Civil Trades is an industry certification that puts civil construction professionals on the same footing as other recognised tradespeople such as builders, plumbers and electricians, making the career path clear for apprentices and aspiring civil tradespeople.

It combines a level 4 trade qualification with demonstrated, evaluated experience and competencies to prove skills (approx. 4,000 hours).

Civil Trade Certification: Strengthening New Zealand’s Infrastructure Future

Civil Trade Certification represents a critical investment in professional excellence that delivers measurable returns for both individual tradespeople and New Zealand’s civil construction sector as a whole.

Individual Value Proposition

For qualified tradespeople, Civil Trade Certification provides formal recognition of specialised skills in infrastructure development, opening pathways to higher-responsibility roles and enhanced earning potential. Certified professionals demonstrate mastery of industry standards, safety protocols, and technical competencies that are increasingly demanded on complex infrastructure projects. This certification differentiates skilled workers in a competitive market while providing structured career progression opportunities within the civil construction industry.

Sector-Wide Impact

For New Zealand’s civil construction sector, widespread adoption of Civil Trade Certification addresses critical workforce development challenges while elevating industry standards. As the country faces substantial infrastructure investment needs—from transportation networks to water systems and housing developments—having a certified workforce ensures projects are delivered with consistent quality, safety, and efficiency.

Certification programs help standardise best practices across the sector, reduce workplace incidents, and improve project outcomes through enhanced technical competency. This creates a positive feedback loop where higher standards attract better talent, leading to improved industry reputation and increased public confidence in civil construction projects.

Economic Benefits

The certification framework supports New Zealand’s economic resilience by building local capability, reducing reliance on imported expertise, and ensuring infrastructure investments deliver long-term value. Certified tradespeople contribute to faster project delivery, reduced rework costs, and improved safety records—all factors that enhance the sector’s productivity and competitiveness.

From submission of application to final Civil trades Board approval, new Civil Trades certificates can take between 8 and 18 weeks, depending on variables such as awaiting payment, applicants availability for the evaluation and timing of a monthly Civil Trades Board meeting.  Annual registrations skip the 45-evaluation window so can be a 4-week process if payment is made quickly and it aligns with an upcoming Civil Trades Board meeting.

1. New application.

    Application and documents are submitted and then checked by the Civil Trades coordinator.

2. Pending Payment

   On average, businesses can take six weeks for payment.

3. Pending Evaluation

   This can take up to 45 days depending on applicant and referee availability

4. Pending Decision

   Board Approval- up to 4 weeks (board meetings are monthly)

5. Decision Given

   With the final approval from the Civil Trades Board a certificate is ordered and then couriered to the applicant’s workplace.

New Civil Trades Certification fees

• $800 Including all endorsements (CCNZ members only)
• $950 Including all endorsements (Non CCNZ member rate)
  

Annual registration fee

We have implemented an annual registration fee effective 1st January 2025 which replaces the previous 3 yearly recertification.
Annual registrations will require a letter of attestation from your employer.

• $175 - Annual registration fee
• $500 - Annual Registration evaluation (if there has been moderate absence from the industry since previous certification or the addition of endorsements)

Get recognised for your prior knowledge and experience as an infrastructure tradesperson through APA at Connexis APA recognises your existing skills and knowledge against a nationally recognised trade qualification.