Course details

Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) (Sheep, Beef and Dairy)
NZQF Level 3

About the course

This agriculture certificate serves as the foundational step towards a fulfilling career in New Zealand's primary sector. It can pave the way to opportunities in farm management, farm ownership, or roles in related industries, particularly in dairy farming.

This programme, commonly known as Cert Ag includes a range of fundamental practical skills alongside the underpinning theory that will set you up for a career in a multitude of career opportunities in the primary sector. You will have at least 10 weeks of work experience on farms throughout Otago and Southland, learning from experienced host farmers, as well as theory and practical work at Telford’s campus and Telford farm. 

This 44-week programme includes the NZ Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3) and the NZ Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) qualifications.

Entry requirements

Under 20 years:

• Must be 16 years of age at time of course commencement.

• Should have attained NCEA Level 2.

• Applicants under 20 years of age who have not attained NCEA Level 2 must submit evidence of ability to succeed; examples of of ability to succeed include provision of evidence of successful completion of a programme of study at level 2 or above in a related discipline; employment in the related sector for three months or more; written testimonial/referral.

Over 20 years:

• Applicants over the age of 20 years at time of enrolment will be considered where they can demonstrate the ability to succeed in a programme.

Interviews for all applicants

Applicants may be required to attend an interview, or if they live some distance from the campus, complete a telephone interview, and must produce copies of applicable certificates or evidence of prior achievements before interviews.

Recommended

• It is advisable to be working towards obtaining your restricted driver’s license. 

Applicants should have a level of physical fitness suitable for farm work.

English Language Requirements

Applicants, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following:

NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or

an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A- level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or

Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA), or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL); or

Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in  either New Zealand, Australia­, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States one of the countries listed in Rule 18.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of a Bachelor ‘s Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters’ Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be  from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States or

Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment.

Certificate at Level 3

  • IELTS test - General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5
  • TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 500 (with an essay score of 4 TWE)
  • TOEFL Internet based test (iBT)- Score of 35 (with a writing score of 14)
  • Cambridge English Examination – B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill.
  • OET- Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests
  • NZCEL - a) Expiring Level   b) Current: Level 3 (General) or (Workplace) b) Level 3 (General)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) – PTE (Academic) score of 36 with no band score lower than 36
  • Language Cert - B1 Achiever International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS
  • Trinity ISE - ISE I with no less than distinction in any band

*This course is not available to international students.

About the provider

Join one of New Zealand's top agricultural training providers and get hands-on experience that sets you up for success in the industry.

At Telford, we offer a hands-on learning experience like no other, preparing you for the challenges and rewards of the agricultural sector. Whether you’re interested in farming, equine, or land-based trades, our industry-leading courses provide you with the skills and real-world experience to stand out. With 2026 enrolments now open, take the first step toward a rewarding career by joining one of New Zealand’s top agricultural training providers. Apply today and start shaping your future!

  • 856 hectares of active farmland
  • Hands-on Practical Training & Learning
  • Blended Delivery and On-Campus Courses

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