You can access information about the skill standards here:

40488 Perform foot care procedures (level 4, 15 credits) (skill standard)

40489 Demonstrate safe foot care practice (level 4, 5 credits) (skill standard)

40490 Operate within scope of practice of a foot care assistant (level 4, 5 credits) (skill standard)

Toitū te Waiora is pleased to announce that its Foot Care Assistant micro-credential (‘Foot Care Assistant micro-credential pdf’) has been approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (‘NZQA’), and is now listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (‘NZQCF’). Three foot care skill standards, all listed at level 4, have also been listed on the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards (‘DASS’).

The micro-credential can be awarded to a learner who has completed skill standards 40488, 40489 and 40490, and can be reported on the learner’s NZQA Record of Achievement alongside the skill standards.

This is the first nationally recognised podiatry micro-credential to be listed on the NZQCF, and has been primarily developed to support treatments for the diabetic foot.

On successful completion of this micro-credential, learners/ākonga will be able to understand the roles, responsibilities, and limitations of a foot care assistant, be able to perform basic foot and nail care procedures and demonstrate safe and effective foot care practices in a healthcare setting.

Learners/ākonga will also be capable of identifying conditions that require immediate help or referral to a podiatrist, and applying communication, observation, and documentation skills when caring for individuals with foot care needs.

Learners/ākonga will have knowledge of:

• Anatomy and physiology of the foot, including pathological foot, nail, and skin conditions.
• Culturally appropriate approaches to foot care in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Roles and responsibilities of foot care assistants and podiatrists, including health and safety practices.
• Infection control policies, client confidentiality, and supervision requirements.
• Effective observation, communication, and documentation techniques in foot care settings.

Learners/ākonga will be skilled in:

• Conducting a foot examination.
• Performing foot and nail care procedures.
• Conducting basic foot hygiene.
• Using padding in foot and nail care procedures.
• Communication and record keeping requirements of the role.

Gaining accreditation from NZQA to deliver and award the micro-credential

Providers will require consent to assess against skill standards 40488 – Perform foot care procedures, 40489 – Demonstrate safe foot care practice, and 40490 – Operate within scope of practice of a foot care assistant.

Providers are expected to design a micro-credential that includes delivery mode/method and a breakdown of teaching and learning hours.  This could offer learners self-directed options including: a) background reading and resources relating to podiatry, b) a range of training scenarios, and c) online tests for self-testing competencies. There must be robust systems in place to ensure learners receive and complete the material prior to the start of the taught programme. Self-directed learning is not appropriate after assessment has occurred.

This micro-credential requires learners to demonstrate competency in care of at least five patients.

All practical assessments must be conducted by a qualified podiatrist.

Providers are encouraged to read through NZQA’s Guidelines for micro-credential listing, approval, and accreditation prior to making an application, and should also consult with Toitū te Waiora in respect to:

• requirements for entry, sequence, or integration of practical work and theory components;
• acceptable delivery modes and/or methods, and assessment methods;
• learning or assessment materials available for use, recommended, or other guidance for the development and design of resources.

Please note that Toitū te Waiora does not provide any teaching or learning materials for this micro-credential.

Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.