NCEA L1 English
NCEA Level 1 English
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
NCEA Level 1 English is the first-year English study within New Zealand's National Certificate of Educational Achievement, delivered through the New Zealand Curriculum. NZQA describes the subject as "the study, use, and enjoyment of the English language communicated orally, visually, and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences, and in a variety of forms." It suits Year 11 learners building credits toward Level 1, and the page is written for both teachers delivering the subject and learners taking it. Assessment is mixed: some standards are internally assessed and some are external examinations. The searchable standards list shows four Level 1 English achievement standards, each worth 5 credits: 91924 (context shapes verbal language use, internal), 91925 (specific aspects of a studied text, external), 91926 (developing ideas in writing with stylistic and written conventions, internal) and 91927 (significant aspects of unfamiliar texts, external). Because the split between internal and external work matters, confirm with your teacher which standards your class will enter. Preparation should combine close reading of unfamiliar texts, study of your chosen written text, drafting and refining your own writing, and practice in spoken or visual communication. NZQA publishes past examination papers, resource booklets, exemplar answer scripts at Achievement, Merit and Excellence, assessment schedules and reports, and digital assessments; working through these against the exemplars is the most direct way to understand what each grade looks like. Check the exam timetable and candidate information sheet closer to the external examination period.
What you'll study
About NCEA L1 English preparation
What does NCEA Level 1 English actually cover?
The subject covers English communicated orally, visually and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences. At Level 1 the searchable standards list four achievement standards: verbal language use in context, aspects of a studied text, developing ideas in writing, and unfamiliar texts. Check with your teacher which of these your class enters.
Is Level 1 English internal or external assessment?
Both. The NZQA subject page covers internal and external assessment, and the four listed standards include two internal (91924, 91926) and two external (91925, 91927). Your school decides which standards you attempt, so confirm your entry rather than assuming all four.
How many credits is each Level 1 English standard worth?
Each of the four standards listed in the NZQA search results is worth 5 credits: 91924, 91925, 91926 and 91927. That is the credit value shown against each standard. Credits accumulate toward Level 1; ask your teacher how English fits your overall programme.
Are digital assessments available for English?
Yes. The NZQA English page links to digital exams and past assessments. It also notes that unredacted past digital assessments can be accessed in the learner portal, while teachers can reach unredacted paper and digital materials in the school portal. Ask your teacher what your school offers.
Where do I find past exams and exemplars?
The English page links to past exams, exemplars, assessment schedules and reports for each level. The standards search shows, for example, 2025 examination papers, resource booklets and exemplar answer scripts at Achievement, Merit and Excellence for 91925 and 91927. Some public resources may be redacted for copyright reasons.
What is the best order to study in?
Start with the standards your class has confirmed. For 91927, practise on unfamiliar texts using past papers and resource booklets, then compare your answers with the exemplars. For 91925, know your studied text closely. For 91926, draft, get feedback and redraft. For 91924, plan spoken or verbal language work early.
How hard is it to reach Excellence?
NZQA publishes exemplar answer scripts at Achievement, Merit and Excellence for the external standards, so you can see the difference in quality rather than guess. The gap usually lies in precision and depth of explanation. Read the exemplars alongside the assessment schedule and discuss the differences with your teacher.
Can I resit or retake Level 1 English?
The permitted source material does not state a retake policy, so treat this as unconfirmed and ask your school or check NZQA directly. Internal standards may offer further assessment opportunities at your school's discretion; external standards depend on examination entry. Do not rely on a resit when planning.
What are common reasons candidates lose marks?
The source does not list failure modes, so this is general guidance only: candidates often describe where they should explain how, or quote evidence without linking it to the question. Use the exemplars and assessment schedules to see what stronger answers do, and practise writing explanations rather than summaries.
Will the standards change for 2026?
NZQA's search results page includes notices about revised achievement standards and supporting materials for assessment in 2026, and lists Profiles of Expected Performance 2026. Those materials are tied to 2026 assessment. Confirm with your teacher which version applies to your cohort before you rely on any single document.