Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions are specific to Practical Training Solutions Auckland
Learners are also encouraged to read our Learner FAQs
Part 1: General
Glossary
During your time with Practical Training Solutions you may hear some new words. Here are explanations of some of them. If you read or hear anything else you don’t understand, just ask us.
Course delivery style
We offer several of our courses in different delivery styles, which means you can complete a course type in different ways. Delivery styles differ in the amount and type of pre-course learning and duration, nature and maximum group size of the practical session. All unit standard assessment is conducted during practical sessions. Our deliver styles are traditional (paper-based or online self-directed learning homework plus group practical session), blended (online learning plus small group practical session) and face-to-face (fully delivered face-to face in one or multiple practical sessions).
Entry Criteria (or prerequisites)
The minimum requirements a person must meet in order to enrol in a course. Entry criteria are described in our course information. If no entry criteria are described the course is open entry.
Learner (or student)
A learner is an alternative term for student or course participant.
NZQA
NZQA means the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
Online learning
Online learning is a component of courses delivered under our blended delivery style. To book on a blended style course learners must have a unique email address. Access to the online learning is sent to the learner’s email address. Online learning is made up of a series of lessons comprising written text, videos, website links and quizzes. The online learning must be completed before the practical session.
Practical session
A practical session is the face-to-face component of a course. It is conducted in a classroom setting.
Private Training Establishment
Practical Training Solutions is a Private Training Establishment (PTE). Private Training Establishments are registered with the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) and deliver training that has been approved by NZQA.
Refresher training
Non-unit standard-based certificates or certificates showing unit standards other than 6402, 6401 and 6400 can be refreshed by attending our first aid revalidation training providing they meet minimum content and time requirements. Due to the large range of first aid certificates issued in New Zealand, non-unit standard certificates are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine their eligibility for refresher training.
Revalidation training
Unit standard-based first aid certificates are valid for two years. To be eligible for first aid revalidation training, a learner must hold a valid first aid certificate that is no older than 2 years and 3 months. Revalidation training can only revalidate the unit standards of the previous certificate. If a certificate is not revalidated within three calendar months from the second anniversary date of issue, the learner will have to repeat the initial first aid training.
Sectors
Practical Training Solutions asks learners and organisations to specify the sector they belong to, typically their type of education, professional industry or community sector. We use this information to tailor our services and we offer a some sectors discounts.
Self-directed learning homework
The self-directed learning module is a component of courses delivered under our traditional course delivery style. The self-directed learning must be completed before the practical session.
Training scheme or micro-credential
Our first aid training scheme is titled ‘Workplace First Aider’. A training scheme is the type of study or training under which we deliver first aid training. This training scheme was developed by us to meet the needs of learners, workplaces and community organisations, specifically to have appropriately trained and confident workplace first aiders. Our Workplace First Aider training scheme is also called the Workplace First Aider course. Due to changes in NZQA regulation our training scheme will be transitioned into a micro-credential. This will not create any changes to our course content or delivery styles.
Code
When we refer to “the Code” in this document, we refer to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. The Code sets out the minimum standards of advice and care expected of New Zealand education providers to ensure the wellbeing of their domestic and international students. Practical Training Solutions is an approved signatory to the Code, which means that we are authorised to enrol international students. .
Domestic and international students
Section 10 of the Education and Training Act 2020 defines a domestic student as an individual who is a New Zealand citizen, or the holder of a residence class visa granted under the Immigration Act 2009 who satisfies the criteria (if any) prescribed by regulations made under subsection (2), or a person of a class or description of persons required by the Minister, by notice in the Gazette, to be treated as if they are not international students.
This means that non-New Zealand citizens or residents who meet any of the descriptors in the Gazette are treated as domestic students. The most common situation applicable to first aid training is a learner who is required by their employer for the particular work being undertaken. If this is the case, the learner can be enrolled as a domestic student.
International student
A student who is not a domestic student (see definition of domestic student).
