Cross Credits:

Cross credit to NZOIA award

Introduction

NZOIA is committed to Excellence in Outdoor Instruction.

There are many outdoor training and assessment schemes and qualifications, which are “a recognition of learning”. However, these are often not endorsed by employers in New Zealand for professional practice.

NZOIA has a cross-credit process that will consider other, nationally recognised, professional awards and will recognise training and assessment schemes other than its own as being of a equal or higher standard.

Examples of qualifications within New Zealand that form pathways to NZOIA awards include a host of Polytechnic diplomas, National Certificates in Outdoor Instruction registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and the NZ Mountain Safety Council qualifications, which are primarily for casual volunteer instructors.  People with these awards should use them to verify their technical preparedness for a NZOIA assessment. A commitment to more logged time recreating and instructing in the field is often required before undertaking the NZOIA assessment for “Excellence in Outdoor Instruction”.

The Application process

The application needs to provide clear evidence of attainment and professional assessment of the skills contained within the award to be cross-credited.   A copy of the NZOIA award syllabus and structure may assist in the processing.  Where possible, the award held and the NZOIA award should be matched up.  Copies of the NZOIA syllabi can be downloaded from the NZOIA website or obtained from the NZOIA Administration at: -  Administration Officer, NZOIA, PO Box 11090, Manners St, Wellington 6142, New Zealand.

The application must include -

A letter of recommendation from a current NZOIA award holder (one award higher than being applied for) stating that the NZOIA referee has observed you working to the standard acceptable to NZOIA

A current logbook providing evidence that you are active and currently working to the level required, preferably under conditions relevant to New Zealand. (See the Scope at the beginning of each NZOIA syllabus.)

There must be evidence that the applicant holds a current first aid certificate, which has been issued within the last three years.

A fee of 50% of the current assessment cost. The NZOIA website has descriptions of course length and costs.

The application, supporting documentation and fee is to be forwarded to – Administration Officer, NZOIA, PO Box 11090, Manners Street, Wellington  6142, New Zealand.

NZOIA Internal Process

This application will be logged and forwarded to the Cross-Credit Coordinator.  They will work with an independent assessor who will make a recommendation to the Cross-Credit Coordinator.  Any decision will based on the evidence supplied.  The applicant will be notified of the result within 60 days of the application being received.

Possible outcomes

The cross-credit is awarded.  The candidate must become a financial member before any award is conferred.

Most criteria are covered; however, there are criteria that still need to be assessed to cover the syllabus.  This assessment must not incorporate more than 30% of the syllabus.  This assessment will be at the expense of the applicant.

Not sufficient evidence to warrant a cross-credit.  There will be no refund of fees.

The applicant may appeal the decision.  This appeal should be forwarded in writing to the Cross-credit Coordinator, with a fee of $50.  If the appeal is upheld, the fee will be returned.

Common examples of cross-credits:

British Canoe Union: Inland Coach level 3

This award aligns itself closely to the NZOIA Kayak level 1 with one significant difference.  NZOIA insists on the Instructor having a consistent role-model roll on both sides in grade 2 water.  The instructor must demonstrate a comprehensive teaching progression for rolling and have knowledge of several rolling styles.  The BCU specifies that the instructor should “perform an Eskimo roll in deep, moving water. Only one roll is required and candidates must be informed in advance that they will be required to demonstrate a roll.  Any type of roll is acceptable”.  This is normally a mandatory deferment situation requiring a half-day assessment on performing and teaching the Eskimo roll. There are also differences in the rescues; namely the use of releasable towlines, on which NZOIA puts a greater dependency.

UK Mountain Training: Board Single Pitch Award

The SPA aligns very well to the NZOIA Rock level 1.  As long as the logged evidence is adequate and the reference from a NZOIA level 2 instructor is satisfactory, the cross-credit normally goes straight through.