In order for students to be registered on the NQF and therefore eligible to be awarded unit standard credits (after successful completion of all assessment tasks), students will need to register with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. To join the national database a fee of $1.58 per credit achieved by a student is charged by NZQA. The money is used by NZQA to cover administration costs involved in moderating and up-dating unit standards. This ensures the standards are always current and correctly assessed by educational provides.

When students register, a Record of Learning (ROL) is set up in the Framework archives with a learner identification number being assigned to them. All unit standards successfully completed are registered against their name. In the following year of study, a Record of Learning showing the unit standard credits and/or qualifications achieved in the previous year is sent to the student. When qualifications are completed, CIC must inform NZQA in writing. To receive a National Diploma, an application form (download from the NZQA website) needs to be filled in and forwarded to NZQA along with payment of $15.30.