Bookings and learner requirements
Processing of booking requests
By completing our booking form or making a booking via the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal a booking request is submitted. Booking requests are typically processed within one working day.
Bookings can only be confirmed if all requested information has been provided. Practical Training Solutions may seek additional information before confirming a booking.
Confirmation of booking
A booking confirmation email is sent to the learner and, if different, the person who made the booking. If no contact details have been provided for the learner, the booking organiser is responsible for passing on all relevant information to the learner.
Contact information
The person making the booking is responsible for providing accurate contact information, including learner and invoicing information.
All first aid courses have practical components and generally involve group participation. Learners must be physically able to perform first aid skills, including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the floor sufficiently long so that the Trainer can assess competency. The learner will also have to perform other activities, such as roll-overs on the floor.
Learners and/or organisers are asked about learners' physical limitation, medical conditions and learning difficulties at the time of booking and are expected to advise us of any matters that may affect their ability to participate in the course. We invite learners or organisers to contact us to clarify requirements or discuss options.
Learners need to be able to understand the course content and trainer instructions and need to be able to communicate with the trainer.
A translator may be used if a learner is not a confident English language speaker, providing this has been arranged with Practical Training Solutions at the time of booking or subsequently approved by Practical Training Solutions. The learner is required to meet all assessment criteria.
Learners can be accompanied by a Sign Language interpreter. Arrangements for this must be made at the time of booking.
First aid revalidation (or refresher) training in required every two years to maintain your certificate.
To be eligible for revalidation training, you must hold a valid first aid certificate that is no older than 2 years and 3 months. Your revalidation training can only revalidate your existing certificate, i.e., the unit standards assessed or revalidated during your previous course.
This means that, in order to obtain a revalidation certificate, you must complete all components of your revalidation training within 2 years and 3 months of the issue date of your previous certificate.
If you have not done your previous training with us, we need a copy your previous certificate for verification before we can issue your certificate. We request your previous certificate at the time of booking to ensure we can confirm eligibility and avoid potential difficulties during or after your practical session in case your previous certificate is not eligible.
Revalidation certificates are not issued until all course requirements, including proof of eligibility, are met.
If you are unable to provide a valid previous certificate, you need to complete the full course. An additional fee may apply if you require a separate practical session to completed your course.
Under the PTE Enrolment and Academic Records Rules 2022, all Private Training Establishments must collect the following enrolment information for each learner:
- full name and address;
- contact details for the student;
- the student’s national student number (where the student has a national student number);
- nationality and whether a domestic or international student;
- details of the student meeting the entry requirements of the education or training; and
- for international students, their visa (if any) and other immigration details and passport numbers.
Practical Training Solutions collects this information responsibly and meets all requirements of the Privacy Act 2020 and its privacy principles.
Request a session
If a practical session is scheduled under our Request a Session offer, the following terms and conditions apply:
- Practical sessions can be requested for blended Workplace First Aider, Revalidation First Aid, CPR, and Vaccinator CPR and Anaphylaxis courses.
- For standard course fees and discounts to apply a minimum of two learners is required. Names and email addresses must be provided for both learners at the time of making the request.
- If a session is scheduled for a single learner, an additional fee may apply. The fee, if applicable, is clearly communicated before the booking is confirmed.
- Once we receive your request we check if a trainer and venue is available for your requested date and time. If yes, we will schedule the session and send you information on how to complete your booking.
- Bookings must be completed within 2 working days of the requested practical session being confirmed. If after that time the bookings of all learners are not completed the practical session may be cancelled.
- A rebooking fee may apply if you change your practical session after the initial booking.
- No refunds are available for course fees if a practical session was scheduled on request.
- You do not enter into any financial commitments by submitting the request form.
Postponements
Practical Training Solutions reserves the right to cancel or postpone a practical session due to circumstances beyond our control. If we are required to cancel or postpone a session we will offer the learner and/or organiser the option to rebook on the next available session of their choice. We will work with the learner and/or organiser on a case-by-case basis to find a solution.
Rebookings
All rebooking requests must be made via the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal, via email or via phone during office hours.
