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, six 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 six 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, six 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 six 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: Demonstrate understanding of ideas and information in written texts (Literacy Reading)
- US32405: Write texts to communicate ideas and information (Literacy Writing)
- US32406: Use mathematics and statistics in a range of everyday situations (Numeracy)
- US32413: Ka mārama, ka tautohu i ngā whakaaro matua o tētahi reo ā-waha, o tētahi reo ā-tā hoki
- US32415: Ka whakamahi i te reo kia tutuki ai tētahi pūtakenga whakawhiti kōrero, tuhituhi hoki
- US32412: Te whakamahi pāngarau hei whakaoti rapanga o te ao o te ākonga (Pāngarau)
Additional standards in 2024 and 2025
Alongside the six 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.
Approved standards for NCEA Literacy are not separated into reading and writing. Students must achieve a total of 10 literacy credits.
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 'Āirani5 (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: Demonstrate understanding of ideas and information in written texts (Literacy Reading)
- US32405: Write texts to communicate ideas and information (Literacy Writing)
- US32406: Use mathematics and statistics in a range of everyday situations (Numeracy)
- US32413: Ka mārama, ka tautohu i ngā whakaaro matua o tētahi reo ā-waha, o tētahi reo ā-tā hoki
- US32415: Ka whakamahi i te reo kia tutuki ai tētahi pūtakenga whakawhiti kōrero, tuhituhi hoki
- US32412: Te whakamahi pāngarau hei whakaoti rapanga o te ao o te ākonga (Pāngarau)
Additional standards in 2024 and 2025
Alongside the six 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.
Approved standards for NCEA Literacy are not separated into reading and writing. Students must achieve a total of 10 literacy credits.
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 'Āirani5 (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 historic 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. Should the student at some point achieve the co-requisite then the 266 credits could not count for level 1 as they are part of the exclusions list.
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 historic 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. Should the student at some point achieve the co-requisite then the 266 credits could not count for level 1 as they are part of the exclusions list.
Questions and Answers
Do learners repeat the co-requisite every year?
No. The NCEA Co-requisite is a one-off requirement. Learners can achieve the co-requisite at any time throughout their NCEA journey. Learners can continue to progress through all levels of NCEA without the co-requisite, however learners must achieve the co-requisite to be awarded any NCEA level qualification.
No. The NCEA Co-requisite is a one-off requirement. Learners can achieve the co-requisite at any time throughout their NCEA journey. Learners can continue to progress through all levels of NCEA without the co-requisite, however learners must achieve the co-requisite to be awarded any NCEA level qualification.
How many times can a learner attempt the co-requisite?
There is no limit on the number of attempts. The assessments are currently carried out by NZQA, twice a year. Making sure learners are entered for the assessment when they are ready to be assessed is important. Repeated assessment attempts when a learner is not ready may negatively affect their confidence.
Read more about how to determine if a learner is ready to be assessed here.
There is no limit on the number of attempts. The assessments are currently carried out by NZQA, twice a year. Making sure learners are entered for the assessment when they are ready to be assessed is important. Repeated assessment attempts when a learner is not ready may negatively affect their confidence.
Read more about how to determine if a learner is ready to be assessed here.
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 to achieve both the new reading and writing standards for literacy, via the CAAs – not the reading CAA and 5 credits from assessments for approved English achievement standards. Learners can, for example, achieve their numeracy component through the dedicated numeracy standard, via the CAA and then achieve their literacy component through the approved standards for 2024-2025.
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 to achieve both the new reading and writing standards for literacy, via the CAAs – not the reading CAA and 5 credits from assessments for approved English achievement standards. Learners can, for example, achieve their numeracy component through the dedicated numeracy standard, via the CAA and then achieve their literacy component through the approved standards for 2024-2025.
Are the approved standards for literacy separated into ‘reading’ and ‘writing’?
No, the additional standards approved for NCEA 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 NCEA foundational literacy.
No, the additional standards approved for NCEA 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 NCEA foundational literacy.
If a student has achieved credits towards the co-requisite in 2023, can these credits be ‘carried over’ and used in 2024?
If the credits achieved are from standards that are also on the 2024-2025 approved standards list then these can be used to count towards the co-requisite in 2024-2025. If the credits achieved are not on the approved standards list for 2024-2025 then these credits cannot be used to count towards 2024 co-requisite achievement.
If the credits achieved are from standards that are also on the 2024-2025 approved standards list then these can be used to count towards the co-requisite in 2024-2025. If the credits achieved are not on the approved standards list for 2024-2025 then these credits cannot be used to count towards 2024 co-requisite achievement.
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:
Can credits achieved through the Common Assessment Activities (CAA) be counted towards the 60 course credits required towards an NCEA qualification?
No. Credits achieved through the CAA can only be counted in support of the NCEA Co-requisite and cannot be counted as part of the 60 course credits required towards an NCEA qualification.
No. Credits achieved through the CAA can only be counted in support of the NCEA Co-requisite and cannot be counted as part of the 60 course credits required towards an NCEA qualification.
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 six dedicated co-requisite standards. Additional standards are available during 2024 and 2025 only. 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 (for example, the new co-requisite standards for literacy through the CAA and the list of approved standards for numeracy)
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 six dedicated co-requisite standards. Additional standards are available during 2024 and 2025 only. 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 (for example, the new co-requisite standards for literacy through the CAA and the list of approved standards for numeracy)
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