Last updated: 10 July 2020

Careerforce, as the qualification developer has completed the qualification review of the New Zealand Diploma in Addiction Studies (Applied) (Level 6) [Ref: 2733].
We wish to advise that the New Zealand Diploma in Addiction Studies (Applied) (Level 6) recommendation to discontinue the qualification is now approved by NZQA.

The qualification was identified during the review as no longer fit-for-purpose as the changes in the sector in the last few years has meant the qualification will not pathway people into practitioner roles working in a clinical environment. Changes in the future may bring new opportunities.

Learners intending to work in roles such as Support Worker and Peer Support Worker in the mental health and/or addiction workforce within a clinical team can complete one of the following qualifications at level 4 on the New Zealand Qualification Framework:

  • New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community) (Level 4) with strands in Community Facilitation, Community Health Work, Mental Health and Addiction, and Social Services [Ref:2989]
  • New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Peer Support) (Level 4) [Ref:2992].

Support Workers and Peer Support Workers wishing to progress into a non-clinical environment can complete the New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Practice/Applied Practice) (Level 5) [Ref:3244]. This diploma may also lead on to higher level study suitable for clinical environments.

Support Workers and Peer Support Workers wanting to progress into a clinical environment may consider getting into one of the six DAPAANZ approved programmes listed on the DAPAANZ website.

DAPAANZ page outlining approved applied addiction qualifications
https://www.dapaanz.org.nz/addiction-quals-for-provisional

The NZQA have approved the discontinuation of the New Zealand Diploma in Addiction Studies (Applied) (Level 6) [ref:2733] and is now listed on the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF).

NZQA page outlining the Qualification
https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/nzqf/search/viewQualification.do?selectedItemKey=2733

Please note the last date to meet the requirements for programmes leading to version 1 or 2 of this qualification is 31 December 2023.

Any programme that leads to the awarding of the qualification is not part of this qualification review.

We thank all stakeholders who participated in the review process.

For questions, or if you want to discuss any aspects of the review, please email qualreview@careerforce.org.nz.