Rebooking requests made by leaving a voice message outside office hours are deemed to be made at the time the Practical Training Solutions office opens.
One practical session rebooking can be made free of charge providing:
- The rebooking is requested more than 48 hours before the start of the practical session, and
- The learner and/or organiser has not been informed beforehand that rebookings are not available. This includes information provided in these terms and conditions.
For rebookings within 48 hours of the practical session or repeat rebookings, a $30 rebooking fee applies. In the event of three or more rebookings, multiple rebooking fees may apply.
Learners who do not attend their practical session without notifying us have the option to rebook a practical session held within 30 days of the original date (subject to availability). A rebooking fee applies. This offer is granted one time only and for subsequent rebookings the full course fee may be charged again.
If a booking is cancelled via the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal but the intention was to rebook the practical session, a rebooking fee may apply. This is due to the administrative effort required to reinstate the booking.
Course fees and payment
Invoice contact details
Invoices are sent to the contact provided by the learner or organiser at the time of booking. Invoice contact details cannot be changed after the booking has been submitted.
Due date
Course fee payments are due by the date shown on the invoice.
Payment methods
Payments can be made via online banking. Some Practical Training Centres offer additional payment methods. We cannot accept cheques.
Information to be provided with payment
Payments made via online banking must include the invoice number (or numbers) as reference or a remittance advice must be sent to the Practical Training Solutions email address from which the invoice was issued at the same time as payment is made. If this requirement is not met, any discounts may be revoked and the invoice may be amended (or a separate invoice issued) to reflect the full course fee.
Sector discounts
Sector discounts only apply if the correct sector was specified at the time of booking. Practical Training Solutions may request additional information to verify sector applicability.
Discounts apply as specified
Any discounts only apply as specified on the invoice, in promotional material, in emails or otherwise. Discounts are automatically revoked if specified conditions are not met, including if the course fee is received after the due date shown on the invoice. In this instance, the invoice is amended to reflect the full course fee. If the discounted course fee is paid despite no longer being applicable, the payment is reconciled as a part payment and the outstanding amount is payable.
Promotional vouchers
Vouchers must be presented at the time of booking. Vouchers cannot be used after expiry date. To receive a specified discount off a revalidation course the learner must be eligible to attend a revalidation course. Specific terms and conditions for vouchers are specified on the voucher or information provided with the voucher.
Course fees can not be transferred from one booking to another. This means organisations cannot cancel a booking for one person and use the course fee for the booking for another person.
Payment reminders are sent to the invoice contact provided on the booking form or in the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal at the time of booking.
Learners and/or organisation administrators in the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal are responsible for maintaining accurate invoice contact details.
Invoices unpaid 6 months after their due date will be sent to a debt collection agency.
Cancellations and refunds
All cancellation requests must be made via the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal, via email or via phone during office hours.
Cancellation requests made by leaving a voice message outside office hours are deemed to be made at the time the Practical Training Solutions office opens.
Refund eligibility depends on when the cancellation request was made as outlined below.
1. Cancellation within a cooling off period: If you request a cancellation within 48 hours of booking, you are eligible for a 100% refund of the course fee, providing your practical session is later than 48 hours after your cancellation request.
2. Cancellations within 48 hours of, or after, the start of the first booked practical session: If you request a cancellation less than 48 hours before your first booked practical session date or after your first booked practical session date, you are not eligible for a refund. Any unpaid course fees remain due.
3. Cancellations after the due date of invoices issued for bookings on courses without a practical session date: If you made a booking for a course without a practical session date and cancelled after the due date of the invoice issued for that booking, you are not eligible for a refund. Any unpaid course fees remain due.
4. Cancellations outside the circumstances described under 1-3 above:
- A $50 cancellation fee applies.
- If the course fee has already been paid, a refund of the course fee minus the cancellation fee will be made within ten working days providing all required information has been provided.
- If the course fee has not been paid, the initial invoice will be amended to reflect the cancellation fee. The due date remains unchanged.
