Trying to make sense of NCEA results, credits, and how the recent changes affect your study pathway? This guide explains how NCEA works now, what’s new, and how it connects to entry requirements for further study.
Understanding NCEA
NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) is the main qualification for secondary school students in Aotearoa New Zealand. It has three levels - 1, 2, and 3.
Most students complete Level 1 in Year 11, Level 2 in Year 12, and Level 3 in Year 13. However, many schools start students early or allow them to complete different levels in different years, with some choosing to drop NCEA in level 1 entirely.
How NCEA Credits work
Throughout the year, students complete a mix of:
Internal assessments (marked by schools): Assignments, practical tasks, performances, projects, and tests completed during the year.
External assessments (marked by NZQA): Exams typically held at the end of the year, or in some subjects, digital portfolios or reports, or kete manarua uploaded to NZQA. In some instances, external assessments are done during the year.
Each completed standard is worth a set number of credits.
How are assessments graded?
Students receive one of four grades for each assessment:
- Not Achieved (N) - no credits awarded.
- Achieved (A)
- Achieved with Merit (M),
- and Achieved with Excellence (E).
The better the student performs in an assessment, the higher the grade they'll receive, with E being the highest. If a student fails, they'll be given a not achieved (N), which means they won't receive any of the credits for that assessment.
What are unit standards?
Unit standards are assessments that are usually completed in vocational subjects such as hairdressing or carpentry. Credits earned in unit standards can only be graded "Achieved (A)" or "Not Achieved (N).
From 2025, some Supported Learning unit standards no longer count toward NCEA Level 1.
What’s new in NCEA? (2024-2025)
NCEA is currently going through a multi-year update. The below changes came into effect in 2024. For future changes, including information about the government's proposal to discontinue NCEA, head to the NCEA website. Here are the key changes that now apply to all students:
1. NCEA is now a 60-credit qualification (Levels 1, 2, and 3)
Each level of NCEA now requires:
- 60 credits at the level
- Plus the mandatory co-requisite in literacy and numeracy that only needs to be completed once across all NCEA levels
Older rules like “80 credits per level” or “carrying over 20 credits from the level below” no longer apply.
2. New Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisite (20 credits)
To achieve any NCEA qualification, students must now complete:
- 10 Literacy or Te Reo Matatini credits, and
- 10 Numeracy or Te Pāngarau credits
This co-requisite only needs to be completed once and is separate from your 60 credits. It does not count toward your NCEA Level 1, 2, or 3 total.
3. Changes to assessment methods
Exams will still be held at the end of the year, but there will be more external assessments during the year. Plus, more of them will be completed online or submitted to the NZQA website.
How do you achieve NCEA now?
- To gain NCEA Level 1, you need:
- 60 credits at Level 1, and
- the Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisite (completed once)
- To gain NCEA Level 2, you need:
- 60 credits at Level 2, and
- the Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisite
- To gain NCEA Level 3, you need:
- 60 credits at Level 3, and
- the Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisite
Note there is no time limit on completing NCEA. You can return to study a previous qualification at any time.
Understanding NCEA results
Endorsements
Students can earn endorsements to recognise high achievement:
- Level Endorsement: 50+ credits at Merit or Excellence in one NCEA level
- Course (Subject) Endorsement: 14+ credits at Merit or Excellence in a subject, with at least 3 internal and 3 external credits (unless the subject has only internal or only external standards)
Most New Zealand tertiary institutions won’t specify an NCEA level of endorsement as an entry requirement – however for some competitive or special programmes it could improve your chance of acceptance. For more information about NCEA credits, check out the NCEA Guides on Tahatū Career Navigator.
How to check NCEA results
Secondary school students can log in to the NZQA website using their login, where they'll be able to see a breakdown of their results.
Understanding entry requirements for tertiary study
Entry requirements help ensure students start at the right level for their learning. They vary depending on the programme, but generally include:
- A certain NCEA level (1, 2, or 3)
- University Entrance for degree-level programmes
- Relevant study or experience
- Additional requirements such as portfolios, auditions, or safety checks for certain fields
What is University Entrance (UE)?
University Entrance is the minimum standard required to enter degree-level study. It requires NCEA Level 3, 14 credits in three approved subjects, and meeting the literacy and numeracy requirements.
What counts as relevant study or experience?
Some programmes accept relevant work experience, training, or prior study instead of specific NCEA credits. An enrolments advisor can help assess whether your background meets the requirements.
What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?
You still have plenty of options. Our enrolments advisors can walk you through your options and help you decide on the next best step. Common pathways for students are:
1. Apply for special entry
Some applicants may be accepted without the listed entry requirements, especially if they have relevant experience or completed other training.
2. Earn extra credits over summer
Te Kura’s Summer School offers the chance to complete NCEA Level 2 or 3 credits before your programme starts.
3. Study a foundation or bridging programme
These programmes help you build the skills and credits you need to move into higher-level study.
Do I have to wait for my results before I apply?
No - you can apply for your preferred programme before you get your results! You may get an offer of study that is conditional on your achieving the entry requirement.
What programmes are open entry?
At Whitireia and WelTec, there are a number of open entry programmes across trades, hair and beauty, hospitality and more. Explore the full list →
Talk to us
If you’re unsure about your NCEA results or entry requirements, our enrolments advisors can help. We’ll walk you through your options and find the study pathway that’s right for you.
