NCEA L1 History
NCEA Level 1 History
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 History is the first-year History offering within New Zealand's National Certificate of Educational Achievement, delivered through the New Zealand Curriculum and administered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. It is designed for Year 11 learners in secondary schools and for anyone working towards Level 1 credits in History. The subject is about engaging with the historical narratives of people, places and events from the past, and it develops the skills of reading primary sources, weighing evidence, and explaining why a context matters.
Assessment is split between internal and external standards. The 2026 Level 1 History standards are 92024 (engage with a variety of primary sources in a historical context, 5 credits, Internal), 92025 (demonstrate understanding of the significance of a historical context, 5 credits, Internal), 92026 (demonstrate understanding of historical concepts in contexts of significance to Aotearoa New Zealand, 5 credits, External) and 92027 (demonstrate understanding of perspectives on a historical context, 5 credits, External). The two externals are assessed by exam and have published assessment specifications for 2026.
Preparation should centre on the official materials: past exams, exemplars, assessment schedules and reports for Level 1, the assessment specifications for the external standards, and the internal exemplars and clarifications. The Level 1 assessment matrix and the key historical ideas with evidence resource show how evidence and concepts are expected to be used. This page is independent study support and is not affiliated with NZQA.
What you'll study
About NCEA L1 History preparation
What does NCEA Level 1 History consist of?
Four Level 1 achievement standards, each worth 5 credits: 92024 and 92025 are internally assessed, while 92026 and 92027 are externally assessed by exam. Together they cover primary sources, significance, historical concepts in Aotearoa New Zealand contexts, and perspectives.
Is the assessment internal, external, or both?
Both. 92024 and 92025 are Internal standards, assessed in school. 92026 and 92027 are External standards, assessed through exams. Check with your teacher which contexts your class is entering, since internal work and exam preparation run in parallel.
How hard is Level 1 History?
Difficulty comes from the skills, not memorisation. You must select and explain evidence from primary sources, explain significance, and compare perspectives rather than describe events. Candidates who retell a story without linking evidence to concepts tend to sit lower on the grade scale.
What should I study first?
Start with the assessment specifications for the external standards and the Level 1 assessment matrix, then read exemplars and assessment schedules to see how evidence is credited. Work through past exams and reports before revising content, so your notes are shaped by what assessors reward.
Where do I find past exams and exemplars?
NZQA publishes Level 1 past exams, exemplars, assessment schedules and reports, plus internal exemplars for internally assessed History standards. Some public resources may be redacted for copyright; unredacted paper materials are available through your teacher via the school portal.
Can I resit an external standard?
External standards are assessed in the exam window, so a further opportunity normally means entering again in a later year. Internal standards are assessed at school, and your teacher can explain the school's reassessment process. Confirm the rules with your school rather than relying on general advice.
What are common failure modes?
Describing what happened instead of explaining why it matters; quoting a source without analysing its origin or limits; ignoring the Aotearoa New Zealand context in 92026; and presenting one viewpoint in 92027 instead of explaining different perspectives on the same context.
Do I need to know the 2026 changes?
Yes. NZQA lists revised achievement standards and supporting materials for assessment in 2026, and assessment specifications for 2026 are published for 92026 and 92027. Make sure the exemplars and specifications you study match the version you will be assessed against.