Important note: If the cancellation fee is not paid by the invoice due date or an alternatively arranged date, the right of a course fee refund may be revoked. In this instance, the full initial invoice is payable. For the avoidance of doubt, in this instance your option to pay a $50 cancellation fee instead of the course fee is no longer available.
Request a session cancellations
No refunds are available for course fees if a practical session was scheduled on request.
Refunds will only be issued to the person or organisation that paid the course fee. Course fees are refunded via online banking. To issue refundsPractical Training Solutions must receive the following information: learner name, booking ID (provided on booking confirmation email), scheduled practical session date, name of workplace or organisation (if applicable), bank account number and account name.
Group bookings
Client responsibilities
Where Practical Training Solutions first aid courses are conducted at a venue operated, owned, or hired by a client:
- Completion of the Practical Training Solutions venue checklist forms part of the booking process.
- Bookings may be rejected or cancelled if the client fails to provide the completed venue checklist.
- Bookings may be rejected or cancelled if a venue is not suitable for the type of training requested and the number of learners.
- It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that the facilities meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990.
- During the time of the course, the client must grant access to relevant regulatory bodies, including NZQA, Toitū te Waiora and WorkSafe, if requested.
- During the course activities, Practical Training Solutions takes responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of all learners and Practical Training Solutions staff under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Venue requirements
All venues arranged by the client must be suitable for education and must meet health and safety requirements. A venue checklist is provided at the time of booking to enable Practical Training Solutions to assess venue suitability.
There must be sufficient seating for the number of participants and suitable floor space for practical activities and scenarios, which include learners working in groups and multiple learners lying on the floor.
Floor covering must be suitable for learners lying on the floor during practical activities.
The venue must be adequately ventilated and have appropriate heating and cooling. Accessible toilet facilities must be available.
Group course fees
Group course fees and conditions are specified at the time of booking.
Group course fee payment
The group course fee is due as specified on the invoice.
Change of group course date
The practical session dates for group courses can be changed provided we receive at least 5 working days’ notice. Alternative dates are subject to availability.
Group booking cancellations
If the course is cancelled within 5 working days prior to the course date a cancellation fee of up to $500 or 50% of the course fee (whichever is the lesser) may apply.
Non-attendance for group bookings
No refund or credit will be issued for learners who did not attend a group course. If suitable public courses are available, those who did not attend the course may be able to attend a public course within 30 days of the group course date. Whether this option is available is specified at the time of booking. A transfer fee may apply. The option of attending a public course may not apply to discounted courses.
If first aid training is organised on behalf of learners, the booking contact person is responsible for ensuring that all learners have received and area aware of any relevant information and instructions.
For group courses delivered under the traditional delivery style, the booking contact person is responsible for ensuring that all learners receive the self-directed learning homework and correct instructions for completing it.
If no learner email addresses and/or mobile phone numbers are provided at the time of booking, it is the responsibility of the booking contact person to ensure that learners receives all relevant information and instructions.
Pre-course learning
The pre-course learning is a compulsory course component for courses delivered under the traditional or blended delivery style. No certificates are issued if the pre-course learning has not been completed.
If a learner has not completed their pre-course learning by the time their booking expires (see section Administration below) they can no longer complete their course. If they require a first aid certificate, they will have to book and pay for a new first aid course.
Pre-course learning (self-directed learning homework or online learning) must generally be completed before the start of the practical session. Where arrangements have been made to complete parts of the pre-course learning after the practical session (for example, if initially not completed to the required standard), it must be completed after the finish time of the practical session.
Under no circumstances must the pre-course learning be completed during the practical session, including breaks. This is to ensure that learning during the practical session is effective and first aid course time requirements are met.
The self-directed learning homework can be replaced by a separate face-to-face practical session for learners who decided, after booking on a traditional delivery style course, that they prefer face-to-face delivery.
learning environment
Practical Training Solutions provides a respectful, safe and enabling learning environment. No harassment and/or discrimination will be tolerated.
