SPELD NZ Assessor training focuses on the administration and interpretation of the Woodcock-Johnson test batteries. It’s aimed at those who have the required NZCER Level C grading.
NZCER Registration Process
Individuals who register with NZCER at Level C are experienced in their field of expertise to postgraduate study level, and will have background and experience in the use of psychometric assessments.
The two prerequisite psychology papers give the basics only that are needed to interpret detailed psychometric batteries. These are complex and important decisions about individuals and it is essential that this information is accurate. This is very different to academic assessment.
Please read NZCER’s booklet for background information on Level C registration.
If you have not yet got your Level C registration, but believe that you are eligible, we’ll send NZCER your credentials on your behalf.
SPELD NZ Assessor Training
To be a SPELD NZ Assessor, you must successfully complete:
- Part A: Certificate in Diagnostics: Introduction to the Woodcock Johnson IV, SPELD NZ Assessment and Report Writing, and
- Part B: SPELD NZ Certificate in Assessment and Report Writing.
Part A: The Certificate in Diagnostics: Introduction to the Woodcock Johnson IV, SPELD NZ Assessment and Report Writing is a comprehensive part time seven-month course. It focuses on developing the background knowledge needed to effectively administer the WJ IV and interpret the results. This is a mainly online course with a compulsory five-day face-to-face workshop in Auckland, probably during the July school holidays. The course covers acquisition of reading skills, identification of specific learning disabilities, use of the WJIV assessment batteries, report writing, and three to five mentored practice assessments reports.
More details on course content is available on request.
Part B: The SPELD NZ Certificate in Assessment and Report Writing is a ‘train while you work’ course. Participants must have successfully completed SPELD NZ’s Certificate in Diagnostics and have been identified as suitable candidates to become a SPELD NZ Assessor. Course participants work as SPELD NZ Probationary Assessors and complete a minimum of four paid assessments under the supervision of a mentor. Participants will have a maximum of eight months from invitation date to complete the practicum, but earlier completion is possible. During this training, no report is to be sent to a client until the mentor has approved the release.
We recommend you dedicate approximately 10-12 hours a week for the guided reading and viewing tasks, contributing to online discussions and completing assignments. However, you may need to dedicate additional time over the four weeks following the workshop when you will be analysing assessment data and writing your first report.
See below for details on how to apply for SPELD NZ assessor training and the eligibility requirements.
2025 Course fee was $3900 plus GST.
Read about what it’s like to train and work as a SPELD NZ Assessor
Natalie Wallace of New Plymouth did the SPELD NZ Assessor training in 2018, spurred on by her own son’s learning challenges.
“Seeing my child’s journey through the education system made me really want to make a difference for children struggling to achieve their potential.”
– Read about Natalie’s experience
Mike Sleeman describes what’s involved with an assessment and the rewards of working as a SPELD NZ Assessor.
“Judith’s knowledge is impressive and her passion engages the learner”
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, you must have:
- Appropriate Bachelor or higher qualifications in Education, Teaching or Educational Psychology
- Your psychology papers must have been completed within two years of the assessor training application. (Or you must have been working in a related field during the last five years)
- NZCER’s Level C registration
- If you are not a registered educational psychologist, within the last five years you must have had practical experience in educational psychology, education, teaching or teacher-aide experience working with students with disabilities
We welcome inquiries and applications for training in 2026.
How to apply for SPELD NZ Assessor Training
Send us your completed:
- Assessor training application
- Reference form
- Police vetting request
- Your current CV
Please also provide certified copies of your: - University transcript completion of appropriate courses
- Passport and driver licence (or Birth Certificate)
- Marriage Certificate or Dissolution Certificate, if your name differs on transcript, passport driver licence
- NZCER C registration letter or advice, dated within two years of training application.
Email your application to training@speld.org.nz and post original documents to SPELD NZ, National Office PO Box 24-617, Royal Oak, Auckland 1345.
Applicants will be invited to a Zoom information session at the beginning of November 2024.
As we process your application, you will be sent a short writing task and an online phonemic awareness quiz.
NB: We have a limited intake so some applications may not be successful.
Please note: Re ongoing use of Woodcock-Johnson test kits:
Graduates of our training wanting to use the Woodcock-Johnson must be under the umbrella of an oversight body such as SPELD NZ, or under the supervision of a registered educational psychologist.
