New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 3 |
|---|
About the course
Start your electrical engineering training with the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3) (NZCEP). This pre-trade programme is a significant first step in electrical training before you enter into an apprenticeship arrangement with an employer.
You’ll learn and develop Level 3 competencies such as:
- Fault diagnosis and testing techniques
- Safe practices
- Electrical legislation
- Installation and maintenance of electrical equipment
- Communicating with stakeholders on electrical and related matters
This qualification is suitable for a career in becoming a registered electrician and related electrical fields or further education in Electrical or Electronics Engineering.
Highlights
- Once you have completed this qualification, you could gain cross credits into the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 4.
- Practical experience reflecting real-world application
- We offer flexible learning options.
- Graduates of this qualification can progress into studying New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) or Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical)
- NZCEP graduates fulfil the practical assessment for the Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed) (EASQ) class ofElectrical Workers Registration Board registration.
- It is a nationally developed and recognised qualification.
Qualification pathway
Once you’ve completed this programme you’ll receive the qualification New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3).
Graduates of this qualification will be able to work within the electrical industry as an electrical apprentice, including maintaining current competency and communicating with stakeholders on electrical and related matters in the context of the wider electrical industry and under supervision in a controlled environment. You will also have the option to progress into further education, such as the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) or Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical)
Graduates of this programme intending to work within the electrical industry or pathway into further education will be required to work in physically demanding environments. If you face fitness or mobility challenges, this programme may not be suitable for you. Please contact us at 0800 10 95 10 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your options.
Career Options
- Apprentice electrician
Annual Tuition Fees
Domestic/NZ students
$7,300
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)
International students
$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.
Semester Dates
Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.
For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.
Downloads and resources
Programme regulations - New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3) NZCEP-Tool List 2022.docx_0_0 Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students
Entry requirements
You must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the programme’s commencement for the semester, and you’ll need to:
- Achieved NCEA Level 1 with Mathematics and English subjects; Or
- Equivalent.
Note: Any domestic applicant for whom English, Māori or NZ Sign is not their first language who cannot provide evidence of the above must provide evidence described in NZQA Rules.
Don’t meet theseAcademicrequirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify.
- You may also be eligible for special or discretionary admission.
Simply apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
About the provider
Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.