NCEA Requirements & Resources

What is NCEA?

The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is New Zealand's main national qualification for senior secondary school students. It involves internal and external assessments across three levels.

Credit Requirements

  • NCEA Level 1: 80 credits at Level 1 or above, including Literacy and Numeracy co-requisites
  • NCEA Level 2: 60 credits at Level 2 or above, plus 20 credits from any level
  • NCEA Level 3: 60 credits at Level 3 or above, plus 20 credits from Level 2 or above

University Entrance (UE)

To gain University Entrance you need:

  • NCEA Level 3
  • 14 credits in each of three approved subjects at Level 3
  • UE Literacy (5 reading + 5 writing credits at Level 2+)
  • UE Numeracy (10 credits at Level 1+ in specified standards)

Endorsements

  • Certificate Endorsement: 50 credits at Merit or Excellence at a single level
  • Course Endorsement: 14 credits at Merit or Excellence in a single course in one year

Useful Links