Free Accredited Persons training
QCONZ charges $125 plus GST for its online AP Sea Container Course and the same for its refresher. SPS Biota lists its half-day AP course at $197 plus GST.
Biosecurity awareness training is free. MPI has an online biosecurity awareness module for everyone who works at a transitional facility, and QCONZ hosts it as a free online course. Capability Solutions runs its own free Biosecurity Awareness course as well.
Awareness training does not make you an Accredited Person. MPI's application asks for an Accredited Persons training certificate, and an awareness certificate is not one. Awareness training covers what biosecurity is and how it is managed at a facility.
If a course offers to make you an Accredited Person, check the provider is on MPI's register of accredited persons training providers before you enrol.
Accredited Persons training online
MPI requires you to complete and pass an MPI-approved course, and its application page does not set a delivery format. Three of the approved providers teach AP online.
- QCONZ runs the MPI Accredited Person Sea Container Course as self-paced eLearning. You can do one module at a time and come back to it, on any device.
- SPS Biota lists online training and a virtual classroom option alongside its in-person courses.
- IVS runs a live virtual classroom, taught in real time by a trainer who takes questions as you go.
Do your AP training online with QCONZ
The MPI-approved Accredited Person Sea Container Course, self-paced, $125 plus GST.
MPI requires all APs to have:
- A basic understanding of both written and spoken English
- A basic level of computer competency
- Phone and internet access to report container inspections
- Be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or legally entitled to work in NZ with a current valid working visa
- Completed an MPI-approved Accredited Person Training course and hold a valid AP Certificate of Training
MPI Accredited Person training in Auckland
Three of the five approved providers are based in Auckland, according to MPI's training providers list.
- Independent Verification Services (IVS), Airport Oaks. IVS also offers on-site training for groups of up to 15. Bookings through ivstraining.co.nz.
- SPS Biosecurity (SPS Biota), Penrose. SPS lists in-person AP courses at Penrose and Airport Oaks. Bookings through spsbiota.co.nz.
- New Zealand Biosecurity Academy, Albany. Details at biosecurityacademy.nz.
The other two are QCONZ in Hamilton and Biosecurity & Training South in Christchurch. The online courses can be done from an Auckland site or from home. MPI directs people to each provider for course dates and venues.
After the course
After you pass, you apply to MPI to be appointed as an Accredited Person. The steps are:
- Fill in MPI's appointment as an accredited person application form.
- Attach a copy of your current Accredited Persons training certificate.
- Send the completed application to MPI. Incomplete applications are put on hold until the missing information arrives.
- Once approved, MPI emails you RealMe login details for the Containers Checks Portal, where you report container checks.
MPI says approval can take up to six weeks. The form and current wording are on MPI's apply to get an accredited person approved page. For what the role involves day to day, see what an Accredited Person is in New Zealand.
Refresher training
Existing APs keep their training current with a refresher course. QCONZ's refresher is done online within two years of the last full course. IVS asks refresher participants for their existing AP number.