Skill standards approval

We are pleased to announce that NZQA has approved six new skill standards to align with the New Zealand Certificate in Emergency Communications Centres (Level 3) with optional strand in Dispatch [Ref: 3020].  These skill standards will replace unit standards, with replacement information below. 

Skill standard number	Title	Level	Credits	Version	Replaces unit standard(s)
41042	Communicate effectively when responding to emergency service calls	3	10	1	18510
41043	Dispatch resources to incidents from an emergency communications centre	3	10	1	18511, 29619, and 29621
41044	Follow emergency communication centre processes and procedures	3	5	1	29614
41045	Operate emergency communications centre technology	3	10	1	29616, 29617, and 29618
41046	Assess and communicate risks to safety at emergency incidents	3	5	1	29620
41047	Manage own wellbeing and contribute effectively within an emergency communications centre team	3	10	1	NA

The skill standards were developed in consultation with Emergency Communication Centre subject matter experts from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, Hato Hone St John, and quality assurance specialists. Consultation on the qualification and standards occurred during May – August 2025.  We extend our thanks to everyone who contributed to this review.  

Next steps for providers 

These skill standards will shortly be listed on the DASS and available for providers to offer.  

• Unit standards listed above are set to expire on 31 December 2027. Providers will need to move to replacement skill standards 41042-41047 prior to that date.
• Unit standard 29615 expired without replacement due to duplication of outcomes within the set of standards and some misalignment of content with the Emergency Call Centre Operator role. This standard will also expire on 31 December 2027.
• Providers who currently have consent to assess against the replaced unit standards will automatically be granted consent to assess against new skill standards 41042-41046. 
• Providers will need to submit pre-assessment moderation for new skill standards to the Education, Health and Community ISB prior to using the standards for assessment.

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.