To confirm changes to be introduced in 2024 for NCEA Level 1, an updated version of the new qualification needs to be listed in the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.

The existing qualification document does not fully reflect the seven areas of the strengthened NCEA.

In December 2023, there will be a new version of the NCEA Level 1 qualification listed on New Zealand’s Qualifications and Credentials Framework ready for schools, kura and tertiary providers to use in 2024.

This new version of the NCEA Level 1 qualification will include:

• a new outcome statement – including the mātāpono (principles) and strategic purpose, graduate profile, and pathways statements
• a new 20-credit co-requisite to meet te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy, and numeracy requirements
• change to become a 60-credit qualification with the 20-credit co-requisite
• new Level 1 achievement standards to be listed in the Directory of Assessment and Skills Standards.

The mātāpono encompass the diverse learning experiences and pathways of all learners, drawing from various rautaki (strategies), marau (curricula), and priorities that support their educational journey. As part of the changes, we are ensuring that the qualification will include expectations around te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori.

We welcome feedback from teachers, learners, and others connected to NCEA, including whānau and wider communities. Hearing from you will help us make sure we represent your views. We need diverse perspectives to ensure that:

• all learners can see themselves and their learning journeys in the qualifications
• mana ōrite is given to mātauranga Māori in the NCEA qualifications.
• people and organisations who contributed to the NCEA Review in 2018 (Korero Mātauranga) can see tangible progress.

We will engage on qualification documents for Level 2 and 3 before new achievement standards are implemented in 2026 and 2027.

Implementation timing for NCEA Level 2 & Level 3 qualifications was changed in mid-April 2023. From 2024, NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 will each become 60-credit qualifications.

The te reo matatini, pāngarau, literacy, and numeracy co-requisite, which sits outside of the new NCEA qualification, will become mandatory.

In 2020, Cabinet agreed to strengthen the NCEA literacy and numeracy requirements. This included formally separating the literacy and numeracy requirements into a 20-credit co-requisite. From 2024, achievement of the NCEA co-requisite becomes mandatory for the awarding of an NCEA qualification at any level.

The 60-credit NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3 does not include the 20-credit requirement for te reo matatini or literacy, or pāngarau or numeracy. The co-requisite sits alongside these qualifications.

Yes. We are updating parts of the NCEA Level 1 qualification such as the outcome statement, but your credits will still count.

No. NCEA Level 1 will continue to be an optional qualification.

People of Te Moananui-a-Kiwa is inclusive of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau who also offer NCEA qualifications to their students.

NCEA is a multi-level qualification with open entry into NCEA Level 1, 2 or 3. Local curricula and courses of learning for NCEA are designed by education providers such as schools and kura to provide flexibility and allow students to pursue a wide range of courses and learning pathways according to their specific contexts, interests and goals.

Self-leadership describes ways of being and acting in the world. Managing self and ‘soft skills’ are other ways people describe this capability. Leading others starts with leading ourselves. It includes skills such as setting personal goals, time management, and learning when to lead, when to follow and when and how to act independently.

Feedback on which reo (literacies) to include in the NCEA Level 1 Graduate Profile is welcome.