Our offerings

The e-learning specialist modules provide a great opportunity to further develop knowledge in hazardous substances into commonly occurring hazardous substances used throughout industry. We offer the following e-learning specialist modules as deeper dives into specific classes.

  • Classes 2 and 3 - Flammable gases and liquids

  • Class 5 - Oxidising substances

  • Classes 6 and 8 - Toxic and corrosive substances

  • Stationary Containers

Hazardous substances is an exciting, sustainable and developing career in an industry that’s critical to ensure the safety of New Zealanders and the protection of our environment. Joining the hazardous substances profession means you will have an important part to play while working in an exciting and sustainable career path.

Who are the specialist modules most suited to?

The specialist modules are suited to support people who wish to develop their hazardous substance knowledge for their workplace or professional development. They are also suitable for people who wish to progress their career to apply to become a compliance certifier or expand their certifier scope.

There are NO prerequisites to the specialist modules but it is recommended that before signing up and diving into an e-learning specialist module that a candidate:

  • has completed one or both hazardous substances foundation courses delivered by Massey University; or

  • has some current industry experience

How the specialist module packs work:

  • 1. Theory

    Specialist learning theory into HSNO hazardous substances classes. The modules are interactive with knowledge checks throughout. You will also learn how to carry out and provide a Compliance Certificate for the location for the chosen class(es).

  • 2. Automated Assessment

    An assessment testing the theory learned in the HSNO hazardous substances class(es). The assessment is fully automated and provides immediate feedback to the candidate.

  • 3. Applied assignment

    A simulated 360° virtual walk through of a fictitious site requiring a site audit. Candidates will be provided with the resources to complete a site audit report. This will be assessed by an assessor. Note: The stationary containers assignment uses case files only.

  • 4. Professional conversation

    Upon passing the site audit applied assignment, candidates will go on to have a professional conversation discussing their findings with an assessor.

  • 5. Digital badge

    Your digital award. Assessors recommend the award of a digital badge to successful candidates to the Hazardous Substances Programme Governance Panel, which meets four times a year.

Theory-only pack

The theory only pack contains the theory and automated assessment portions of the full pack. When you have achieved your automated assessment, you will receive a certificate. After completing the theory-only pack, you can purchase the assignment pack (for an additional fee).

Massey University Foundation courses in Hazardous Substances

Massey University’s College of Health is delivering two foundation courses to learners who want to gain a better understanding on the safe management of hazardous substances generally.

Click on the links below to find out more:

Massey website - Toxic Substances, Human Health and the Environment

Massey website -Special Topics Hazardous Substances Compliance Certifier

Toxic substances will be the prerequisite course for the Special Topic.

214.213 Toxic Substances, Human Health and the Environment will be available Semester 2, 2025.

250.318 Special Topic (Hazardous Substances Compliance Certifier) will be available Semester 1, 2026.

All products

Go at your own pace - you can start an e-learning specialist module at any time and have 12 months to complete the full pack. Note that you must complete each task in the order they are presented to you. Prices are GST exclusive.

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Applying to be a Hazardous Substance Compliance Certifier

A digital badge contributes to the demonstration of relevant qualifications and knowledge for an application to be authorised as a compliance certifier to WorkSafeNZ under Regulation 6.6 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 (the HS Regulations).

The full requirements to become an authorised compliance certifier is available on WorkSafe’s website.

FAQ

  • What is the pass mark for the theory component?

    The theory or learning modules do not have a pass mark. You can work through the learning module at your own pace, with optional knowledge checks to test your own learning.

  • What's the difference between the full packs and the theory-only packs?

    The theory only pack contains the theory and automated assessment portions of the full pack. The full pack contains the theory, automated assessment and assignment.

  • How long do I have to complete the full module pack, including the theory, automated assessment and applied assignment?

    You must complete the modules within 12 months of initial payment. Failure to complete within this timeframe will result in ineligibility to receive the digital badge. We recommend after passing the applied assignment, that you book in your professional conversation as soon as possible.

  • Do I have to pay again to re-sit the applied assignment?

    For minor re-sits at your assessors discretion, you will not have to pay for a re-marking. Each course package includes one re-assessment. Additional fees may incur if more than two assessments are required to pass.

  • What happens if I get stuck and I need some help with the theory, automated assessment or applied assignment?

    Contact Skills Consulting Group at [email protected]. We will help answer your question, or pass your query on to an assessor who can help.

  • I still have questions, who do I contact?

    Please contact us at Skills Consulting Group at [email protected]. We are here to help.

Acknowledgements

The specialist modules have been developed in partnership by the The Health and Safety Association of New Zealand (HASANZ), Hazardous Substances Professionals NZ (HSPNZ) and the NZ Institute for Hazardous Substances Management (NZIHSM), with the support of WorkSafeNZ.