GROWSAFE Standard Certificate

NorthTec offers two GROWSAFE qualifications. If you are unsure which course to do, please email Kerry Mitchell  [email protected].

• GROWSAFE Basic certificate includes – Unit 27215

• GROWSAFE Standard Certificate (GROWSAFE Basic certificate is a prerequisite) includes – Unit 21563 & 27215

Classes are limited to a maximum of 10 learners per class.

About this course

This course is for agrichemical users working independently (ie with little or no supervision) with responsibility for a single site/property, and may have responsibility for managing or supervising others. You are likely to be operating in a known set of circumstances, eg one location, crop and/or equipment type (or operating under the supervision of someone with GROWSAFE Advanced or RCA certification). 

The EPA Hazardous Substances (Hazardous Property Controls) Notice 2017 lists the GROWSAFE Standard certificate as an acceptable qualification for the use of highly ecotoxic agrichemicals for ground-based application to land. Additionally, all regional plans specify that agrichemicals used in commercial operations such as farms, orchards, vineyards, forests, must be applied in accordance with NZS8409. Most of these plans specify that users hold a GROWSAFE Introductory certificate or equivalent training.

A GROWSAFE Standard Certificate is valid for 5 years, at which time it can be renewed.

What you will learn

Once you've finished the course and assessment requirements, you will be:

• trained to apply agrichemicals in a safe, responsible and effective way with minimal adverse impact on human, environmental and animal health

• aware of the regulatory and market requirements relating to agrichemical use

• aware of your obligations under the various legislations that impact on the use of agrichemicals in New Zealand.

Entry Requirements

Students require:

• GROWSAFE Basic certificate (or equivalent knowledge) AND

• One season's spraying experience.

The course tutors will assume all trainees have a basic level of knowledge of agrichemicals and their use so they can focus on new, higher level content.  

In certain limited circumstances, a trainer may grant an exemption to the prerequisite to enable trainees who do not meet the prerequisite to attend the course.  However, the certificate will not be awarded until both written and practical competency is demonstrated. If you are unsure, talk with your GROWSAFE Trainer to discuss whether this course is right for you

Certified Handler

The GROWSAFE Standard course is designed to meet the knowledge requirements for WorkSafe's Certified Handler Test Certificate (previously known as Approved Handler) which enables you to purchase and apply highly toxic agrichemicals. However, it is likely that you will need to provide additional evidence of practical competency and specific workplace procedures to be awarded the Certified Handler certificate (certificate not included in course cost).