How the NCEA recognises skills and competency in te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy, and numeracy is changing. From 2024, all learners need to achieve a 20-credit co-requisite specific to these skills to be awarded any level of NCEA. The co-requisite is a one-off requirement.
In 2024, the literacy and numeracy requirements of the NCEA are formally separated out from the certificate at Levels 1-3 and the 20-credit co-requisite becomes mandatory.
From 2026, five dedicated standards for te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy, and numeracy will be the only method to achieve the NCEA co-requisite.
A two-year transitional period in 2024 and 2025 provides schools, kura, and all NCEA providers with time to adjust. School-wide and curriculum-wide approaches to foundational te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy and numeracy skills can be strengthened during the transitional period.
All NCEA providers can ‘opt-in’ to use the five dedicated standards and new assessment approaches from 2023.
How the NCEA recognises skills and competency in te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy, and numeracy is changing. From 2024, all learners need to achieve a 20-credit co-requisite specific to these skills to be awarded any level of NCEA. The co-requisite is a one-off requirement.
In 2024, the literacy and numeracy requirements of the NCEA are formally separated out from the certificate at Levels 1-3 and the 20-credit co-requisite becomes mandatory.
From 2026, five dedicated standards for te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy, and numeracy will be the only method to achieve the NCEA co-requisite.
A two-year transitional period in 2024 and 2025 provides schools, kura, and all NCEA providers with time to adjust. School-wide and curriculum-wide approaches to foundational te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy and numeracy skills can be strengthened during the transitional period.
All NCEA providers can ‘opt-in’ to use the five dedicated standards and new assessment approaches from 2023.
Recommended approach for all learners who have the appropriate level of skills
Dedicated co-requisite standards – recommended assessment option from 2023 onwards
-
US32403: Read written texts to understand ideas and information (Literacy Reading)
-
US32405: Write texts to communicate ideas and information (Literacy Writing)
-
US32406: Use mathematics and statistics to meet the numeracy demands of a range of situations (Numeracy)
-
US32414: Ka mārama, ka whakamahi i te reo kia tutuki ai tētahi pūtakenga whakawhiti kōrero (Te Reo Matatini)
-
US32412: Te whakamahi pāngarau me te tauanga hei whakatutuki i ngā hiahia pāngarau o ngā pūāhua whai ta ke (Pāngarau)
Additional standards in 2024 and 2025
Alongside the five dedicated standards, additional standards can be used to achieve the NCEA co-requisite in 2024 and 2025 only.
| Additional assessment standards available to all students - Te Reo Matatini, Literacy, Pāngarau and Numeracy | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wāhanga Ako or Learning Area | Te Reo Matatini | Literacy | Pāngarau or Numeracy |
| Te Reo Māori | Te Reo Rangatira (1.1 to 1.4; 2.1 to 2.12; 3.1 to 3.9) | ||
| Learning Languages1 | Te Reo Māori (1.1 to 1.4; 2.1 to 2.5; 3.1 to 3.5) | Te Reo Māori (1.1 to 1.4; 2.1 to 2.5; 3.1 to 3.5) | |
| English | English (1.1 to 1.4; 2.1 to 2.10; 3.1 to 3.9) | ||
| Tikanga ā-Iwi | Tikanga ā-Iwi (1.1 to 1.4) | ||
| Social Sciences | Commerce (1.3, 1.4) Geography (1.1, 1.3, 1.4) History (1.2, 1.3, 1.4) Religious Studies (1.1 to 1.4) Social Studies (1.1, 1.3, 1.4) |
Commerce (1.1) Geography (1.2) |
|
| Pūtaiao | Pūtaiao (1.1 to 1.4) | ||
| Science | Agricultural and Horticultural Science (1.1) Chemistry and Biology (1.3) Science (1.1, 1.4) |
Physics, Earth, and Space Science (1.4) | |
| Pāngarau | Pāngarau (1.1 to 1.4, 2.15, 2.16) | ||
| Mathematics and Statistics | Mathematics and Statistics (1.1 to 1.4; 2.1 to 2.14; 3.1 to 3.15) | ||
1 Te Reo Māori achievement standards can be used towards either te reo matatini or literacy.
A sub-set of additional standards with usage restrictions is available for learners or providers that meet eligibility criteria.
