We are pleased to announce that NZQA has approved three new skill standards (41051-41053) which will replace the existing 6400 series unit standards (6400-6402). NZQA has also approved a new micro-credential (5585) that will replace the existing micro-credential 5084, and a new 2-credit micro-credential (5494) covering basic first aid and life support.

Table 1 – First aid unit standards

Unit Standard number	Title	Level	Credits	Version
6400*	Manage first aid in an emergency situation	3	2	8
6401*	Provide first aid	2	1	7
6402*	Provide basic life support	2	2	9

*Expiring on 31 December 2027. Replaced by skill standards 41051-41053.

 

Table 2 – First aid skill standards

Skill Standard number	Title	Level	Credits	Version	Replaces  unit standard
41051	Manage first aid during emergency situations	3	1	1	6400
41052	Administer first aid	2	1	1	6401
41053	Administer basic life support	2	1	1	6402

 

Table 3 – First aid micro-credentials

NZQCF number	DASS unit standards	DASS skill standards	Title
5084*	6402, 6401, 6400		Manage First Aid in an Emergency Situation (Level 3, 5 credits)
5585		41053, 41052, 41051	Manage Life Support and First Aid in Emergency Situations (Level 3, 3 credits)
5494		41053, 41052	Foundation First Aid (Level 2, 2 credits)

*Expiring on 31 December 2027. Replaced by micro-credential 5585.

 

Why were these skill standards and micro-credentials developed?

The reasons for reviewing unit standards 6400-6401 and development of new skill standards and micro-credentials are outlined in the sector consultation report from July 2025.

What is next?

• Unit standards 6400, 6401, and 6402 are set to expire on 31 December 2027. Providers will need to move to replacement skill standards 41051, 41052, and 41053 prior to that date.
• Providers who currently have consent to assess against unit standards 6400, 6401, and 6402 will automatically be granted consent to assess against the replacement skill standards 41051, 41052, and 41053.
• Providers will need to submit pre-assessment moderation for skill standards 410151, 41052, and 41053 to the Education, Health and Community ISB prior to using the standards for assessment.
• Micro-credential 5084 is set to expire on 31 December 2027. Providers will need to move to delivering micro-credential 5585 prior to that date.
• Providers awarding micro-credential 5084 who wish to move to micro-credential 5585 will need to seek support from the Education, Health and Community ISB prior to making an application to NZQA for accreditation.

Toitū te Waiora is being disestablished on 31 December 2025, with its last working day being Friday 19 December 2025. Its standard setting and qualification development functions will move to the Education, Health and Community Industry Skills Board on 1 January 2026.