LEVEL 3 & 4
Hairdressing Courses
New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)
CMR 0020 | NZQF Level 3 | 120 Credits
Qualification Overview
Qualification Title: New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)
NZQF Level: 3
Total Credits: 120
CMR: 0020
Duration: 1 year full-time (or equivalent part-time)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (with supervised salon practice and work experience)
This programme is designed in accordance with the requirements of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR 0020).
Programme Aim
The aim of the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) is to provide learners with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours required to work at an entry level in the hairdressing industry.
The programme prepares learners to perform a limited range of hairdressing and salon support services under supervision, contribute to the effective operation of a salon, and demonstrate professional standards of client care, health and safety, and workplace conduct.
This qualification is intended for learners with little or no prior hairdressing experience and provides a pathway to employment as a junior/assistant hairdresser and/or progression to further study, including the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4).
Graduate Profile Outcomes
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
Communicate professionally with clients, colleagues, and supervisors within a salon environment, including carrying out basic reception and retail support duties.
Apply foundational hairdressing theory and knowledge to assist with client consultations, including basic hair and scalp analysis under supervision.
Perform a range of introductory hairdressing services, including shampooing, conditioning, treatments, blow-drying, long-hair styling, and basic haircutting techniques.
Assist with colouring and chemical reformation services, including preparation, application, removal, and neutralisation processes, under supervision.
Recommend and explain appropriate home hair-care products to clients and support retail sales within a salon context.
Comply with workplace health and safety requirements, professional hygiene standards, and salon policies and procedures.
Programme Structure
The programme comprises 120 credits, delivered through compulsory programmes/modules that integrate theory, practical salon skills, and work-based learning.
Indicative programme Structure
Teaching and Learning Methods
Teaching and learning methods are learner-centred and practice-focused, and may include: - Tutor-led classroom instruction - Demonstrations and guided practice - Supervised practical salon sessions - Work experience or simulated workplace activities - Group discussions and peer learning - Independent study and reflective practice
Learning activities are designed to progressively develop learner competence and confidence in a real or simulated salon environment.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is competency-based and aligned with NZQA requirements. Methods may include: - Practical performance assessments - Observation of salon tasks and client services - Written or oral theory assessments - Portfolios of evidence - Workplace verification (where applicable)
All assessments are moderated in accordance with CMR 0020 and the provider’s Academic Quality Management System.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
Open entry; no minimum academic qualification required
Other Requirements
Learners must demonstrate an interest in hairdressing and the ability to meet the physical and professional demands of salon work
For learners under 18 years of age, additional pastoral care and safety requirements apply
English Language Requirements (if applicable)
Domestic learners: English language competence sufficient to participate in the programme
International learners: IELTS General or Academic score of 5.0 with no band lower than 5.0, or NZQA-approved equivalent
Progression and Pathways
Employment Pathways
Graduates may be employed as: - Junior/Assistant Hairdresser - Salon Support Staff
Further Study Pathways
Graduates may progress to: - New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4) - Other related hair and beauty qualifications.
Resources and Facilities
Learners will have access to: - Fully equipped training salon facilities - Industry-standard tools, equipment, and products - Learning resources and programme materials - Qualified and experienced hairdressing tutors.
Quality Assurance and Compliance
This programme: - Aligns with the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) - Meets the requirements of CMR 0020 - Is delivered in accordance with the provider’s Quality Management System (QMS) - Is subject to ongoing internal moderation and NZQA external evaluation and review (EER).
Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
The provider is committed to learner wellbeing and safety and complies with: - Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 - NZQA Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of Domestic and International Students.
Learners are supported through clear policies, safe learning environments, and access to wellbeing and support services.
New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4)
CMR 0020 | NZQF Level 4 | 120 Credits
Qualification Overview
Qualification Title: New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4)
NZQF Level: 4
Credits: 120
CMR: 0020
Duration: 1 year full-time (or equivalent part-time)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (with supervised salon practice and work experience)
Programme Aim
The aim of the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4) programme is to equip learners with advanced knowledge, technical skills, professional behaviours, and creative capability required to work as professional hairstylists in a commercial salon environment.
The programme prepares graduates to independently deliver a broad range of integrated hairdressing services under broad guidance, contribute to salon effectiveness and profitability, and uphold industry standards of professionalism, safety, and client care.
Target Learners
This programme is intended for learners who:
Have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3), or equivalent skills and experience; and
Seek to advance their technical, creative, and professional capabilities to work as professional hairstylists.
Programme Structure
The programme consists of 120 credits delivered through eight compulsory programmes. Learning is a blend of theory, practical training, and work-integrated learning within simulated and/or commercial salon environments.
Learning and Teaching Methods
Learning and teaching methods include:
Tutor-led theory sessions
Practical demonstrations and supervised salon practice
Work-integrated learning with real clients
Portfolio development and reflective practice
Industry engagement activities and professional showcases
Assessment Strategy
Assessment is competency-based and aligned with graduate outcomes. Assessment methods include:
Practical demonstrations with real or simulated clients
Written and oral assessments
Professional portfolios
Integrated practical projects
Observation and verification of professional practice
Assessment practices are fair, valid, consistent, and moderated in accordance with NZQA and CMR 0020 requirements.
Graduate Profile Outcomes
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
Conduct advanced client consultations, analyse hair and scalp conditions, and plan professional hairdressing services.
Apply advanced hairdressing theory and technical skills to safely deliver integrated cutting, styling, colouring, colour correction, and chemical reformation services.
Manage multiple client services efficiently and professionally, contributing to the effective operation of a commercial salon.
Pathways
Graduates may progress to:
Employment as professional hairstylists in commercial salons
Freelance or fashion/media styling roles (with experience)
Further study at Level 5 in specialised hairdressing programmes
Consistency and Compliance
The programme is designed to:
Meet the graduate profile outcomes of the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4)
Comply with CMR 0020 requirements
Align with industry expectations and professional standards
Support NZQA consistency review processes
Resources and Facilities
Delivery is supported by:
Commercial-standard training salons
Industry-approved tools, equipment, and products
Qualified and industry-experienced tutors
Health and safety systems compliant with legislative requirements
Quality Assurance
The programme is supported by the organisation’s Quality Management System (QMS), including:
Ongoing self-assessment and evaluation
Learner feedback and engagement processes
Tutor professional development
Industry advisory input
Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
The provider is committed to learner wellbeing and safety and complies with: - Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 - NZQA Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of Domestic and International Students.
Learners are supported through clear policies, safe learning environments, and access to wellbeing and support services.