Certificate in Project Management

Learn how to lead projects like a professional.

This programme will provide you with the skills you need to confidently manage a project from start to finish. Whether you are running your own business or taking on a lead role for a project within an organisation, you’ll learn the skills and techniques you’ll need to succeed.

You’ll create your own project’s business case and develop a comprehensive plan that will help you ensure that you stay on schedule and on budget. This is a hands-on practical programme designed for people wanting to organise and manage projects for their business, employer, or community group.

When you pass this programme, you’ll get this qualification:

• New Zealand Certificate in Project Management Level 4

• drafting and developing a business case
• creating project plans
• using and evaluating digital project management tools
• monitoring parts of a project using project management tools and techniques
• reporting on and closing completed projects

• support a project(s) through its life cycle through the selection and application of project management knowledge, tools, and techniques
• lead aspects of a project(s) under broad guidance
• behave professionally and ethically and in a socially and culturally responsible manner
• apply personal and interpersonal skills to support the execution and monitoring of the project

This is a full-time programme that consists of 60 credits delivered over 18 weeks. Throughout the programme you will be required to attend:

• weekly classes (3 hours per week)
• 18 x weekly workshops (2 hours per week) OR 10 x fortnightly workshops (4 hours per fortnight)

Your kaiako will confirm the dates and venues for your classes and workshops.

In addition to these attendance hours, you'll be expected to complete activities to enhance your learning for approximately:

• 28 hours per week

Some learning activities will need to be completed online. You'll need to have access to an internet-connected device to participate in this programme.

In some locations this programme may be provided by an approved sub-contract arrangement. 

To enrol in this programme, a potential student must:

• be at least 16 years of age
• be a New Zealand citizen or resident (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue or the Cook Islands)
• reside in New Zealand
• either be a graduate of a Level 3 qualification OR
• complete a Pre-Entry Assessment (PEA) to demonstrate competence in numeracy and literacy AND
• attend an interview with your kaiako to discuss your reasons why you should be permitted to enrol onto the programme

I want to keep studying

Learn to grow a business with our next-level programme, the Diploma in Small Business and Project Management Level 5.

I want to use my qualification

You’ll graduate with NZQA-approved qualifications to show your skills and knowledge to manage projects either for an employer or for your own small business. You can also help your community or marae in volunteer project management roles.

Kōnae 1: Project Initiation | 14 credits

In this initial kōnae ako the aim is to introduce project management knowledge, processes, and tools. As the project manager, tauira are expected to develop project initiation documents such as a business case that broadly defines a project and outlines its feasibility. This kōnae ako also outlines effective project manager qualities and how they apply to problem solving skills which are vital in any project.

Kōnae 2: Project Planning | 18 credits

This kōnae ako aims to complete the planning phase of a project which gives more detail and structure to a project by outlining all project processes and activities to ensure project success. Various tools are used to create a comprehensive plan that efficiently manages time, cost, quality, change and risk. There are many digital project management tools that can be used to aid the management of a project and as a project manager this is a good area to research during this phase as you may choose to use this throughout the project.

Kōnae 3: Project Implementation | 18 credits

This kōnae ako aims to introduce project management knowledge, tools and skills that guide the project implementation phase which includes the execution, monitoring and controlling of a project. Work packages and processes that were outlined in the project plan will be carried out. Progress is actively reviewed and tracked by the project manager and relevant documentation generated to monitor and control tasks to keep the project on track and within budget.

Kōnae 4: Project Closing | 10 credits

This is the final phase of the project management process and indicates the end of the project. The aim of this kōnae ako is that the project manager will use project knowledge, tools and skills to confirm the completion of the project deliverables to the satisfaction of the project sponsor and to communicate final project outcomes. It is also useful to evaluate the project manager’s contributions to the project which will help improve future performance.