To ensure that all learners and staff understand their rights and responsibilities, Practical Training Solutions has a Learner Code of Conduct and Wellbeing that is displayed during practical sessions and provided to all learners. All learners and Practical Training Solutions staff must follow this code of conduct.
Learners who feel harassed and/or discriminated against should follow the feedback, grievances and complaints process.
Trainers may request that learners who are disruptive, breach our Learner Code of Conduct or whose behaviour or attitude adversely affects other learners, be removed from the practical session when it is fair and reasonable to do so. In this case, the learner will be given the opportunity to express their view first. The trainer will make all reasonably possible attempts to support the learner in addressing and correcting their behaviour.
Learners who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will be turned away from the practical session and will be required to rebook on another available date. This will incur additional cost.
Learners who are obviously ill and risk infecting other learners may be turned away from the practical session and will be required to rebook on another available date.
Learners must silence their mobile phones during their practical session and schedule any calls and/or text messages for break times.
Learners who need to use their phone as a matter of urgency should inform their trainer as early as possible.
If a learner is on the phone, the practical session must be interrupted until the end of the phone call to ensure that the learner does not miss content. This extends the session time for all participants.
If other learners are disadvantaged because of excessive phone use, the learner using their phone may be asked to leave the session and reschedule. Additional fees apply.
Practical Training Solutions training venues are smoke free environments. Learners may only smoke in designated smoking areas. Ask your trainer where venue-specific smoking areas are located.
Practical Training Solutions does not provide childcare facilities. No children or babies are permitted in the classroom during the practical session, unless arranged at the time of booking. Practical Training Solutions may refuse a request to bring children or babies to the practical session.
Appropriate facilities to breastfeed or express milk can be made available for use during breaks. Please notify us before your training session date if you require this service.
Assessment and participation
Learners must participate in and complete all learning and assessment activities to become certified. If learners have difficulties with any activities, they need to talk to their Trainer as early as possible.
To achieve a certificate of completion and NZQA unit standards, learners are required to demonstrate competency in a range of tasks, including simulated emergency situations. Learners must complete all assessment tasks.
The trainer will explain what learners are expected to do as part of assessment and what they need to demonstrate in order to meet requirements. Learners must listen to and read all instructions carefully before the start of assessment. They are expected to ask questions if they do not understand what is expected of them.
Learners are observed by the trainer or another learner, and evidence of performance will be documented. To confirm learners’ understanding of first aid knowledge, the trainer may ask them to describe what it is they are doing and why. The trainer may also ask additional verification questions to confirm learner knowledge. On completion of each task learners will be told whether they have met the assessment requirements. If they have not yet met the requirements, they will be provided with the opportunity to be reassessed.
If learners are assessed as not yet competent on any part of the assessment they will have at least one opportunity for reassessment. Scenario reassessments will be done using a different scenario. The trainer will explain what they need to improve and give opportunity for further training if requested.
If learners are not satisfied with the outcome of their assessment, they can appeal the assessment outcome. In this event learners are encouraged to speak with their Trainer in the first instance. Learners can also contact other staff at Practical Training Solutions or NZQA (0800 697 296 or https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/contact-us/).
Practical Training Solutions recognises that some learners have difficulties in assessment environments and encourage requests for special assessment conditions, such as support with reading, writing or additional rest breaks. Learners or those organising first aid training on behalf of learners are encouraged to talk to us as early as possible if this applies so that we can remove barriers to achievement and give everybody a fair opportunity to successfully complete their training. Special assessment conditions are assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that entitled learners can demonstrate their knowledge and skills, without providing unfair advantage over other learners.
Learners are expected to arrive at the time stated in their confirmation email. Practical sessions start on time.
Learners who arrive late may not be able to join the practical session and may need to reschedule. This is because they would be missing content, interrupt other learners and fail to meet NZQA time requirements. A rebooking fee applies in these situations.
Learners who are late due to exceptional circumstances may be allowed to join the session providing the trainer has time work through the course component(s) they missed. Learners may be given additional activities to complete (for example a quiz) to make up for lost time.
