This course provides an introduction to the retail and sales sector, developing practical skills and knowledge in workplace safety, product knowledge, customer service, selling, merchandising, stock control, point-of-sale operations, and employment preparation.
12 weeks full-time
2026 Intake 1: 05 October to 25 December - Applications Close 12 October 2026
Zero Fees Scheme
International Fees
$100 per credit
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Students will learn to:
RCS201 - The retail/sales workplace
This paper aims to develop a basic understanding of the retail workplace, in terms of health and safety, legislation, security factors and point-of-sale operations.
RCS202 - Knowing your products
This paper aims to develop students’ basic knowledge of selected products, in terms of product presentation for sale, merchandising and display, inventory and stock control.
On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:
RCS203 - Meeting customer needs
The aim of the paper is to develop students’ entry level customer service and selling skills.
RCS204 - Working in the retail/sales sector
Students working in the sector will enhance their retail skills and those not yet working in the sector will prepare for work in retail and/or sales environments.
Graduates of this qualification may be employed as junior sales, service or retail assistants in a wide variety of retail and sales workplaces.
After completing this course, students may be able to pathway into further SIT study in retail, business, sales, marketing, leadership or management. Possible next steps include:
New Zealand Certificate in Business
New Zealand Diploma in Business
Preferably 16 years of age with four years secondary education.
All Applicants (including those under 20 years old)
All applicants for the programme should demonstrate a keen interest in retail, sales and customer service which demonstrate potential for success. Examples may include completion of a programme of study at Level 2 or above in a related discipline and/ or employment in a related field for 2 or more years. They may be admitted subject to programme regulations approved by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the Programme Manager as appropriate. Personal commitment and a belief in one’s own ability to succeed are important personal traits and will always be taken into consideration during the selection process.
An aptitude for work in the retail and distribution sector so as to enhance likelihood of successful completion of the programme. Mature students 20 years of age or over at commencement of programme are welcome to apply.
Special Admission
A mature, aged applicant who can show evidence of ability to succeed in the programme may be considered for admission provided the applicant has successfully completed an approved course or programme, which is deemed to prepare graduates for the required academic standard for entry.
Studying online at SIT
Once you are enrolled, your course materials, assessments and due dates will be available through Blackboard, SIT's online learning environment. You will have access to your course materials from the start date of your intake.
Students are required to use their SIT email for SIT Online communications. Once you have been accepted into a programme, you will receive an Important Information Booklet with guidance to help you get familiar with Blackboard.
Staying in contact with your Facilitator
During your intake, you can contact your Facilitator by email. Facilitators aim to respond within 2 working days.
Within the first 1-2 weeks of your intake, you need to email your Facilitator to confirm that you have started your studies. If you have not contacted your Facilitator or started your course by the end of the second week, you may be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.
This may affect your future access to the Zero Fees Scheme, and you will still be responsible for Student Direct Material Costs.
Results and transcripts
After each intake, check your results through MySIT.
Once you successfully complete your programme, you will receive an official academic transcript, which will be posted to you.
If you're new to SIT Online, we also recommend reading the FAQs for more information about studying and enrolling online.
Study load
Full-time study
For StudyLink purposes, the minimum study load considered full-time depends on the length of your intake:
How much study time should I allow?
As a guide, one credit is approximately 10 hours of study.
Use the Study Load Calculator to help work out a manageable study load based on your commitments.
Important enrolment information
Cross credits and previous study
If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.
See the SIT information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.
Check our current information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.
To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Retail (Customer Service and Sales Support) (Level 2), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve: A minimum of 40 credits in accordance with the programme schedule for the New Zealand Certificate in Retail (Customer Service and Sales Support) (Level 2).