The Ministry for Ethnic Communities (MEC) has supported eligible interpreters working towards NAATI certification by issuing entitlement notes for funded certification and professional development activities.
If you hold a current or eligible expired MEC entitlement note, you may be able to access selected NZSTI NAATI test preparation workshops and professional development events at no cost.
This page explains how entitlement notes work, how to access your funding through NZSTI, and answers common questions about workshop registrations.
Before you register
Before registering for an eligible NAATI workshop or professional development event, please ensure you have:
- Created an NZSTI account.
- Uploaded your entitlement note (PDF).
- Entered your NAATI application number into your account.
- Logged into your NZSTI account before registering.
Once these steps have been completed, eligible workshops will automatically display a registration fee of $0 where funding applies.
Need help?
- Download our guide to creating an account, uploading your entitlement note and registering for workshops.
- Subscribe to notifications about upcoming workshops.
- Questions about entitlement notes? Email [email protected]
Current entitlement notes
Can I still use my MBIE entitlement note?
No. Since July 2025, the Ministry for Ethnic Communities (MEC) has been the lead agency supporting interpreters to achieve NAATI certification. All entitlement notes previously issued by MBIE are no longer valid.
If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.
My entitlement note has expired. Can I still attend NZSTI workshops?
If you hold an MEC entitlement note that expired between June 2026 and July 2028, you may still be eligible to access funded NZSTI workshops.
Priority registration is given to interpreters with current entitlement notes. If places remain available after priority registrations have been processed, remaining funded places may be offered to interpreters with eligible expired entitlement notes who have registered their interest.
If you do not hold a current or eligible expired entitlement note, you are still welcome to attend NZSTI workshops at the standard registration fee. NZSTI members receive discounted member pricing.
Can I apply for a new entitlement note?
Please contact [email protected]
Using your entitlement note
If you already hold an entitlement note, the support available to you is outlined on your entitlement note. Please check the expiry date and the workshops or assessments covered.
Which workshops are funded?
Eligible entitlement note holders can access selected NZSTI:
- NAATI test preparation workshops
- Professional development workshops
- Other approved events identified by MEC
Eligible events are clearly identified on the NZSTI website and will display a registration fee of $0 for eligible entitlement note holders.
Why isn't my workshop showing as free?
Your registration fee will only display as $0 if:
- You are logged into your NZSTI account.
- Your entitlement note has been uploaded.
- Your entitlement note is eligible for funding.
- Your NAATI application number has been entered.
- The workshop is covered by your entitlement note.
If you believe you meet these requirements but the workshop is not displaying the funded price, please contact the NZSTI team before completing your registration.
Need help? Download our step-by-step guide for instructions on creating an account, uploading your entitlement note and registering for events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I enrol in an NZSTI workshop?
Once you have registered with NAATI and your eligibility for MEC funding has been confirmed, you can register for eligible NZSTI workshops.
How do I receive notifications about new workshops?
Log in to your NZSTI account, select My Details, then Subscriptions, and subscribe to Professional Development, Events, and any other areas that interest you.
Do I have to attend NZSTI workshops?
No. Attendance is optional but strongly recommended. NZSTI's workshops are designed to help you prepare for your NAATI assessments, strengthen your interpreting skills and improve your confidence before sitting your certification tests.
Related information
- Working towards NAATI certification? Visit our NAATI Certificationpage to learn more about the certification pathway.
- Already NAATI certified? Visit our NAATI Recertification page for information on maintaining your credential through professional development.