New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4)
at WINTECFree ConsultationQUALIFICATION
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4)
Duration
1 Year Full-Time (Part-time options available for up to 2 years)
Location
Hamilton City Campus, Regional Delivery, or 100% Online
Fees
NZD 26,600
Entry Score
5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 or equivalent
Next Intake
February 2026 / July 2026
Programme Overview
This one-year Level 4 certificate provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to support individuals and whānau in social and community settings. The programme is designed for both those looking to enter the industry and current employees seeking qualification to meet the Pay Equity Settlement requirements.
A significant feature of the course is its flexibility; students can study face-to-face in Hamilton or via online Zoom sessions. The curriculum integrates 200 hours of mandatory practicum placement, allowing students to apply theory in a real-world setting under professional supervision.
What You'll Study
The programme consists of core compulsory modules followed by specialized strand-specific modules.
Core Compulsory Modules
- COMC409B: Introduction to the Health and Wellbeing Sector
- COMC410B: Theory for Practice
- COMC411: Te Ao Hauora Māori
- COMC412B: Societal Influences in Health and Wellbeing
- COMC413B: Working with Tangata
Specialization Strands (Choose One)
- Mental Health and Addiction Support: Focuses on autonomy, resilience, and addiction tools. (Includes Practicum 1 & 2).
- Whānau, Community, and Social Services: Focuses on community tools, goal identification, and reducing vulnerability. (Includes Practicum 1 & 2).
Why Choose This Programme?
- Pay Equity: This qualification meets the requirements for the Pay Equity Settlement Act 2017, directly linking the certificate to wage increases for industry employees.
- Practical Experience: 200 hours of supervised work placement (practicum) to build hands-on skills and professional networks.
- Pathway to Degrees: Serves as a gateway to higher education, such as a Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Counselling.
- Flexible Delivery: Options for face-to-face campus learning, rural online Zoom classes, or employer-supported online study.
Career Pathways
| Sector | Roles |
|---|---|
| Social Services | Youth Worker, Family Violence Support, Refugee Support |
| Community Support | Community Development, Social Justice Advocate, Housing Support |
| Health & Wellbeing | Mental Health Support Worker, Addictions Mentor, Tamariki Ora Support |
| Aged & Disability | Residential Care Support, Accessibility Officer, Aged Care |
Entry Requirements
- Academic (Secondary): 40 credits at NCEA Level 1 (including 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits).
- Tertiary/Work Pathway: A relevant NZQF Level 3 qualification or demonstration of equivalent work experience/knowledge.
- English: IELTS 5.5 overall (no band < 5.0) for non-native speakers.
- Safety Checks: All candidates must undergo Police vetting and safety checks as per the Children’s Act 2014. Candidates for the online cohort must be working at least 12 hours/week in a health/wellbeing organization.
