NCEA L1 Social Studies
NCEA Level 1 Social Studies
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
Social Studies is one of the subjects offered within NCEA Level 1 at New Zealand secondary schools, listed by NZQA under the Social Sciences | New Zealand Curriculum learning area. NZQA describes the subject simply: "Social Studies is about people - who they are, what they do, how they change, and what happens to them." Level 1 Social Studies is built from achievement standards, and NZQA publishes a dedicated Level 1 standards page where you can find those standards. Assessment is both internal and external - the subject page states it supports "internal and external assessment (exams)" - so your grade will draw on work assessed in school as well as any external assessment. NZQA also flags "Changes to Social Studies" and provides "Sample resources for 92049 for external assessment in 2025", so check the current standards and sample material rather than relying on older resources. To prepare, work from the Level 1 achievement standards, read the latest Level 1 assessment specifications (NZQA also links to next year's specifications), and use past exams, exemplars, assessment schedules and reports for Level 1. Clarifications, the national moderator's report and assessor support material show how evidence is judged. This page is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with NZQA.
What you'll study
About NCEA L1 Social Studies preparation
What is NCEA Level 1 Social Studies?
It is the Level 1 component of Social Studies within NCEA, listed by NZQA under Social Sciences | New Zealand Curriculum. It is made up of Level 1 achievement standards, which you can find on NZQA's Level 1 standards page for the subject.
How is it assessed - exam or internal?
Both. NZQA's Social Studies page says it provides resources and tools to support "internal and external assessment (exams)", so some achievement standards are assessed internally at school and others through external assessment.
Where do I find the Level 1 standards?
NZQA's Social Studies page has a Level 1 standards section with the heading "Social Studies achievement standards" and a "Find Level 1 standards" link. Start there, since the standards define exactly what you must demonstrate.
What changed for Social Studies?
NZQA notes "Changes to Social Studies" and links "Sample resources for 92049 for external assessment in 2025". The source does not describe the changes in detail, so check the standards and sample resources directly for the current requirements.
How do I prepare for the external assessment?
Use the Level 1 past exams, exemplars, assessment schedules and reports, read the latest Level 1 assessment specifications, and study the sample resources for 92049. Clarifications and the national moderator's report show what assessors look for.
Are assessment specifications important?
Yes. NZQA publishes Level 1 assessment specifications and also links to "View next year's assessment specifications". Read both so you know what the external assessment requires this year and what is signalled for the following year.
What does Social Studies actually cover?
NZQA frames the subject as being about people: "who they are, what they do, how they change, and what happens to them." The specific content and skills you must show are set out in the Level 1 achievement standards.
How do I know what standard my work is at?
Look at the exemplars and assessment schedules for Level 1, which show annotated student work against the standards. The national moderator's report also explains common assessment and moderation issues.
Can I practise with digital assessments?
NZQA's page includes a "Past digital assessments" section linking to digital exams and past assessments. Check the exam timetable and candidate information sheet for the arrangements that apply to you.