualification you can still apply.
If you are unsure what level you should be applying for please contact us on recognition@skills.org.nz.
| Country | Qualification/Ticket |
Recommended level |
| Australia | Australian High Risk | Level 4 – Trade |
| and Suspended Swing Stage | Level 5 – Advanced | |
| Great Britain | CISRS Blue card part 2. | Level 4 – Trade |
| and CISRS Gold Card Advanced with suspended | Level 5 – Advanced | |
| Philippines | NCII | Level 3 – General |
| NCII + Restricted Challenge Assessment | Level 4 – Trade | |
| Other countries | Please contact us at recognition@skills.org.nz for advice on which level to apply for. | |
Entry criteria
To be eligible to apply you must check you meet the eligibility criteria and prerequisite training detailed below. Please note the extra information regarding level 5:
NZC in Scaffolding
(Level 3) General
I have at least 3 years’ experience in scaffolding
I am based in New Zealand and currently working in scaffolding
I can supply 2 work referees
I have completed all relevant prerequisite training (see below details)
NZC in Scaffolding
(Level 4) Trade
I have at least 5 years’ experience in scaffolding
I am based in New Zealand and currently working in scaffolding
I can supply 2 work referees
I have completed all relevant prerequisite training (see below details)
NZC in Scaffolding
(Level 5) Advanced
I have at least 7 years’ experience in scaffolding
I am based in New Zealand and currently working in scaffolding
I can supply 2 work referees
I have completed all relevant prerequisite training (see below details)
I hold a current first aid certificate
I hold the NZC in Scaffolding (Level 4) Trade, or the following scaffolding competency endorsements;
– Advanced Certificate
C. Barrow ramp
F. Catch net
G. Hoist (load not exceeding 250 kilograms)
J. Mast climbers
L. Scaffolding associated with perimeter safety screens or shutters
N. Spurred scaffolds
O. Tube and coupler scaffolding
Important Note re: Level 5 Advanced
Please note for level 5 you will also achieve Level 3 Proprietary Suspended and Level 4 Trade as they are prerequisites to the level 5 qualification. You must be sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying as we will need to change you to level 4 if we assess you are not able to achieve level 5, and there is prerequisite training you may have paid for that you won’t then need. If you are unsure of what level to apply for please contact us on recognition@skills.org.nz and we will call you to discuss.
Prerequisite training
Before you complete your application, you will need to have completed the required prerequisite training for the level for which you are applying. Click on the relevant level below to see the unit standards required.
If you do not already hold these unit standards, you will need to obtain them from a provider at your own additional cost.
Level 3
You must have completed the following unit standards:
New Zealand Health and Safety Legislation
30264, Describe duties, rights, representation, and the regulator in terms of New Zealand health and safety legislation.
Working at heights and height safety systems
30072, Demonstrate and apply knowledge of slinging regular loads safely.
NB: If you hold unit 3789 v1-v8 you will be exempt from needing this unit.
15757, Use, install and disestablish temporary proprietary height safety systems when working at height.
23229, Use safety harness system when working at height.
Level 4
You must have completed the following unit standards:
New Zealand Health and Safety Legislation
30264, Describe duties, rights, representation, and the regulator in terms of New Zealand health and safety legislation.
Working at heights and height safety systems
30072, Demonstrate and apply knowledge of slinging regular loads safely.
NB: If you hold unit 3789 v1-v8 you will be exempt from needing this unit.
15757, Use, install and disestablish temporary proprietary height safety systems when working at height.
23229, Use safety harness system when working at height.
Mast Climber and Winch
23719, Erect, operate, and dismantle proprietary winches on scaffolding
23720, Erect, operate, and dismantle mast climbers
Level 5
You must have completed the following unit standards:
New Zealand Health and Safety Legislation
30264, Describe duties, rights, representation, and the regulator in terms of New Zealand health and safety legislation.
Working at heights and height safety systems
30072, Demonstrate and apply knowledge of slinging regular loads safely.
NB: If you hold unit 3789 v1-v8 you will be exempt from needing this unit.
15757, Use, install and disestablish temporary proprietary height safety systems when working at height.
23229, Use safety harness system when working at height.
