The New Zealand Certificate in Regulatory practice is the purpose built and sector aligned qualification for upskilling staff working in the regulatory world.

From local councils to central government agencies, Regulatory Practice qualifications are the go-to professional development tool and induction tool for those working in regulatory and compliance roles.

Four Fit-for-Purpose Qualifications, one Pathway

EarnLearn Services offers four distinct Regulatory Practice Qualifications each designed to suit different roles and levels of responsibility These qualifications provide the perfect pathway for those starting out or wanting to build on their learning.

• Core Knowledge: Perfect for onboarding new staff, this entry-level qualification builds foundational understanding of the regulatory environment and the key principles of compliance, enforcement, and customer service.
• Operational Knowledge: Designed for those actively working in the field, this pathway sharpens decision-making, case management, and regulatory tools needed on the front line.
• Operational Practice: Tailored for professionals involved in more complex compliance or enforcement roles, with a focus on investigation, intervention strategies, and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Specialised Operational Practice: A specialist pathway for those in investigative, auditing, and inspection roles, particularly relevant to organisations like Customs, where formal recognition of investigative practice is essential.

NZ Custom Service Leads by Example

The New Zealand Customs Service has been involved with Regulatory Practice since its inception.

Over the years, hundreds of Customs staff – from operational teams to corporate staff – have completed different qualifications, with the Core Knowledge qualification being the biggest uptake.

The Specialised Operational Practice has also been a great success as a development opportunity for Customs investigators, as it directly recognises and reflects their specialist field of expertise.

“This qualification not only supports new staff in their development framework, it also gives our experienced team members a chance to gain formal recognition for the important regulatory work they do every day,” says the Customs Learner Support and Assessor.

“After completing and achieving a qualification, common feedback has been that the experience has definitely given them further insight into a higher level of awareness, of how their role and their organisation contributes to protecting over 15,000 kms of regulated environment – being New Zealand’s borders.

Not only do the various programmes reinforce their understandings of the ‘what’ and ‘how’ around their roles, (and also discovering about other roles/functions within Customs), but they also bring out the ‘why’ they do – what they do, in a stewardship capacity.

Dealing with Te Pūkenga Earnlearn has been brilliant over the years. From their technical support through to our Account Manager (Denise Barkess), nothing has been too much trouble and any matters that need attention are always dealt with in a prompt, efficient, and professional manner.”

A Timely Reminder

If you’re welcoming new staff into your regulatory team – whether in local government, central government, a Crown entity, or wanting to develop your team’s public sector knowledge – now is the perfect time to enrol them in Regulatory Practice.

It’s more than a qualification; it’s a foundation for confident, capable regulatory professionals – with the skills and mindset to steward Aotearoa’s future.

Explore the study options here.