National Diploma in Science (Technician) (Level 5) with ... - NZQA

NZQF NQ Ref 0234 Version 7 Page 1 of 9 

National Diploma in Science (Technician) (Level 5) with optional strands 

in Laboratory Practice and Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and 

Applied 

Level 5 

Credits 120 

Purpose 

The National Diploma in Science (Technician) (Level 5) with optional strands [Ref: 0234] 

recognises the skills and knowledge that are needed to gain employment where the 

application of specialised laboratory and fieldwork skills are required. 

These skills include: 

• using problem solving skills in a variety of routine situations 

• demonstrating competence in technical written communications 

• demonstrating practical competence of laboratory techniques 

• accurately recording scientific results 

• identifying and managing laboratory hazards 

• working safely in a scientific environment or chemical and/or a microbiological 

laboratory. 

The emphasis in this qualification is on practical and technical skills, and on technical 

expertise in the use of instruments and scientific methodology used in industry and 

research laboratories. 

There are multiple paths in this qualification to achieve the required 120 credits. 

• A general Science (Technician) qualification, where 120 credits are required, with 24 

credits coming from the compulsory standards, and the remaining credits coming from 

the Science sub field, resulting in the National Diploma in Science (Technician) (Level 

5) [Ref: 0234]; or 

• A specialised Science (Technician) qualification, with 24 credits coming from the 

compulsory standards, and the remaining credits coming from the domains or list of 

standards appropriate to the strands, resulting in, for example, award of the National 

Diploma in Science (Technician) (Level 5) with optional strand Laboratory Practice and 

Technology [Ref: 0234]. 

The core compulsory standards ensure scientific knowledge is supported by knowledge of: 

• safe working practices in chemical and microbiological laboratories 

• laboratory quality management systems 

• management of hazardous substances 

• communication skills to write an analytical report. 

NZQA National Qualifications Services 

SSB Code 130301 

© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2011


The optional strands recognise the candidate’s skills which may include: 

• interpreting and reporting technical scientific results 

• reporting results in a clear, timely, and applicable format for interpretation 

• using communication skills to convey information and instructions. 

The Laboratory Practice and Technology strand recognises laboratory practical skills from 

various science fields. The strand is designed to be flexible so that the provider can select 

practically assessed standards to recognise candidate’s competence in the practical skills 

that are practised in real laboratory contexts. 

The Microbiology and Chemistry strands recognise knowledge and skills in their respective 

fields. The strand is designed to be flexible so that the provider can select practically 

assessed standards in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular – Biology and Science - Core 

or standards which assess knowledge in these domains. Similarly the Chemistry strand is 

designed to be flexible so that the provider can select practically assessed standards in 

Chemistry, Biochemistry and Science – Core or standards which assess knowledge in 

these domains. 

The Applied optional strand includes the standard 26346, in Science – Core, that requires 

candidates to undertake practical work experience in a research or industrial laboratory 

and allows recognition of that experience. This is a standard that recognises a significant 

and specific outcome related to the application of the skills and techniques acquired in a 

teaching and learning environment. Candidates that have been recognised for this 

standard have shown the ability to work in an industrial or research laboratory and are able 

to apply scientific skills to execute a scientific process, record data and results from the 

performance of a scientific process, and write a scientific report based on the recorded 

data and results of the scientific process performed. 

Technicians would be able to perform tasks as required by industrial and research 

laboratories; they would demonstrate competency in routine laboratory tasks as required 

by this scientific environment; and they would be able to use a range of relevant technical 

equipment and have the competence and ability to practice safe laboratory techniques. 

This qualification builds on scientific skills and knowledge acquired from secondary school, 

the National Certificate in Science (Level 4) [Ref: 1669], the National Certificate in Science 

(Level 5) [Ref: 1670], or related qualifications. It can lead to the National Diploma in 

Science (Advanced Technician) (Level 6) with optional strands in Laboratory Practice and 

Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Applied [Ref: 0235] or an equivalent 

qualification. It provides a sound platform for employment and/or further study towards 

higher specialist science qualifications and/or science qualifications related to the 

workplace or to university study. 