Additional assessment standards with usage restrictions
| Additional assessment standards with usage restrictions - Literacy, Numeracy, and Pāngarau (see "Usage restrictions and eligibility criteria" below for eligibility criteria for using these standards) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Area or Domain | Te Reo Matatini | Literacy | Numeracy or Pāngarau |
| Learning Languages | New Zealand Sign Language2 (1.1 to 1.4) | ||
| Vagahau Niue3 (1.1 to 1.4) | |||
| Gagana Tokelau4 (1.1 to 1.4) | |||
| Te Reo Māori Kūki 'Āirana5 (1.1 to 1.4) | |||
| English for Academic Purposes6 | US 30507, 30511 | ||
| Core Generic7 | US 26622, 26624, 26625 | US 26623, 26626, 26627 | |
Dedicated co-requisite standards – recommended assessment option from 2023 onwards
-
US32403: Read written texts to understand ideas and information (Literacy Reading)
-
US32405: Write texts to communicate ideas and information (Literacy Writing)
-
US32406: Use mathematics and statistics to meet the numeracy demands of a range of situations (Numeracy)
-
US32414: Ka mārama, ka whakamahi i te reo kia tutuki ai tētahi pūtakenga whakawhiti kōrero (Te Reo Matatini)
-
US32412: Te whakamahi pāngarau me te tauanga hei whakatutuki i ngā hiahia pāngarau o ngā pūāhua whai ta ke (Pāngarau)
Additional standards in 2024 and 2025
Alongside the five dedicated standards, additional standards can be used to achieve the NCEA co-requisite in 2024 and 2025 only.
| Additional assessment standards available to all students - Te Reo Matatini, Literacy, Pāngarau and Numeracy | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wāhanga Ako or Learning Area | Te Reo Matatini | Literacy | Pāngarau or Numeracy |
| Te Reo Māori | Te Reo Rangatira (1.1 to 1.4; 2.1 to 2.12; 3.1 to 3.9) | ||
| Learning Languages1 | Te Reo Māori (1.1 to 1.4; 2.1 to 2.5; 3.1 to 3.5) | Te Reo Māori (1.1 to 1.4; 2.1 to 2.5; 3.1 to 3.5) | |
| English | English (1.1 to 1.4; 2.1 to 2.10; 3.1 to 3.9) | ||
| Tikanga ā-Iwi | Tikanga ā-Iwi (1.1 to 1.4) | ||
| Social Sciences | Commerce (1.3, 1.4) Geography (1.1, 1.3, 1.4) History (1.2, 1.3, 1.4) Religious Studies (1.1 to 1.4) Social Studies (1.1, 1.3, 1.4) |
Commerce (1.1) Geography (1.2) |
|
| Pūtaiao | Pūtaiao (1.1 to 1.4) | ||
| Science | Agricultural and Horticultural Science (1.1) Chemistry and Biology (1.3) Science (1.1, 1.4) |
Physics, Earth, and Space Science (1.4) | |
| Pāngarau | Pāngarau (1.1 to 1.4, 2.15, 2.16) | ||
| Mathematics and Statistics | Mathematics and Statistics (1.1 to 1.4; 2.1 to 2.14; 3.1 to 3.15) | ||
1 Te Reo Māori achievement standards can be used towards either te reo matatini or literacy.
A sub-set of additional standards with usage restrictions is available for learners or providers that meet eligibility criteria.
Additional assessment standards with usage restrictions
| Additional assessment standards with usage restrictions - Literacy, Numeracy, and Pāngarau (see "Usage restrictions and eligibility criteria" below for eligibility criteria for using these standards) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Area or Domain | Te Reo Matatini | Literacy | Numeracy or Pāngarau |
| Learning Languages | New Zealand Sign Language2 (1.1 to 1.4) | ||
| Vagahau Niue3 (1.1 to 1.4) | |||
| Gagana Tokelau4 (1.1 to 1.4) | |||
| Te Reo Māori Kūki 'Āirana5 (1.1 to 1.4) | |||
| English for Academic Purposes6 | US 30507, 30511 | ||
| Core Generic7 | US 26622, 26624, 26625 | US 26623, 26626, 26627 | |
Usage restrictions and eligibility criteria
2 Only available to deaf and hard-of-hearing students and/or students whose first language is NZSL
3 Only available to students domiciled in Niue
4 Only available to students domiciled in Tokelau
5 Only available to students domiciled in the Cook Islands
6 Only available to students with current or recent eligibility for ESOL funding and international fee paying students
7 Only available to students enrolled with tertiary education organisations (TEOs), alternative education providers, activity centres, specialist schools, or teen-parent units. Students must complete all three standards in the package (26623, 26626, 26627) to be awarded the numeracy component of the co-requisite via this assessment pathway. Students must complete all three standards in the literacy package (26622, 26624, 26625) to be awarded the literacy component of the co-requisite via this assessment pathway.
