Program Overview

New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3)

Overview

Gain the knowledge and skills to start an apprenticeship in the electrical industry. This programme provides pre-entry foundation knowledge in electrical trades, covering principles of electrical theory and practice, safe working procedures, and selection and use of products, tools, and equipment.

What will I study

• The principles of electrical theory and practice
• How to apply safe working procedures and practices, including first aid and CPR
• Selection and use of products, tools, and equipment
• How to install cables and electrical equipment
• Using testing techniques to test for electrical safety
• How to identify and diagnose electrical faults
• How to operate within legal limitations of electrical and relevant non-electrical legislation

Pathway

This programme is designed to provide a pathway into an electrical apprenticeship. With further training, other opportunities include working in switchgear fitting, electronics, electricity supply, manufacturing, electrical wholesaling, or retailing.

Details

• Type: Certificate
• Code: NZ4316
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• Credits: 121
• Level: 3
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Reference: NZ4316-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $3,404 - $3,779 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year

Academic Requirements

• NCEA (Level 1) with Mathematics and English subjects

Alternative Requirements

• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
• Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?: If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives:
  • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident: Complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident: Book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?: You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 5.0 Academic or General

• 5.0 Listening
• 5.0 Reading
• 5.0 Writing
• 5.0 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Workplace Skills and Safety (NZEP301) - 15 credits
• DC Fundamentals (NZEP302) - 15 credits
• AC Fundamentals (NZEP303) - 15 credits
• Cables, Fittings and Testing (NZEP304) - 15 credits
• Supply Systems (NZEP305) - 15 credits
• Protection, Plans and Circuits (NZEP306) - 15 credits
• Installations (NZEP307) - 15 credits
• Transformers, Electrical Machines and I... (NZEP308) - 15 credits
• Capstone Assessment (NZEP309) - 1 credit

Career opportunities

Job opportunities for electricians are good due to the construction boom and a shortage of suitable workers in a variety of different fields and locations. As a graduate of this course, you’ll be able to enter an electrical apprenticeship as a first-year apprentice. With further training, other opportunities include working in switchgear fitting, electronics, electricity supply, manufacturing, electrical wholesaling, or retailing.

Study pathways

Following this programme, your study options include the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) Level 4, the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical), or the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical).