New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice (Level 3)

Course Information

The New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice (Level 3) delivered by Besafe Training Ltd is a flexible, rolling-intake programme designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to contribute to effective health and safety practices in New Zealand workplaces. This 24-week part-time programme is structured around a series of standalone courses already scheduled as part of Besafe’s public course calendar, allowing learners to join at multiple points throughout the year and study at a pace that suits their availability.

This programme is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and aligned with industry needs.

Programme Aim
The programme aims to produce job-ready graduates capable of applying health and safety principles under limited supervision. Graduates will be able to contribute to workplace safety culture, apply risk management procedures, issue and monitor work permits, act as safety observers, and demonstrate competency in one of four optional applied contexts: working at heights, confined space entry, elevated work platforms, or discomfort, pain, and injury (DPI) prevention and management.

Programme Structure
The programme is made up of four compulsory courses (33 credits) and one optional course (8 credits), totalling 41 credits. These courses are drawn from Besafe’s existing public course schedule, offering learners maximum flexibility in when and how they complete their study.

Compulsory Courses:

• HSP301 Health and Safety: Requirements and Practices (11 credits)
• HSP302 Risk Mitigation and Safety Risk Analysis (8 credits)
• HSP303 Safety Observer (8 credits)
• HSP304 Permit to Work (6 credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):

• HSP305 Working at Heights (8 credits)
• HSP306 Confined Space Entry (8 credits)
• HSP307 Elevated Work Platform (8 credits)
• HSP308 DPI Prevention and Management (8 credits)

Graduate Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:

• Apply health and safety requirements in accordance with legislation and industry codes
• Conduct risk assessments and implement controls
• Act as a safety observer and monitor high-risk work activities
• Issue, monitor, and audit work permits
• Apply Tikanga Māori principles to workplace health and safety practices
• Operate safely in one of four applied contexts selected by the learner (Working at Heights / Confined Space Entry / Elevated Working Platform / DPI Prevention and Management)

Delivery Mode and Methods
The programme is delivered through a combination of face-to-face workshops, practical/on-job learning, and self-directed study. Directed learning includes interactive workshops, simulations, assessments, and case studies.

Assessment Methods
Learners are assessed through written assessments and practical observations. Assessment tasks are designed to reflect real-world workplace scenarios.

Applies to

• New or aspiring health and safety representatives
• Workers looking to formalise their knowledge of workplace health and safety
• Employees in high-risk industries who need practical, NZQA-accredited training
• Organisations seeking to build internal capability in health and safety leadership

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be aged 16 years or older, be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident (or meet the NZQA eligibility criteria for domestic learners), and be working or intending to work in a New Zealand workplace. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient literacy and numeracy to participate effectively in a Level 3 programme. This may be assessed via a diagnostic test or verified prior learning and/or work experience. An interview with a programme coordinator is required to confirm readiness and determine the most appropriate elective course.