2 Only available to deaf and hard-of-hearing students and/or students whose first language is NZSL
3 Only available to students domiciled in Niue
4 Only available to students domiciled in Tokelau
5 Only available to students domiciled in the Cook Islands
6 Only available to students with current or recent eligibility for ESOL funding and international fee paying students
7 Only available to students enrolled with tertiary education organisations (TEOs), alternative education providers, activity centres, specialist schools, or teen-parent units. Students must complete all three standards in the package (26623, 26626, 26627) to be awarded the numeracy component of the co-requisite via this assessment pathway. Students must complete all three standards in the literacy package (26622, 26624, 26625) to be awarded the literacy component of the co-requisite via this assessment pathway.
Questions and Answers
Do learners repeat the co-requisite every year?
Learners can achieve the co-requisite at any time during their NCEA years. For some, this may be as early as Year 9; for many, the most natural point is likely to be in Year 10.
Once a learner has achieved the 20 credits they do not have to undertake the co-requisite again. It is a ‘one-off’ requirement.
Learners can achieve the co-requisite at any time during their NCEA years. For some, this may be as early as Year 9; for many, the most natural point is likely to be in Year 10.
Once a learner has achieved the 20 credits they do not have to undertake the co-requisite again. It is a ‘one-off’ requirement.
How can learners achieve the co-requisite during the transitional period?
Learners can achieve the co-requisite using either the co-requisite standards, credits from the additional assessment standards, or a mixture of both. Whatever combination of standards they use, students must achieve 10 literacy-rich and 10 numeracy-rich credits.
Learners can achieve the co-requisite using either the co-requisite standards, credits from the additional assessment standards, or a mixture of both. Whatever combination of standards they use, students must achieve 10 literacy-rich and 10 numeracy-rich credits.
Can learners mix and match additional assessment standards with the new co-requisite standards?
Learners must use only one assessment option to complete the literacy or te reo matatini component and one assessment option to complete the numeracy or pāngarau component. For example, a learner needs both the new reading and writing CAAs for literacy – not the reading CAA and 5 credits from assessments for English achievement standards.
Learners must use only one assessment option to complete the literacy or te reo matatini component and one assessment option to complete the numeracy or pāngarau component. For example, a learner needs both the new reading and writing CAAs for literacy – not the reading CAA and 5 credits from assessments for English achievement standards.
How many times can a learner attempt the co-requisite?
There is no limit on the number of attempts. Making sure learners are entered for the assessment when they are ready to be assessed is a key aspect of the adjustment to the NCEA co-requisite.
There is no limit on the number of attempts. Making sure learners are entered for the assessment when they are ready to be assessed is a key aspect of the adjustment to the NCEA co-requisite.
Are the additional standards for literacy separated into ‘reading’ and ‘writing’?
No, the additional standards approved for literacy do not distinguish between reading and writing. This would have added unnecessary complexity, particularly as the additional standards do not map neatly to the co-requisite standards for reading and writing.
In preparation for the co-requisite standards becoming the only assessment option from 2026, learners are encouraged to attempt the Literacy – Reading and Literacy – Writing standards as these are specifically designed to credential foundational literacy.
No, the additional standards approved for literacy do not distinguish between reading and writing. This would have added unnecessary complexity, particularly as the additional standards do not map neatly to the co-requisite standards for reading and writing.
In preparation for the co-requisite standards becoming the only assessment option from 2026, learners are encouraged to attempt the Literacy – Reading and Literacy – Writing standards as these are specifically designed to credential foundational literacy.
What support is available for ākonga and kaiako?
We encourage teachers and school leaders to think about the tools and resources they are currently using to support te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy, and numeracy. We recognise additional support and resources, including PLD, are needed to support schools and kura through the changes. Developing a school-wide and curriculum-wide approach to support ākonga develop foundational skills is critical.
In-person support
NCEA Implementation Facilitators are available in all takiwā, supporting the seven areas of NCEA change. Alongside the NIFs, a network of specialist support is available in every takiwā. These people provide dedicated support for te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy and numeracy in secondary schools and kura.
Guidance
Pedagogical approaches and practice in the Common Practice Model, Ako Framework, and NCEA provide guidance to all kaiako for how to teach literacy, communication, and maths. This guidance supports effective teaching and learning programmes for senior secondary that strengthen the literacy and numeracy requirements of assessments as part of an NCEA qualification.
