New Zealand Certificate in Industrial Rope Access (Level 3) 

The New Zealand Certificate in Industrial Rope Access (Level 3) is a nationally recognised NZQA qualification focused on developing foundational rope access knowledge, practical skills, and workplace safety competence for work at height within the New Zealand regulatory environment. 

All NZQA delivery and assessment are: 

• Designed to meet NZQA unit standards and programme requirements 

• Reported by Vertical Horizonz New Zealand (VHNZ) to NZQA 

• Independently assessed against NZQA outcomes 

On successful completion, learners are awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Industrial Rope Access (Level 3).

IRATA training and assessment are delivered strictly in accordance with: 

• IRATA International Membership Requirements (QP‑300), and 

• IRATA Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS – TC‑101). 

IRATA training and assessment are conducted at Vertical Horizonz’ IRATA‑audited and approved training facilities by qualified IRATA instructors and assessors. 

IRATA certification is fully independent of the New Zealand Certificate and: 

• Is not reliant on completion of the NZQA qualification 

• Is not connected to New Zealand Certificate funding arrangements 

• Is not subject to any contractual or financial conditions associated with the NZQA programme 

IRATA certification is issued directly by IRATA International to candidates who successfully meet IRATA assessment requirements, irrespective of NZQA completion or funding status. 

This coordinated delivery model allows learners to work through both pathways efficiently, while maintaining clear separation between NZQA and IRATA assessment frameworks. 

Typical programme duration is 6–10 months, structured as follows: 

Initial Training Phase (2 days)

• Working at height Advanced (Unit Standards 23229, 15757).

Phase 1 – IRATA Course training (5 days)

• IRATA training.

Industry Work Experience (6-10 month period)

• Online + On-job training
  • Minimum 130 logged hours in supervised rope access work + eLearning. 
  • Unit Standards cover 19358, 19359, 19360, 30264, 30266.

Phase 2 – Final Assessment + CoC (2 days)

• Competency verification and certificate assessment
• Unit Standards cover 19361, 19362, 19363.

Learners completing the NZQA component will be able to: 

• Prepare rope access equipment for work and identify faults 

• Set up and dismantle basic industrial rope access systems 

• Carry out elementary on‑rope tasks under supervision 

• Communicate effectively within a rope access team 

• Apply New Zealand health and safety legislation in rope access contexts 

• Maintain personal safety while working at height, including fall arrest systems 

Learners must: 

• Be physically capable of safely undertaking rope access activities 

• Weigh less than 135 kg (maximum harness rating) 

• Hold a current New Zealand First Aid Certificate (Unit Standards 6400, 6401, 6402 or equivalent) 

• Meet NZ residency and eligibility requirements for NZQA funding (where applicable) 

• Meet IRATA medical and identification requirements prior to IRATA assessment 

IRATA training, assessment and certification are delivered entirely under IRATA International requirements. Participation in, completion of, or funding for the New Zealand Certificate in Industrial Rope Access (Level 3) does not impact eligibility for IRATA certification. 

The two qualifications remain separate schemes with distinct quality assurance, assessment, and certification processes. 

• NZ Certificate is fully funded for eligible domestic learners.
• IRATA training costs $0 when enrolled in NZC Level 3.
• A $250 IRATA admin and certification fee applies.
• Loss of funding removes eligibility for the $0 IRATA offer and standard fees may apply.

NOTE: Failure to complete programme requirements within 6 months will result in standard IRATA course fees being applied.