Assessment Process:

NZOIA Qualification Scheme - applying to be assessed

Listed below are basic steps required for anyone to undertake a NZOIA assessment. It lists the costs, logged experience required, log book details, any training, some training tips and further information.  For assessment application forms (click here)

Applying to be assessed

The assessments are organised and operated on a cost recovery basis. Minimum numbers must be achieved on the course six weeks before the course date to guarantee it will run. This is so applicants have adequate notice to prepare, contracts can be arranged with assessors, and organisation can occur for the course. Course applicants must be 18 years of age or over at the time of assessment.

Completed applications MUST be received at least SIX weeks prior to the assessment date with:

• a copy of your log to demonstrate you have the minimum experience criteria (include a page summarising your personal and instructional experience). Note: there are pre-formatted summary forms for both rock and kayak assessments.
• a copy of a current First Aid certificate
• the applicable fees (see below)

The first people to complete this process will be accepted for the course - places are allocated on a first in with documentation / course fee, first accepted basis. Remember that you need to be a member of NZOIA before you can attend an assessment.

Confirmation of your place on the course will be provided immediately after application closing date.  This will be followed by further course details, approximately four weeks prior to the course date.  If for any reason the course cannot run, you will be informed of this and receive a full refund of the course fee.  It is NZOIA policy that the course fee be paid in full by the application closing date,  SIX weeks before the the assessment date.

Costs
The basic course fees for the assessment programmes are (incl. GST): 

In addition to the above course fees, the following fees area also applicable:

Qualification Registration - $40
A qualification registration fee is not payable by the holder of three or more NZOIA qualifications.

NZOIA Enrolment Fee
Enrolment applications can be made online - please CLICK HERE for the applicable fees.   

Hut Fees / Accommodation
Some assessment courses will require the payment of hut fees.  In some cases these will be payable at the start of the course.  In some cases these will be invoiced to assesses, prior to the course.

Assesses will also have costs of transport to the venue; food, and transport during the programme; and will need to provide a range of technical equipment for the activity being assessed; and occasionally costs associated with arranging ‘model students’ to instruct.

Refunds of assessment fees.   The assessment fee will be refunded in full if you withdraw from an Assessment course SIX weeks or more before the course starts, (or you can transfer the fee to another course). Fees will not NORMALLY be refunded AND ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE where the withdrawal is within SIX weeks of the course (see refund policy for details - CLICK HERE ). 

Logged Experience
There is a prerequisite of logged instructional and personal experience for each qualification. This is considered the absolute minimum someone would need to have the skills required to gain that qualification. The prerequisites must be achieved before applications will be considered for assessment course - this is for your protection. NZOIA strongly recommends you exceed the minimum requirement before attending an assessment to ensure the experience is positive and results in a pass. Extra logged experience or training programmes greatly increase your instructional ability as well as likelihood of passing the qualification.

You must at least have the minimum requirements at the time of application for the course.

Log books
This record is your CV and professional development guide, in addition to it being a personal record of experience and work. This information could include date, location, activity, weather, group, length of time, your role, any incidents, learning points, etc. Prospective employers should be encouraged to view it to validate your ability to work with them. We strongly encourage you to use this tool for both personal and professional purposes. It is considered a critical part of every assessment.

Log books may be purchased via the NZOA website - "Publications" page.

Training
Nearly every person who attends an assessment programme acknowledges the value of training. Not only does it help improve the quality of your instruction, but it will also ensure an assessment is a positive experience resulting in a pass. You do not want to attend an assessment programme and not pass!

Training Tips

• take friends out as model students and ask for feedback
• link with other instructors/leaders in your region and arrange peer training sessions
• review the syllabi closely
• contact others who have been on assessments and ask them for advice
  contact the Training & Assessment Coordinator with queries about the programmes or syllabi
• find a mentor who will guide your development
  attend training programmes organised by NZOIA or other outdoor training providers

For: additional assessment preparation and training information (click here).

The End?
An qualification should not be the end or goal of your professional training. It should be viewed as a point on a continuum in your professional career, and be part of a pathway of continually improving your knowledge, skills and experience of activities and instructing.

You want to attend an assessment?

Check -

• you have studied the relevant syllabus closely
• you have logged your personal and instructional experience
• you have trained, trained and trained again.....

Apply - before the assessment closing date (at least SIX weeks prior to the assessment date) to the Administration Officer with:

• the assessment application form for the course you wish to apply for
• a copy of your log, with a summary of instructional and personal days. Note: that there is pre-formatted summary form available if you are applying for either a kayak or a rock assessment.
• a copy of valid First Aid certificate
• the applicable course fees (as detailed above).

Train - Remember, it is your assessment. The assessors and NZOIA want you to pass and will do all they can to make it a positive and rewarding experience.

Further Information
For further information on assessments, assessors or extra assessment dates contact ao@nzoia.org.nz.