New qualifications and skill standards in Disability Support

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New qualifications and skill standards in Disability Support

New Disability Support Qualifications and Skill Standards Approved by NZQA

Toitū te Waiora is pleased to announce that NZQA has approved and listed two new New Zealand Certificates in Disability Support and six associated skill standards. These qualifications and standards will soon be available on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) and the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards (DASS).

Outcome

New Disability Support qualifications

Qualification number	Title	Credits
5561	New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3)	70
5562	New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 4)	120

New skill standards

Skill standard number	Title	Level	Credits
41036	Recognise the lived experience and support considerations of people with physical disabilities	3	5
41037	Recognise the lived experience and support considerations of people with sensory disabilities	3	5
41038	Recognise the lived experience and support considerations of people with intellectual disabilities	3	5
41039	Recognise the lived experience and support considerations of neurodivergent people	3	5
41040	Identify and examine the principles and practice of the Enabling Good Lives approach	3	5
41041	Apply rights-based and person-directed approaches to support a disabled person	3	10

Why this matters
These qualifications and skill standards were developed to ensure that education and training for disability support roles are grounded in the perspectives and experiences of disabled people. This collaborative approach supports person-directed, culturally responsive, and rights-based practice across the sector, ensuring learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to support meaningful participation, autonomy, and wellbeing for disabled people.

Acknowledging the DSCG

We would like to acknowledge the kaupapa and commitment of the Disability Support Consultation Group (DSCG). Over the course of this project, DSCG members contributed more than 24 hours of their time, knowledge, and lived experience to co-design these qualifications and skill standards. Their mahi has been central to ensuring the outcomes reflect the voices, priorities, and aspirations of the disability community.

Next steps
The next priority will be the development of Level 4 skill standards, which will be led by the Education, Health and Community Industry Skills Board (EHC ISB) in early 2026.

Organisational transition
Toitū te Waiora Workforce Development Council will be disestablished on 31 December 2025, with its final working day on Friday 19 December 2025. From 1 January 2026, responsibility for qualification development, product maintenance, and standard setting for the disability support sector will transfer to the EHC ISB.

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