Mast Climber and Winch
23719, Erect, operate, and dismantle proprietary winches on scaffolding
23720, Erect, operate, and dismantle mast climbers
Suspended certificate endorsements
Advanced and Suspended Certificate Endorsements – If you do not already hold the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 3) Proprietary Suspended, then you must complete the training module covering the following unit standards:
26592, Plan and prepare for the erection of proprietary suspended scaffolding.
26593, Erect, operate, and dismantle boatswain’s chairs.
26594, Erect, operate, and dismantle swinging stages.
26595, Complete suspended scaffolding inspection compliance reports
26607, Interpret and apply legislative requirements for the design of suspended scaffolding.
Tai Poutini Polytechnic offer a programme to cover the requirements for this level 5 training. Proof of attending this course is required for Level 5. The assessor will complete final signoff of these unit standards which will then be awarded by Skills as part of the final RCC process.
Please note that pre-requisite training is a separate cost to the cost of applying for RCC assessment with Skills and is payable direct to the provider on enrolment.
Training providers offering the prerequisite training:
Offer Levels 3, 4 and 5
Phone: (09) 254 4541
Free Phone: 0800 800 411 (within NZ only)
Offer Levels 3 and 4
Free Phone: 0800 72 33 848
How the process works
If you wish to apply for RCC for Scaffolding you will need to do the following:
1. Check your eligibility
Check the entry criteria above. Use the chart to determine which qualification (level 3, 4, or 5) to apply for.
Note there are prerequisite training requirements which you will need to complete before you apply.
2. Collect your evidence and apply
Collect your portfolio of evidence and have this ready.
To do this, download the Applicant Evidence Guide & Checklist for the qualification you wish to apply for. Read through this carefully and complete all sections as required.
Apply to Skills by making your online payment and completing the online forms.
When your application is received you will be sent a link to a folder where you will upload your completed Applicant Evidence Guide and Checklist and your portfolio of evidence. Skills will review your evidence and contact you if more evidence is required.
Please include the Training Agreement and Programme Schedule when uploading your evidence. Both forms can be found below.
Do not apply until you have completed the prerequisite training.
3. Assessment of your portfolio of evidence
Skills will review your uploaded evidence and contact you if more information is required.
If your portfolio of evidence is complete, Skills will allocate this to a registered Scaffolding assessor who will review your portfolio.
Your assessor will contact you to discuss your portfolio of evidence.
4. Competency discussion
As part of the assessment process the assessor will contact you to arrange a time to have a competency discussion. This is where they will discuss the evidence you have provided and gain insight into your experience, knowledge, and skills.
The assessor will also contact your Professional Referees to confirm the standard of your work.
5. The final assessment paper
Your assessor will arrange for you to complete this capstone assessment. The assessment consists of knowledge questions about the planning and application of techniques to perform scaffolding activities safely and competently. You will also be required to fill in appropriate forms, including planning documents.
You may also be required to do a practical assessment or further unit standard training if the assessor requires more evidence.
You are required to achieve 80% or over in this assessment.
6. The assessment outcome
Following the above steps, the assessor will make a decision and notify Skills of this.
If you are deemed to meet the requirements for the qualification, Skills will notify you of a successful outcome.
If you are deemed to have not met the requirements Skills will contact you to discuss options – which may include gap filling training options.
If you are not happy with the assessment outcome you can appeal. The appeals process is here.
The assessment process will take up to 30 working days.
7. Awarding of the qualification
On successful completion of this process, Skills will confirm with you that you have met the requirements of the qualification.
Skills will report the relevant unit standards and credits to NZQA and request that you be awarded the qualification. This will then show on your Record of Learning, and Skills will issue you a certificate.
Ready to apply?
When you are ready to apply, download and complete the Applicant Evidence Guide and Checklist for the qualification you wish to apply for:
NZC in Scaffolding (Level 3) General
NZC in Scaffolding (Level 4) Trade
NZC in Scaffolding (Level 5) Advanced
Training Agreement & Schedule
Download the Training Agreement
Download the Programme Schedule
Please note you need to complete both of these forms. When your application is received, you will be sent a link to a folder where you will upload these forms along with your full portfolio of evidence.
Cost
Level 3: $1,950
Level 4: $2,450
Level 5: $2,450
Making Payments
Call us on 0508 SKILLS (0508 754 557) to arrange payment. You must do this before you can register. When you have made your payment you will be given an authorisation number which you will need to provide during the application process.