Practical session break times are specified by the trainer.
Learners must return back from breaks on time because they must attend the full practical session. If a learner arrives late from a break, they may be asked to leave the practical session and reschedule for the part of the session they missed. This will incur additional costs.
Administration
First aid certificates are evidence that a earner has completed all course requirements. Course certificates are only be issued once all course requirements are met.
Certificates are available for download from the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal.
First aid certificates are generally valid for a period of two years.
Learners and, for group bookings, organisers, are informed of any outstanding course components or requirements after the practical session. Learners have up to 6 months after booking to complete their training and fulfill outstanding course requirements. After that time the booking is deemed expired (see information ‘Booking expires after 6 months’ below).
If course requirements have not been completed 6 months after booking (if no practical session date was selected at the time of booking) or 6 months after the date of the first practical session chosen, the booking is deemed expired unless prior arrangements have been made with Practical Training Solutions. A certificate is issued for any training components that have been completed, if any. Expired bookings may no longer show in the learner’s or organisation’s Practical Training Solutions Online Portal.
Learners who would like to have unit standard credits recorded on their New Zealand Record of Achievement (NZROA) need to inform us at the time of booking or afterwards in writing. Learners must provide us with their National Student Number (NSN) and date of birth or request a NSN to be created for them. This information can be provided on the booking form, in the Practical Training Solutions Online Portal, via email or by completing the relevant section of their enrolment form during the practical session.
Requests to report credits and required information (including NSN and date of birth) need to be provided to us within two months of completion of training so that we can report credits in a timely manner.
The cost for reporting NZQA credits of $15 per learner.
NZQA credits are processed within ten working days of us receiving all required information or course completion (if information was provided before course completion) and payment.
Practical Training Solutions does not take any responsibility for lost mail. This applies to any documents sent by Practical Training Solutions or documents sent by learners or organisations.
Any information provided during first aid training is for educational purposes only and should not be used to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.
Practical Training Solutions complies with the Privacy Act 2020. Personal learner information is stored in a secure database that is managed by Practical Training Solutions.
The information collected by Practical Training Solutions is intended for use in connection with the education and well-being of the learner and may be used by relevant staff of Practical Training Solutions or government department (NZQA, MOE) in connection with that purpose. Learners have right of access to and correction of the personal information collected by Practical Training Solutions.
All Learners and clients are encouraged to provide feedback and, if they feel aggrieved, raise grievances. Feedback can be provided verbally to your trainer, administration staff, via our website or by email. We see feedback as an opportunity for improvements and provide effective procedures for investigating and resolving any issues raised.
If learners are not satisfied with any aspect of training, please follow these steps:
- In the first instance, speak with your trainer.
- If the issue is still unresolved, speak with or write to the Training Manager (email [email protected] Attn: Training Manager, send a letter by post, call or make an appointment to visit the Training Manager at our national office). If you choose to lay a formal complaint, please note that a complaint form (available on our website) must be completed and submitted.
- If the grievance is still unresolved, you can raise your concerns with NZQA. You can contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) by phone on 0800 697 296 or email [email protected]. Please visit www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/make-a-complaint/make-a-complaint-about-a-provider/ for NZQA information on how to make a formal complaint.
Fees
Fees are listed in Part 2 below.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the content of this information is correct. The information is subject to a continuous process of review and improvement. Practical Training Solutions therefore reserves the right to make changes to training offerings and any other content. Practical Training Solutions will not accept liability for any errors or omissions contained in this information nor for any subsequent actions that may arise as a consequence of decisions made based upon its contents.
Part 2: PTS Auckland specific
Fees
This section lists various fees that may be charged in addition to course fees. Fees are subject to change. Please refer to your correspondence or contact us for fees that may apply to you. These terms and conditions describe in what instances these fees apply. Application of fees by Practical Training Solutions Auckland is discretionary.
- Rebooking fee: $30
- Non attendance fee: $30
- Cancellation fee: $50
- NZQA registration fee: $15