Credit Recognition
Do you have prior study or work experience?
You may be able to transfer credits towards your chosen qualification, helping fast-track your studies by skipping certain modules. Get in touch to see if you’re eligible!
Get credit for what you already know
At Skills Ignite, we understand that your skills and knowledge are gained from many sources — formal learning, independent study and workplace experience. Through the Credit Recognition process, we evaluate your existing skills against the outcomes of qualifications, courses, modules, or assessment standards. If your experience aligns with these outcomes, we can recognise it with credits, helping you complete your qualification faster without needing to repeat what you already know.
Different pathways for credit recognition
Credit Transfer (CT)
If you have completed the same unit standard from a qualification awarded by Skills or another New Zealand institution, you may be eligible for a Credit Transfer. This option is only available for previous programmes studied in New Zealand.
Click here to know more about CT.
Cross Credit (CC)
If you have completed a similar unit standard from a qualification awarded by Skills or another New Zealand Institution, you may be eligible for Cross Credit. This option is only available for previous programmes studied in New Zealand.
Click here to know more about CC.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
If you have relevant life or work experience, either alone or combined with previous study, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning, and therefore be awarded credits towards a new programme. This option is available for applicants with experience or qualifications from both New Zealand and overseas.
Click here to know more about RPL.
What are the fees?
Credit Transfer
Fees: There is no cost for this service.
Cross Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning
- Admin Fee: NZ$200 (including GST, non-refundable) – must be paid before your application is reviewed.
- Credit Fee: NZ$20 per credit (including GST) awarded – payable after the evaluation is complete.
Example: If you are awarded 3 unit standards of 10 credits each, the total cost would be 30 x NZ$20 = NZ$600.
Note: The number of credits awarded depends on how many outcomes can be matched. We cannot guarantee partial or full success of your application.
How can I appeal a Credit Recognition decision?
If you disagree with the final decision or have gathered additional evidence after the decision, you may submit an appeal.
How to appeal:
- Complete the appeal form.
- Send it to [email protected] within seven working days of receiving the decision notification.
- Our Appeal Committee will review your request and respond within 20 working days.
Please note that fees may apply if your application needs to be resubmitted to the assessor.
Information for International Learners
If you are a non-resident or not a New Zealand citizen, please contact our international department [email protected] before applying for credit recognition. They will clarify how your visa status may be impacted if your study load is reduced due to the credits awarded.