Online
Extensive teaching and learning resources are available:
We encourage teachers and school leaders to think about the tools and resources they are currently using to support te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy, and numeracy. We recognise additional support and resources, including PLD, are needed to support schools and kura through the changes. Developing a school-wide and curriculum-wide approach to support ākonga develop foundational skills is critical.
In-person support
NCEA Implementation Facilitators are available in all takiwā, supporting the seven areas of NCEA change. Alongside the NIFs, a network of specialist support is available in every takiwā. These people provide dedicated support for te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy and numeracy in secondary schools and kura.
Guidance
Pedagogical approaches and practice in the Common Practice Model, Ako Framework, and NCEA provide guidance to all kaiako for how to teach literacy, communication, and maths. This guidance supports effective teaching and learning programmes for senior secondary that strengthen the literacy and numeracy requirements of assessments as part of an NCEA qualification.
Online
Extensive teaching and learning resources are available:
Achieving Credits
Achieving the co-requisite and 60-credit NCEA qualification
| 2013-2023 Requirements for literacy and numeracy can be achieved in a variety of subjects and courses. 'Opt-in' to new standards and assessment is encouraged |
2024-future Recommended approach using five dedicated co-requisite standards. Credits used towards the co-requisite cannot be used towards the 60-credit NCEA qualification. |
Achieving the NCEA co-requisite in 2024 and 2025
Learners can achieve the co-requisite using either the co-requisite standards, credits from the additional assessment standards, or a mixture of both. Whatever combination of standards they use, learners must achieve 10 literacy-rich and 10 numeracy-rich credits.
Credits from standards in the additional list cannot be counted twice. Credits achieved can only be used for either the 20-credit co-requisite or the 60-credit qualification.
Where standards are used to meet the co-requisite, the associated credits can however be used in calculations for course endorsement and certificate endorsement.
Achieving the co-requisite and 60-credit NCEA qualification
| 2013-2023 Requirements for literacy and numeracy can be achieved in a variety of subjects and courses. 'Opt-in' to new standards and assessment is encouraged |
2024-future Recommended approach using five dedicated co-requisite standards. Credits used towards the co-requisite cannot be used towards the 60-credit NCEA qualification. |
Achieving the NCEA co-requisite in 2024 and 2025
Learners can achieve the co-requisite using either the co-requisite standards, credits from the additional assessment standards, or a mixture of both. Whatever combination of standards they use, learners must achieve 10 literacy-rich and 10 numeracy-rich credits.
Credits from standards in the additional list cannot be counted twice. Credits achieved can only be used for either the 20-credit co-requisite or the 60-credit qualification.
Where standards are used to meet the co-requisite, the associated credits can however be used in calculations for course endorsement and certificate endorsement.
Key documents
Question and answer document updated as of September 2023. Copies of this document sent direct to schools and kura in June 2023 is superseded by this updated version.
Question and answer document updated as of September 2023. Copies of this document sent direct to schools and kura in June 2023 is superseded by this updated version.
[ File Resource ]
- Title: Summary list and Q&A – approved standards in 2024 and 2025
- Description: Additional assessment standards available to all learners, key terms, and questions & answers on transitional period –2024/25
- File URL: https://ncea-live-3-storagestack-53q-assetstorages3bucket-2o21xte0r81u.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-09/Summary%20list%20and%20Q%26A%20%E2%80%93%20NCEA%20co-requisite%20approved%20standards%20in%202024-25%20June%202023%20.pdf?VersionId=wjCpx43EMKKhvNxz7SoI.Y6BrqgOk1qE
- File Extension: pdf
- File Size: 511KB
- Summary list and Q&A – approved standards in 2024 and 2025.pdf
- Description: Additional assessment standards available to all learners, key terms, and questions & answers on transitional period –2024/25
Summary list and Q&A – approved standards in 2024 and 2025
[ File Resource ]
- Title: Full list NCEA co-requisite additional standards 2024/25
- Description: Standards and usage restrictions: The New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, and across NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3
- File URL: https://ncea-live-3-storagestack-53q-assetstorages3bucket-2o21xte0r81u.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-07/Full%20list%20of%20additional%20assessment%20standards%20for%20NCEA%20co-requisite%20in%202024%20and%202025.pdf?VersionId=KALyJ5k.UD081cAQkX68leT_J7wBesz7
- File Extension: pdf
- File Size: 292KB
- Full list NCEA co-requisite additional standards 2024/25.pdf
- Description: Standards and usage restrictions: The New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, and across NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3