New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 6)
This certificate will provide you with the highest level of avalanche training available in New Zealand. You will enjoy being taught by the professionals and graduate with the ability to assume supervisory roles in all sectors of the industry. Your study will combine online theory with practical blocks comprising on-snow training and assessment.
Domestic
About the programme
Providing the highest level of professional training available in New Zealand, this programme will give you the chance to be taught by pros and graduate with the ability to assume supervisory roles in all sectors of the industry.
As the snowsport tourism industry grows and the emphasis on safe participation increases, there is a steady demand for qualified snow safety personnel around the world. Your expertise could lead to exciting employment opportunities in tourism ventures, numerous ski-field roles, guiding or roading operations.
The online nature of this programme ensures that you can fit your study around other commitments. This programme takes 20 weeks over 1-2 years (part-time) to complete.
International
About the programme
Providing the highest level of professional training available in New Zealand, this programme will give you the chance to be taught by pros and graduate with the ability to assume supervisory roles in all sectors of the industry.
As the snowsport tourism industry grows and the emphasis on safe participation increases, there is a steady demand for qualified snow safety personnel around the world. Your expertise could lead to exciting employment opportunities in tourism ventures, numerous ski-field roles, guiding or roading operations.
The online nature of this programme ensures that you can fit your study around other commitments. This programme takes 20 weeks over 1-2 years (part-time) to complete.
What You Study
Courses
| Course name | Credits |
| Decision Making and Operational Performance (theory) | 15 |
| Terrain and Snowpack Theory (theory) | 15 |
| Applied Avalanche Studies (practical recorded mentored feedback) | 15 |
| Field Training (theory and six-day practical block course) | 15 |
| Integrated Practical Application (seven-day final practical block course) | 10 |
Workload
Your workload
This programme takes 20 weeks over one to two years (part-time) to complete. It will include:
- online teaching and learning where learners will work through exercises and formative assessment to reinforce the learning
- a practical block where learners can consolidate their field-based skills several weeks prior to the integrated practical application block, where the final assessments take place
- further learning opportunities incorporating a reflective logbook, requiring mentored feedback that is mostly done in an operational (workplace) setting
- a range of assessment methods including practical (field) assessment, written assignments, presentations and written exams.
Dates for the online study component are flexible but there are certain completion requirements prior to attending the field training and integrated practical assessments which take place in Wānaka.
- Field training: 13 - 18 July 2025
- Integrated Practical Assessment (IPA): 6 - 12 September 2025
Entry
Entry requirements
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 (academic, no band score lower than 5.5) achieved in one test completed in the last two years, OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please note it's desirable that you have evidence of 100 days of using ARM level 5 skills, preferably in an operational and mentored environment (i.e. work experience).
Selection process
All applicants who meet the entry criteria are eligible for selection. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, students will be placed on a waiting list in the order that they applied.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email central@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
Need more info?
To have a chat about the programme before applying, please contact the Programme Manager peter.bilous@op.ac.nz
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