Credit Range 

Core Compulsory Core Elective Balance 

Level 4 credits 19 - 0-16 

Level 5 credits 5 0-80 0-16 

Level 6 or above credits - 0-80 0-16 

Minimum totals 24 80 - 





Based on credits selected within the Core Elective candidates can be awarded one of the 

following optional strands in recognition of their specialisation in a particular area. 

Laboratory Practice and 

Technology Optional 

Strand 

Chemistry 

Optional 

Strand 

Set A Set B 

Level 4 credits 0-27 0-4 - - 

Level 5 or above credits 0-16 0-30 50 50 

Minimum totals for strand 50 50 50 

Microbiology 

Optional 

Strand 

Based on selection of standard 26346 candidates can be awarded the Applied optional 

strand in recognition of their practical work experience in a research or industrial 

laboratory. 

Applied Optional Strand 

Level 5 10 

Minimum totals for strand 10 

Requirements for Award of Qualification 

Award of NZQF National Qualifications 

Credit gained for a standard may be used only once to meet the requirements of this qualification. 

Unit standards and achievement standards that are equivalent in outcome are mutually exclusive for the 

purpose of award. The table of mutually exclusive standards is provided on the New Zealand Qualifications 

Authority (NZQA) website: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/standards/standards-exclusionlist/. 

Reviewed standards that continue to recognise the same overall outcome are registered as new versions 

and retain their identification number (ID). Any version of a standard with the same ID may be used to meet 

qualification requirements that list the ID and/or that specify the past or current classification of the standard. 

