New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3)

Summary

Start your electrical engineering training with the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3) (NZCEP). This pre-trade programme is a significant first step in electrical training before you enter into an apprenticeship arrangement with an employer.

You’ll learn and develop Level 3 competencies such as:

• Fault diagnosis and testing techniques
• Safe practices
• Electrical legislation
• Installation and maintenance of electrical equipment
• Communicating with stakeholders on electrical and related matters

This qualification is suitable for a career in becoming a registered electrician and related electrical fields or further education in Electrical or Electronics Engineering.

Highlights

• Once you have completed this qualification, you could gain cross credits into the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 4.
• Practical experience reflecting real-world application
• We offer flexible learning options.
• Graduates of this qualification can progress into studying New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) or Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical)
• NZCEP graduates fulfil the practical assessment for the Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed) (EASQ) class ofElectrical Workers Registration Board registration.
• It is a nationally developed and recognised qualification.

Qualification pathway

Once you’ve completed this programme you’ll receive the qualification New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3).

Graduates of this qualification will be able to work within the electrical industry as an electrical apprentice, including maintaining current competency and communicating with stakeholders on electrical and related matters in the context of the wider electrical industry and under supervision in a controlled environment. You will also have the option to progress into further education, such as the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) or Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical)

Graduates of this programme intending to work within the electrical industry or pathway into further education will be required to work in physically demanding environments.  If you face fitness or mobility challenges, this programme may not be suitable for you.  Please contact us at 0800 10 95 10 or email us at study@unitec.ac.nz to discuss your options.

Career Options

• Apprentice electrician

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$7,700

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3) NZCEP-Tool List 2022.docx_0_0 Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awards[Student Life](https://www.unitec.ac.nz/current-stud...