CAP Course Information
How to apply to do the CAP
Here at LEC we run 2 processes our standard online learning followed by up to 4 weeks in clinical placement and an in-house co-hort model which includes some clinical hours as well as in-house simulated testing.
When you want to start your CAP course follow the following pathway:
Course outline and competence testing process
Welcome to Lonsdale Education Centre (LEC) Competence Assessment Programme (CAP). In this programme we assess the practice of internationally qualified nurses (IQN) and New Zealand trained return to work nurses (RTW). If their practice meets the regulatory bodies standards, they will enter the register for New Zealand Registered Nurses and be able to work with New Zealand patients.
The programme is delivered in two parts, using established adult education methodology. The first part contains a suite of modules that relate to New Zealand specific nursing theory (NZSNT). The learning is tested using computer-based testing (CBT) and can occur prior to the applicant travelling to New Zealand. The second part of the programme requires applicants to demonstrate safe nursing practice within the New Zealand context. It is called New Zealand nursing practice (NZNP). It is distinct from the first part of the programme in that candidates complete an Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and a clinical placement. Each part must be passed to continue onwards and has its own associated fees and rules. Please see the pathway below for a visual representation of the process and fees.
Important time frames:
NZSNT - must be completed within 4 weeks of payment
NZNP - must complete the entire programme (including clinical placement) within 6 months of payment and/or subject to clinical placement availability at the time
How many times can the applicant repeat?
NZSNT - as many times as required, each fee has one attempt and one re sit allowed
NZNP - OSCE testing maybe virtual or face to face, one attempt and one re sit, clinical placement - once with extension of hours if required, dependent on individual competence and progress
What is the pass mark?
It is appropriate to the standards of the workforce and educational best practice. The grade is expressed Met or Not Met as is standard in New Zealand nursing practice.
What happens if applicants MEET the standard?
Applicants are given access to NZSNT after they have met the entry criteria. They have 4 weeks to complete this part of the CAP. The uptake of theory is assessed using CBT testing. Once they have met the standard, they are given permission to purchase the NZNP. It is at this point they must prepare for the OSCE. The OSCE will be tested either virtually or face to face. If they successfully meet the standard, clinical placement will be arranged for them in New Zealand. Once this is successfully completed applicants are referred to NZNC as competent to practice and are issued with NZ registration by the NZNC.
What happens if applicants DO NOT meet the standard:
Applicants are given access to NZSNT after they have met the entry criteria. They have 4 weeks to complete this part of the CAP. The uptake of theory is assessed using CBT testing. If they do not meet the standard, they are offered one re-sit via CBT. If they again do not meet the standard, they must re purchase the NZSNT and start from the beginning. If they fail to meet the CBT standard within 4 weeks of payment LEC will send a polite reminder of this.
The OSCE is tested either virtually or face to face. If applicants do not successfully meet the standard, they are offered one re-sit, and post testing feedback. If they again do not successfully meet the standard, they are disenrolled from the programme, and are free to pursue other CAP providers as they see fit. Should the candidate apply for a General Manager review all the circumstances surrounding the failure will be reviewed and an alternative outcome may be offered, however this will not include a refund and may incur reasonable additional costs. At LEC the OSCE and clinical placement components are only available once, as they test applicants’ ability to provide safe care.
If applicants meet the OSCE standard but not the clinical placement standard, they are disenrolled from the programme and are free to pursue other CAP providers.
Will applicants receive post programme documents?
Yes they are awarded a certificate of completion.
What is the fee for each part of the course?
LEC CAP is described in two components, and each attracts a separate fee as described on our CAP Course page: https://lec.ac.nz/cap-courses
- Please note that our fees may vary depending on current market forces.
What are the steps to completing the CAP?
Step 1. Read the website and FAQ page.
Step 2. The applicant must ensure they have received a request from the NZNC to complete a CAP. They cannot apply before receiving this instruction from NZNC.
Step 3. Complete the registration form found under CAP courses, NZSNT, “register here”. Upload the following documents: An updated and complete CV, Passport evidence (photo page), NZNC CAP letter, and evidence of language testing, either OET or ILETS.
Step 4. Watch email for a response from LEC within 14 business days. Use an email address that is specific and private to the applicant and that is monitored on a regular basis. Answer any questions LEC may ask promptly.
Step 5. When the applicant has successfully uploaded the required documents and met LEC’s entry criteria, they will be invited to pay for the NZSNT part of the CAP via stripe secure payment. When payment is received the applicant will be granted access to the online learning modules to complete NZSNT. The typical time allowed for this is 4 weeks from date of payment.
If the applicant fails to meet the standard after one re-sit, they will be offered the option to start the cycle again with associated fees. If they choose not to restart, LEC will disenroll them and they are free to continue their CAP journey with another provider.
Note: the content of the programme is protected by copy right laws and any infringement of these rights will be grounds for applicant disenrollment.
Step 6. After meeting the standard of the NZSNT, the applicant will be invited to pay for and start the NZNP part of the CAP. They have up to 6 months to complete the entire CAP this is also subject to availability of clinical placements. If they do not complete the programme within this time, they will be automatically disenrolled unless they have arranged for an extension, at least fourteen working days prior to the last day of their course.
An extension may be granted under exceptional circumstances by the Manager. Failure to arrive in New Zealand due to matters within the applicant’s control will not be considered exceptional circumstances. This includes decisions made that do not reconcile with usual practice or LEC’s reasonable advice. Unplanned pregnancy or refusing to travel due to childcare issues is not usually considered exceptional circumstances.
The NZNP (OSCE) part is conducted either virtually or face to face, and in clinical placements across New Zealand. These are in Aged Residential Care, Private hospitals, and Te Whatu Oras. Applicants must study and prepare carefully. It is here LEC tests newly gained and complex knowledge about nursing in New Zealand, communication abilities in English, decision making, clinical knowledge and patient care. LEC expects consistent demonstration of professional abilities and safe practice. applicants may re-sit the OSCE testing once within the original fee.
If applicants pass the OSCE, they will then be assigned a clinical placement. It typically takes four weeks or 20 shifts for candidates to demonstrate their New Zealand standard, safe practice. The placement will be sourced from existing stock and within the capacity of the relationships already existing between LEC and health care providers. Although applicants may feel they have specific requirements, LEC reserves the right to select the placement based on a number of factors including applicant preference. It is important for applicants to understand that changes in travelling arrangements, that have not been notified in a timely fashion will likely result in disappointment. This is because LEC makes every effort to match up applicants with their preferred geographic location and environment, but they do not guarantee the workforce can meet the applicants’ unique specifications. The length of the clinical placement may be adjusted to suit the needs of the applicant and the placement. The applicant will need to demonstrate competence across a range of nursing skills and provide evidence of safe decision making throughout the clinical placement to meet NZNC standards.
If applicants need further information about what they are being evaluated against they should review the following document.