The 2006 Census highest qualification classification is based on the new qualifications framework developed in 2003. The New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications is a classification for level of attainment developed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Commission.
When making comparisons with previous census data, the following qualification levels apply:
| 2006 Census |
1996 and 2001 Censuses |
Examples of qualifications |
| No qualification |
No qualification |
|
| Level 1 certificate gained at school |
Fifth form qualification |
School certificate, NCEA level 1 |
| Level 2 certificate gained at school |
Sixth form qualification |
Sixth form certificate,
NCEA level 2 |
| Level 3 or 4 certificate gained at school |
Higher school qualification |
Bursary, scholarship, NCEA level |
| Overseas secondary school qualification |
Overseas secondary school qualification |
O level, A level, GCE |
| Level 1, 2 or 3 certificate gained post-school |
Basic vocational qualification |
Pre-vocational certificates, bridging certificates |
| Level 4 certificate gained post-school |
Skilled vocational qualification |
Trade certificate, national certificate |
| Level 5 diploma |
Intermediate vocational qualification |
Advanced trade certificate |
| Level 6 diploma |
Advanced vocational qualification |
Undergraduate diploma/certificate, national diploma, NZ diploma |
| Bachelor's degree and level 7 qualifications |
Bachelor's degree |
BA, BSc |
| Post-graduate and honours degree |
Higher degree |
Post-graduate diploma, post-graduate certificate |
| Master's degree |
Higher degree |
MA, MSc |
| Doctorate degree |
Higher degree |
PhD |
| Not elsewhere included |
Not elsewhere included (includes other New Zealand secondary school qualification) |
|
For further information, email our Information Centre
info@stats.govt.nz or phone toll free: 0508 525 525.