Standards and Credits

Every subject you take is assessed by standards.

Standards describe different areas of knowledge and skills.  There are specific standards that recognise mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge).  Schools decide what subjects to provide, and which standards to assess in those subjects.

You can also achieve standards through some activities away from the classroom.  For example, you may be able to achieve standards by:

• getting your driver licence
• performing at a regional or national kapa haka competition or Polyfest
• completing approved work or study programmes

Each standard is worth credits.  When you achieve a standard, you earn the total number of credits that standard is worth, and it's these credits that build towards NCEA.

Information from NZQA's Guide to NCEA, February 2024