Qualification Clarification Level3

There are some technicians who are still confused as to where they stand with their level 3 qualification. So let us clarify this once and for all.

Open polytechnic Level 3 Cert in Sterilising technology  Ref OP 3171 issued pre 2019- the holder of this certificate is considered a graduate member of the NZSSA and  the holder is considered a qualified sterile technician as long as they have been working in that role. This is the required qualification to work in a Hospital environment within NZ.

Open Polytechnic level 3 Certificate  Ref OP3218  issued post 2019 This certificate was not designed for sterile technicians working in a hospital environment. It was designed for those undertaking sterilisation in environments such as beauty and tatoo parlours. The holder is not a graduate member of the NZSSA.  To become a graduate member the holder MUST complete the level 4 Certificate in sterilising technology.

Please also note that the OP level 3 certificate Ref OP3218 will not make the holder eligible for a green list straight to residence visa via Immigration NZ