Toitū te Waiora is pleased to advise that the reviewed Pharmacy Technician and Assistant qualifications have now been approved by NZQA.

These qualifications have been updated to ensure they remain fit for purpose and continue to meet the needs of learners, employers, and the wider pharmacy sector. The review process included extensive engagement with stakeholders working in both community and hospital pharmacy contexts to ensure the qualifications reflect current practice across the sector and are responsive to future workforce needs.

Summary of changes:

• The New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Community Pharmacy Assistant) (Level 3) [Ref: 1887] will expire without replacement.

The remaining qualifications have been updated to strengthen supervision terminology, clarify learning pathways, and align content more closely with the expectations of the sector.

The following qualifications will be listed on the NZQA website shortly, alongside the change report.

• New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Introduction to Pharmacy Practice) (Level 3) [Ref: 1886-3]
• New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician – Core) (Level 4) [Ref: 1888-3]
• New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician – Advanced) (Level 5) [Ref: 1889-3]
• New Zealand Diploma in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician – Specialist) (Level 6) [Ref: 4410-2]

We would like to thank all those who contributed their time, knowledge, and experience throughout this review. Your input has played a critical role in shaping qualifications that reflect the needs of the sector.

For more information, please contact us at: [email protected]