New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3)

Want to enter the electrical industry but not sure where to start?

Otago Polytechnic is the only provider of this certificate in the Otago region and our lecturers have strong industry connections. Benefit from their expertise and experience and enjoy the chance to gain theoretical knowledge by undertaking practical, hands-on work.

This project-based qualification where you will study topics such as Electricity Systems, Installation Fundamentals and Circuit Design and Operation will provide you with the knowledge and skills to enter employment in the electrical industry. If you want to become an electrician, this is the ideal pre-apprentice preparation. Alternatively, you may gain employment in non-registration areas of this industry such as electronic security, appliance servicing and automation. There is the chance for progression and promotion in these areas with further study and/or industry exams.

Upon successful completion of this level 3 certificate, you could enter an apprenticeship agreement with an employer and Otago Polytechnic to complete our Level 4 apprenticeship programme.

Video from Brian Freeman
Programme Leader
New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory

Entry requirements

• You must have achieved NCEA Level 2 in maths, English, and physics or general science OR equivalent.
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Please note: You must hold a current First Aid Certificate before you can be awarded this qualification. If you do not attend or do not pass the first aid course as part of this programme, you will need to attend a first aid course at your own expense prior to programme completion. 

Selection procedure

Applicants are accepted using the entry criteria on a first-come, first-in basis. Should the number of applicants exceed the available places, applicants will be placed on a waiting list in order of the date they applied. All applicants will be interviewed.   

You will study

This programme provides the electrical industry with people who have introductory knowledge of safe electrical installation, testing, commissioning, and servicing of electrical installations and equipment. It provides pre-entry foundation knowledge of electrical engineering and is suitable for those who wish to enter the industry but do not yet have an electrical apprenticeship agreement. 

Upon successful completion of this qualification, you will have an operational and theoretical knowledge of electricity production, distribution, and utilisation, and will be able to carry out a limited range of prescribed electrical work safely and ethically under supervision in accordance with the Electricity Act 1992.

Qualification structure

All courses within this qualification are compulsory.

Your workload

You will be expected to complete up to 30 hours of contact time at the Polytechnic and up to 10 hours of additional self-directed study per week. Usual timetable hours are Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 3.00pm, with Wednesday work experience. 

Further study options

• New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) (Level 4)
• New Zealand Diploma in Engineering - Electrical Engineering 
• Bachelor of Engineering Technology 

Additional costs

Please note that the following items may be covered by course related costs:

You are required to provide your own personal stationery, calculator and safety footwear. It would also be an advantage to have a laptop to bring to class or at least a PC available. It is required that you have the following textbook:

• Electrical Wiring Practice and Electrical Principles for the Electrical Trades 

This can be purchased at the University Bookshop for approximately $300.00

You will be required to purchase an electrical tool set for approximately $300.00 during the first term of the programme.

Student loans and allowances

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw from your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.