About the qualification

The National Certificate in Sports Turf Management (Level 4) is the 'supervisory tradespersons' or 'apprenticeship' level qualification in the sports turf industry. This qualification provides a thorough grounding in the theoretical and practical skills necessary to manage sports turf up to supervisory level. These range from using and servicing sports turf equipment and the theory and practice of turf management, to supervising staff and managing budgets. Training encompasses turf management requirements of all major sports including:

• golf courses
• bowling greens
• tennis courts, croquet and fine turf areas
• cricket pitches and outfields
• sports fields
• race courses
• artificial turf

Achieving the qualification with the NZ Sports Turf ITO

The National Certificate in Sports Turf Management (Level 4) can be commenced at the outset of training or following completion of the National Certificate in Sports Turf (Introduction to Turf Care) Level 3 (the level 3 qualification is not a pre-requisite).

On-job learning is enhanced through down to earth training in turf management theory. This includes completing three one week block courses over three years with NZ Sports Turf Institute and a three year correspondence course with The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.

Most trainees complete this qualification in around three to three and a half years while working in the sports turf industry.

People with 10 or more years experience can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning towards the qualification and greatly reduce the time taken to achieve it.

Who is it for?

The National Certificate in Sports Turf Management (Level 4) is a must for everyone wanting to pursue a career in the sports turf industry. The in-depth training covering all major sectors provides the ideal basis for advancing in all turf industry sectors.