NCEA is being replaced
NZCE and NZACE. Here’s what’s actually changing.
On 16 May 2026 the Government confirmed the new school qualification. We break it down for students and parents — no jargon, no spin.
New Zealand Certificate of Education — launches 2029.
New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education — launches 2030.
Six-point scale. C or higher to pass each subject.
Today's Year 9s are the first to go all the way through the new system.
The 60-second version
NCEA is out. A simpler, subject-based system is in.
Year 12s will sit the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE). Year 13s will sit the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE). Year 11s will work towards a Foundational Award in literacy and numeracy.
Every student studies at least five subjects a year and must pass at least three. Every subject has internal assessments and an exam. Everything is graded on a single A+ to E scale.
From 2028, all Year 11s must take English (or Te Reo Rangatira), Maths, and Science. New subjects are being added — including Civics, Politics & Philosophy, Advanced Mathematics, Journalism, Building, Outdoor Education, and Primary Industries.
Rollout timeline
When the changes hit — year by year.
Nothing changes for current senior students. The shift starts at the bottom of the school and works up.
- 2026
New curriculum finalised
Senior secondary curriculum locked in. Assessment exemplars released. Roadshow for school leaders kicks off in June.
- 2027
Prep year
Teachers train on the new curriculum and assessment. No student qualifications change yet.
- 2028
Year 11 changes start
NCEA Level 1 is removed. Year 11 students take the new curriculum with compulsory English (or Te Reo Rangatira), Maths, and Science. The Foundational Award (literacy + numeracy) launches.
- 2029
NZCE launches (Year 12)
Year 12 students sit the new New Zealand Certificate of Education. Five subjects, A+ to E grading, internal + external assessment in every subject.
- 2030
NZACE launches (Year 13)
Year 13 students sit the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education. Full new system in place. The first cohort (today's Year 9s) graduates with NZACE.
Dig deeper
Pick a topic.
NZCE explained
What the new Year 12 certificate looks like, how it's assessed, and what a pass is.
Read more Year 13NZACE explained
The advanced certificate at the top of school. Used for uni entry from 2030.
Read more Year 11The Foundational Award
The new literacy and numeracy benchmark replacing NCEA Level 1.
Read more AssessmentThe A+ to E grading scale
One grade per subject. What counts as a pass, and how internals and exams split.
Read moreSubjects
Compulsory subjects, new subjects, and what's staying the same.
Read moreFor parents
What you need to know to support your kid through the transition.
Read moreStay updated as more details land.
Curriculum, exemplars, and Year 12 and 13 assessment specifics are still rolling out. We’ll keep this site current.
See the timeline