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Key questions
You will find that some questions about NCEA are answered on this page and some links will take you to a more detailed explanation on another page.
- Why the change from what we had last century
- How do I enter for qualifications?
- Do I have to complete a course?
- How does NCEA relate to Scholarship?
Why the change from what we had last century?
Students are staying at school longer, learning a broader range of subjects and learning in different ways, including outside the classroom.
Under the old system, schools tended to teach one-year courses that were set nationally. Often this was limiting for schools and students.
For a long time, schools have been trying to offer senior programmes that meet the needs of students and their tertiary and workplace pathways - they have introduced new courses, established links with tertiary courses and increased work-related programmes. Now assessments from all learning can count towards national qualifications.
Under the new system schools can still run one-year courses in traditional school subjects. But they can also run shorter courses, combine levels and link with industry-based national assessments. Schools know which courses will best suit their students.
For more information see Changes to qualifications 1970-2001 or Where did NCEA come from?
How do I enter for qualifications?
Your school will help you enter for your qualifications. More ...
Do I have to complete a course?
Flexibility is enhanced for students, schools and other providers. Credits from all national standards (both school curriculum and industry) count for NCEA.
There are no prescribed national courses, so schools may choose to run shorter courses, combine subjects and combine levels.
Schools can also offer courses that lead to specialist National Certificates (for example, automotive engineering, drama, outdoor recreation, travel and tourism, electrotechnology) and all of these credits also count towards NCEA.
How does NCEA relate to Scholarship?
It doesn't. Scholarship is not a 'qualification'. It is a monetary award to recognise top students. It does not attract credits nor contribute towards a qualification but the fact that a student has gained a Scholarship does appear on the Record of Achievement. More ...
Last updated: 12 February 2008