The national vocational qualification certificate system is one quality assurance standard, which assesses skills in accordance with national standards.

The certificate is divided into five levels:

			Primary (national vocational qualifications 5)
			Intermediate (national vocational qualifications 4)
			Senior (national vocational qualifications 3)
			Technicians (national vocational qualifications 2)
			Senior technicians (national vocational qualification level 1).

Vocational skills are assessed through: knowledge-based tests, which are conducted through normal written exams; and assessment of technical skills, which are mainly on-site operational tests.

Vocational education and training quality assurance

The following organisations are responsible for vocational education and training quality assurance:

			Occupational Skill Testing Authority
			Ministry of Education Examination Centre (NEEA). The Ministry participates in the formulation of examination policies and regulations and carries out research; works with local education government bodies to assist institutions of higher learning and specialised secondary schools which do not have the right to issue degrees but have been approved to offer diplomas; and carries out examination services and trains examination staff.