Recognition of prior learning
If you want prior learning to count towards a training programme for a certificate of competency, talk to an approved training provider first.
How recognition of prior learning works
Training providers can assess whether your prior learning:
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is relevant to the programme you have enrolled in, and
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meets or exceeds what will be taught in the programme.
Based on this assessment, the provider can decide whether to recognise your prior learning and cross‑credit it to specific papers.
If you need guidance about recognition of your:
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maritime qualifications
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and cannot find the information on the Maritime NZ website, contact Maritime NZ.
Information and guidance about recognition of your ancillary certificates is available on our website.
Examples
Recognition of prior learning may be appropriate when, for example:
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you have completed relevant training from another provider that may relate to a new course you have enrolled in
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you have passed relevant papers overseas as part of another programme and are enrolling in a different or higher‑level New Zealand certificate.
Scenario 1 – engineering degree and MEC 3
A student who already holds an engineering degree enrols in a Marine Engineer Class 3 (MEC 3) course. The training provider can decide whether to cross‑credit any prior learning to specific MEC 3 papers.
Scenario 2 – overseas papers and higher‑level certificate
A candidate who has completed relevant papers overseas asks a training provider to assess those papers for cross‑credit as prior learning. A common example is recognition of mathematics or science papers for the mathematics or physics elements of a second mate ticket.
In this scenario:
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the training provider decides which papers, if any, they will cross‑credit
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questions about qualifying sea service for the New Zealand certificate are referred to Maritime NZ.
Applicants will need to apply for a certificate to have their sea service assessed.