Summary of Requirements 

• A minimum of 120 credits at Level 4 or above 

• Core Compulsory standards 

• Core Elective – A minimum of 80 credits as specified 

• Balance – Balance if required 

The following strands are optional 

• Laboratory Practice and Technology Optional Strand 

• Chemistry Optional Strand 

• Microbiology Optional Strand 

• Applied Optional Strand 





Detailed Requirements 

Core Compulsory 

The following standards are required 

Humanities > Communication Skills > Writing 

ID Title Level Credit 

9685 Write an analytical report 5 5 

Sciences > Science > Chemistry 


26341 Perform titrimetric analyses 4 6 

Sciences > Science > Microbiology 


8040 Perform aseptic laboratory techniques 4 4 

Sciences > Science > Science - Core 


8029 Work safely in a microbiological laboratory 4 2 

8466 Demonstrate competent use of laboratory 

4 4 

measurement and recording procedures 

8467 Work safely in a chemical laboratory 4 3 

Core Elective 

A minimum of 80 credits at Level 5 or above 

Field Subfield Domain 

Sciences Science Any 

Balance 

The balance of credits to achieve 


May come from anywhere on the DAS 

Laboratory Practice and Technology Optional Strand 

A minimum of 50 credits 

From the following sets 

• Set A 

• Set B 





Set A 

A maximum of 30 credits 

Sciences > Science > Biochemistry 


8043 Perform spectrophotometric analyses 5 3 

8044 Perform laboratory centrifugation techniques 4 1 

26486 Perform paper, thin layer, and column chromatography 5 4 

Sciences > Science > Chemistry 


8436 Demonstrate laboratory solvent and distillation 

4 5 

separation techniques 

8439 Perform titrations 5 5 

8453 Perform qualitative anion and cation analysis 4 3 

9242 Perform titrimetric analysis using colour indicators 4 5 

12363 Demonstrate knowledge of chromatography systems 5 4 

16566 Perform organic chemistry functional group analysis 4 5 

26342 Perform gravimetric analyses 4 4 



8091 Use and maintain a light microscope 4 2 

26344 Use a laboratory information management system 4 2 

Set B 

A maximum of 30 credits 

Sciences > Science > Biology 


8097 Analyse field measurements of plants 5 4 

8098 Analyse field measurements of animals 5 4 

26420 Perform histological techniques 5 4 





Sciences > Science > Microbiology 


8023 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of microorganism 5 6 

biochemical pathways 

8033 Culture and identify fungi to division level 5 3 

8035 Carry out visualisation and measurement of 

4 4 

microorganisms 

8037 Describe and identify major groups of protozoa 5 2 

8038 Perform viable microbiological counting methods 5 3 

8042 Apply principles of bacterial identification 5 6 

26109 Culture microorganisms 5 4 

26110 Control microbial growth 5 3 

Sciences > Science > Molecular Biology 


8050 Perform electrophoresis 5 3 

Chemistry Optional Strand 



Sciences 

Science 

Biochemistry 

Chemistry 

Science - Core 

Microbiology Optional Strand 



Sciences 

Science 

Immunology 

Microbiology 

Molecular Biology 

Science - Core 

Applied Optional Strand 

The following standard is required 



26346 Write a scientific report based on results of a scientific 

process in an industrial or research laboratory 

5 10 





Transition Arrangements 

Version 7 

Version 7 was issued following review. 

Changes to structure and content 

• Overall credit value was reduced from 240 to 120. 

• Credit value of the Core Compulsory section was increased from 4 to 24, and 

standards 8040, 8466, 9685, and 26341 were added to it. 

• Standards 8029 and 8467 were moved from the old Core Elective to the Core 

Compulsory. 

• The compulsory standard 8441 was removed from the qualification. 

• The Science Elective was replaced with a new Core Elective which allows credits from 

the Science subfield. 

• Optional strands were added in Laboratory Practice and Technology, Chemistry, 

Microbiology and Applied. 

• The Mathematics, Communication, and Information Technology electives were 

removed from the qualification. 

For detailed information see Review Summaries on the NZQA website. 

This qualification contains standards that replace earlier standards. For the purposes of 

this qualification, people who have gained credit for the expiring standards are exempt 

from the requirement to gain credit for the replacement standards – see table below. 

Credit for 

Exempt from 

8435 26341, 26342 

8045, 8047 26486 

Candidates may either complete the requirements for version 6 or transfer to version 7. 

Last date for entry leading to version 6 of the qualification is December 2014. 

All new candidates in 2015 will be enrolled in programmes leading to version 7 of the 

qualification. 

Programmes leading to the award of version 7 of the qualification can begin upon 

registration of this version. 

Previous versions of the qualification 

Version 6 was issued following a review of the qualification. The qualification was 

structured to include quality systems and safety standards as requirements in the 

qualification. Version 6 included credit exemptions on the basis of NZCS subject passes. 

These transition arrangements expired on 31 December 2005. 

Version 5 was issued to introduce new transition and credit transfer arrangements. 





Version 4 was issued to correct an error in the transition action plan and to take account of 

a review of Business Administration standards. 

Version 3 was issued following a review of the qualification. The qualification was 

structured into four elective sets, and four additional standards and a subfield were 

included in the electives. 

NZQF National Qualification Registration Information 

Process Version Date Last Date for Assessment 

Registration 1 November 1996 December 2005 

Revision 2 April 1998 December 2005 

Review 3 September 1998 December 2005 

Revision 4 July 2000 December 2005 

Revision 5 February 2004 December 2007 

Review 6 January 2005 December 2016 

Review 7 June 2011 N/A 

Standard Setting Body 


PO Box 160 

Wellington 6140 

Telephone 04 463 3000 

Email nqs@nzqa.govt.nz 

Planned Review 

Any person or organisation may contribute to the review of this qualification by sending 

feedback to the standard setting body at the above address. 

Next Review 2015 

Certification 

This certificate will display the logos of NZQA and the organisation that has been granted 

consent to assess against standards that meet the requirements of the qualification 

(accredited). 





Classification 

This qualification is classified according to the classification system listed on the Directory 

of Assessment Standards (DAS) and the New Zealand Standard Classification of 

Education (NZSCED) system as specified below. 

DAS Classification 

NZSCED 

Code Description Code Description 

316 Sciences > Science 019909 Natural and Physical Sciences > 

Other Natural and Physical 

Sciences > Laboratory 

Technology 

Quality Management Systems 

Providers and Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess by a recognised Quality 

Assurance Body before they can register credits from assessment against standards. Organisation with 

consent to assess and Industry Training Organisations assessing against standards must engage with the 

moderation system that applies to those standards. Consent to assess requirements and the moderation 

system are outlined in the associated Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) for each standard.

National Diploma in Science (Technician) (Level 5) with ... - NZQA

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