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

Applicants under 20 years of age:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age when the programme begins.
  • Should have achieved NCEA Level 2.
  • If NCEA Level 2 has not been achieved, applicants must provide evidence of their ability to succeed. This may include:
    • successful completion of a programme of study at Level 2 or above in a related discipline;
    • employment in a related sector for three months or more; or
    • a written testimonial or referral.

Over 20 Years

Applicants aged 20 years or over at the time of enrolment will be considered if they can demonstrate their ability to succeed in the programme.

Interviews for All Applicants

Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Applicants who live some distance from the campus may complete a telephone interview instead.

Copies of applicable certificates or other evidence of prior achievement must be provided before the interview.

Recommended

Applicants are advised to be working towards obtaining their restricted driver's licence.

Applicants should also 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 English is not the language of instruction in schools, must provide evidence of one of the following:

  • NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance; or
  • an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A Level qualification where teaching and assessment were conducted in English; or
  • a 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 (equivalent to New Zealand primary school Years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (equivalent to three years of New Zealand secondary school Years 9 to 13) at schools in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States, where English was the language of instruction; or
  • successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (equivalent to New Zealand secondary school Years 9 to 13) at schools in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States, where English was the language of instruction; or
  • successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree taught in English by a tertiary education provider in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States; or
  • successful completion of one of the internationally recognised English proficiency tests below at the required level. All scores must be achieved in a single test taken within the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment.

Certificate at Level 3: Recognised English Proficiency Tests

  • IELTS (General or Academic): Overall score of 5.0, with no band score lower than 5.0.
  • 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, with no less than 154 in each skill.
  • OET: Minimum Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests.
  • NZCEL: Level 3 (General) or (Workplace).
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic): PTE Academic score of 36, with no band score lower than 36.
  • LanguageCert: 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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