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National Certificate in Sports Turf (Introduction to Turf Care) (Level 3)

Course details

National Certificate in Sports Turf (Introduction to Turf Care) (Level 3)
NZQF Level 3

About the course

This qualification is designed for people working or intending to work in the turf industry. The aim of the certificate is to provide recognition of the knowledge and skills necessary for turf care at a basic level.

The holder of this qualification will demonstrate a basic level of understanding of turf management and will be able to carry out essential activities under general supervision.

The compulsory standards cover essential elements of turf care applicable to all sectors of the turf industry.

The elective offers candidates the opportunity to select standards of particular relevance to their own sector or enterprise. The elective covers the year round turf maintenance requirements applicable to specific sports codes, the safe application of agrichemicals, the structure of the sports turf industry, and other areas relating to turf care. It also includes business skills, communication, computing, forestry and a range of other skill areas.

This qualification provides an opportunity for pre-employment training, initial training for new employees in the turf industry, for volunteers in the turf industry, and for small business owners working in the turf industry. It is designed to provide a pathway to the National Certificate in Sports Turf Management (Level 4) [Ref: 0203], and the two qualifications have some compulsory standards in common.

People who wish to further their qualifications in sports turf management are encouraged to progress the National Certificate in Sports Turf Management (Level 4) [Ref: 0203]. It is designed to provide recognition of the attainment of knowledge and skills that are essential for competence in sports turf management at a supervisory tradesperson level across all sectors of the sports turf industry, and is a prerequisite for the National Diploma in Sports Turf Management (Level 6) [Ref: 0204].

About the provider

Open Polytechnic is New Zealand's leader in online and distance learning.

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It’s Open Polytechnic being New Zealand’s specialist distance learning provider for over 70 years. 


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Our programmes are designed exclusively for distance learning. Our online courses include a range of rich content to engage you – readings, videos, interactive elements, case studies, quizzes and activities, and forums.


Our academic staff are experts at teaching by distance learning. It’s what they do.

They will be with you every step of the way to encourage you, and ensure you understand the course content. They will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need, so that you can succeed.


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