Understanding NCEA

Endorsements

Over the next few years, NCEA will transition from its current form into a new qualification. Although this information is intended for teachers, we encourage learners and whānau to use this guidance as well.

In 2024:

• The new NCEA Level 1 achievement standards will be fully implemented.

• Current Level 1 achievement standards expire at the end of 2023

• NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 will each become 60-credit qualifications

• The te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy, and numeracy co-requisite, which sits outside of the new NCEA qualification, will become mandatory

• Learners will only be awarded an NCEA qualification once they have met the 20-credit co-requisite

• Learners need to complete the co-requisite once only.

• he 60-credit NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3 will not include the 20-credit te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy, and numeracy co-requisite, which sits alongside these qualifications.

• From 2024, to be awarded any level of NCEA, learners will need to achieve the new 20-credit co-requisite

• Credits used towards the co-requisite cannot be used towards the 60-credit NCEA. Essentially, the number of credits required to gain each level of NCEA remains the same, with the literacy and numeracy requirements separated out into a ‘one-off’ co-requisite.

• During 2024 and 2025, learners will be able to meet the 20-credit co-requisite through achieving either the new standards in Literacy-Writing, Literacy-Reading, Numeracy, Te Reo Matatini, and Pāngarau or gaining 20 credits from a small list of literacy and numeracy-rich standards.

Multi-level study

Many schools allow students to study a mix of standards at different levels, depending on their ability. For example, in year 12, a student may study most subjects at level 2, but add a new subject at level 1 and another advanced subject at level 3. In addition, students may study multi-level courses with standards assessed at more than one level, e.g. an English course at year 11 may contain both level 1 and level 2 standards.

Recognising high achievement

Certificates can be 'endorsed' to reflect high achievement in a significant number of standards. From 2011, course endorsements will show that students have performed well in an individual course.

For more information, please refer to NCEA endorsements.