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NZ Certificate in Business Level 4 (First Line Management)

Get set for career success

Build the confidence to lead, inspire, and manage teams effectively with this fees-free NZ Certificate in Business (First Line Management Level 4).

Learn to adapt to diverse workplace environments, communicate with clarity, and apply culturally responsive leadership practices.

This NZQA-accredited business management course is designed around current best-practice leadership skills — preparing you to step up, take charge, and play a key role in your organisation’s success.

Study business management online anywhere in New Zealand with flexible learning options that fit your lifestyle.

Enrol now, all you need is a computer and internet access, we even supply you with Office365 for your studies.

Student studying NZ Certificate in Business (Level 4) – First Line Management online

*All of our programmes are available fees free to New Zealand Residents, New Zealand citizens and Australian Citizens residing in New Zealand for the duration of their studies.

Duration: 40 Weeks Part-Time (15 hours weekly) or 20 Weeks Full-Time (35 hours weekly)

Fees: Zero fees, no hidden costs or textbooks

Upcoming Intake Date: January 19th 2026 PT only
February 16th 2026 PT & FT

online course information

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Programme Content

This NZQA recognised programme is worth 60 NZQA credits.

The four courses below completed during this programme are each worth 15 credits.

 

Courses covered:

LEADING TEAMS

  • Business Leadership Styles
  • Applying Leadership Skills
  • Business Communication Skills
  • Communicating with Stakeholders
  • Professional and Ethical Business Behaviour
  • Socially and Culturally Appropriate Business Behaviour

WORKFLOW OBJECTIVES

  • Business Workflow Objectives
  • Applying Workflow Objectives to a Process
  • Business Workflow Issues
  • Problem Solving in Business
  • Decision Making and Taking Action
  • Communicating with Management

INCLUSIVENESS AND MOTIVATION

  • Motivational Theories
  • Business Team Motivation
  • Business Team Culture
  • Workplace Diversity
  • Creating an Inclusive Business Environment

MANAGE WORKFLOWS

  • Planning Business Workflows
  • Allocating Tasks in the Workflow
  • Monitoring Business Workflows
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Workflow Issues
  • Communicating to Management

Download our brochure here to view detailed course content

Further Information

All studies are completed online in your own environment. Studies are conducted using the Canvas eLearning platform along with regular virtual tutor support. Students require a computer and internet access. All of the necessary materials required to successfully complete assessments will be available through the learning platform.

Students must be 16 years of age and residing in New Zealand for the duration of their studies. This programme is only available to New Zealand & Australian Citizens and Residents.

Students will be required to have NCEA Level 2 or the equivalent, this includes a minimum of 10 numeracy and 10 literacy credits at Level one or higher on the Directory of Assessment Standards; and 60 credits at Level two or above with at least 12 credits in each of three subjects including a minimum of 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori;

Provisional Entry

Students aged 20 or older that do not hold the minimum entry requirements for a programme will be eligible to be enrolled as a student where their previous educational, work or life experience indicates they have a reasonable likelihood of success. Should you not hold the required minimum entry requirements for a programme, you may also be eligible to enrol in exceptional circumstances. Such decisions will be made by the School of Business Manager.

Through completion of the programme graduates will be able to:

Technical knowledge and skills

  • Manage work flows in an operational context to achieve team objectives.
  • Assess against agreed criteria and respond appropriately to achieve operational objectives.

People skills

  • Motivate and involve a team to achieve the team’s objectives and contribute to the entity’s objectives.
  • Communicate to develop relationships with team members and stakeholders.
  • Manage relationships within a team to sustain a productive workplace environment.
  • Promote an inclusive environment to value diversity for positive performance for the entity.

Affective skills

  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour, in a socially and culturally appropriate manner in leading a team.

Business environment

  • Adapt leadership styles for effectiveness in different environments.
  • Comply with internal policies, legislation and other external requirements for the entity.

Education Pathway

Graduates of this qualification may progress to:

  • New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) find out more here
  • New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6)
  • Other relevant industry qualifications.

Employment Pathway

Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to work as a first line manager with responsibility for the performance of others, in a business entity.

Where transfer of credit for previous study is being applied for, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Form must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the Intake start date.

See the Recognition of Prior Learning section for full RPL criteria and details on how to undertake an application.

What is First Line Management?

First Line Management involves supervising and leading frontline staff, managing day-to-day operations, and ensuring that company policies are followed.

Is this course NZQA recognised?

Yes, this course is NZQA-accredited, ensuring that it meets national educational standards.

How long is this course?

It can take 40 weeks for part-time students or 20 weeks for full-time students.

What skills will I gain from this course?

Upon completing the programme, graduates will gain technical knowledge and skills, people skills, affective skills, and a deeper understanding of the business environment.

Where is this course located?

This course is offered entirely online, so you can study from anywhere in New Zealand.

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Students need to be 16 years old and older, reside in NZ for the duration of their studies, be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident, and have NCEA Level 2 or equivalent.

Is this course suitable for full-time workers?

Yes, the flexible online format allows you to study at your own pace, making it ideal for full-time workers.

Will this course help me progress my career?

Yes, it provides practical skills and a nationally recognised qualification that can help advance your career in management.

How much does this course cost?

The course has no fees, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

Have a question? Call us on 0508 626 243