Frequently Asked Questions
Apply for Trainee
Why do we need to have Trainee?
To enter into the registration system and to start or continue teaching, using NZSL Level 1 resources. Trainees show interest in NZSL teaching and commit to NZSL teaching related Professional Development to extend their skills and knowledge.
When a new member joins the New Zealand Sign Language Teachers Association for the first time, they become a non-certified tutor or a supporting member. They are not part of the RAP registration system. They can only access NZSL Level 1 (Units 1 - 3) and NZSL for Families (Units 1 - 2) resources.
Why was my trainee application declined?
Your application may be declined for several reasons:
- providing incorrect videos or information
- the person supporting your application is not a current NZSLTA member and/or is not a Registered Qualified NZSL Tutor.
NZSLTA will contact you if we require further details to complete your application correctly.
Why can’t I click on the Trainee form (red button)?
You need to log in first before you can apply using the Trainee form.
What happens after I submit my trainee application?
NZSLTA will receive your application by email and will review your application within 5 working days.
If your application is approved, you will get notification by email from NZSLTA to confirm you are now on the Trainee status and provide you with access to Level One - Unit 4 & 5 and NZSL for Families - Unit 4 & 5 resources.
Why can't I submit my trainee application?
Check your application carefully to ensure you have completed all required fields and followed the instructions provided.
Still having trouble? Contact NZSLTA to help you.
Apply for Provisional or Qualified
What happens after I submit my application?
You will receive an email acknowledging receipt (a copy) of your application after you have submitted the form.
NZSLTA will receive your application by email and will review your application to ensure you have provided the correct information and supporting evidence for your teaching hours, qualifications, and professional development.
NZSLTA will contact you if we require further details to complete your application correctly before we pass your application onto our Registration Advisory Panel (RAP) team and they will assess your application.
The application process can take up to two months, you will receive an email letter informing you of the outcome of your application in due course.
If your application is approved, you will get an official letter by email from the Registration Advisory Panel (RAP) team to congratulate you on becoming Provisional or Qualified status depending on the outcome decision by the RAP team and provide you extra access to our resources.
Why was my application declined? What are my options?
This can be either:
- not enough teaching hours (you need between 90–200 NZSL teaching hours for Provisional status)
- no qualifications or your qualification(s) do not meet our criteria for NZSL teaching
- lack or not enough of professional development hours
What are my options?
- If you have more evidence to prove your teaching hours and/or professional development hours, then you need to reapply the application again.
- Try to get more teaching hours to achieve between 90 - 200 teaching hours.
- Do or complete your Certificate in Deaf Studies at Victoria University.
Why am I on Provisional status and not Qualified status?
Couple of reasons could be due to:
- not completing 'Certificate in Deaf Studies: Teaching NZSL' qualification (including teaching practicum paper - DEAF806) or equivalent.
- not enough teaching hours, need to achieve over 200 NZSL teaching hours in community education
Do I need to provide my CV documentation?
We do not require your CV for this application.
Why can’t I submit my Provisional or Qualified application?
Check your application carefully to ensure all required fields are completed and that you have followed the instructions and tips provided.
We encourage you to watch the videos in the Watch how to tutorial videos page before you apply for a Provisional or Qualified application.
Remember to save your form regularly as you continue updating your application, your information will NOT be lost, otherwise you will end up having to start all over again if not saved.
Still having trouble? Contact NZSLTA to help you.
Overseas trained tutors
Do I have to apply for qualified registration status in New Zealand even though I already have qualifications from overseas?
Overseas trained tutors, who gained their teaching qualification outside of New Zealand, will also need to provide evidence of their NZSL competency.
Can I teach in British Sign Language (BSL) or other sign languages in New Zealand?
NZSLTA’s vision is that everyone values and uses New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) in Aotearoa.
NZSLTA focuses on providing a registration system to make sure NZSL tutors have the skills and knowledge to teach NZSL.
General questions
Why do we have to go through this process to become a registered Qualified NZSL Tutor?
NZSLTA has a tutor registration system. This system ensures that NZSL teachers and tutors have the skills and knowledge to teach NZSL in community education in an appropriate and consistent way, and to be fair to all NZSL teachers and tutors across Aotearoa New Zealand.
All applicants who are studying to become a tutor, or applying for registration and certification, must meet the NZSL competency requirements.
This helps all NZSL students and education providers to know that we have high level standards and qualified tutors to be able to teach NZSL, which is why we have the NZSL Tutor Directory.
