NZ Scholarship Digital Technologies exam-day guide
NZ Scholarship Digital Technologies · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission slip and photo ID
Print your admission slip from the NZQA candidate portal and bring a current photo ID (e.g., passport, driver licence, school ID). Confirm with your school's assessment coordinator which ID is accepted for Scholarship external assessments.
Stationery
Bring at least two pens (blue or black), two pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, and a ruler. For planning, bring a highlighter. Check with your supervisor whether any digital tools are permitted for your specific Digital Technologies external standard.
Approved calculator (if permitted)
Confirm with the provider whether a calculator is allowed for your Digital Technologies Scholarship paper. If allowed, use a non-programmable, non-graphing calculator that meets NZQA's approved list.
Water bottle (clear, label removed)
Bring a clear plastic bottle with no label. Confirm with the exam supervisor that this is allowed in your exam room.
Watch (non-smart, silent)
Bring a simple analogue or digital watch with no smart features. Do not rely on a phone; phones must be switched off and stored away.
Know your exam room and start time
Check your admission slip for the room and time. Arrive at least 20–30 minutes early. If you are unsure, confirm with your school's assessment coordinator the day before.
Review the Digital Technologies assessment specifications
Read the NZQA assessment specifications for the Scholarship Digital Technologies standard so you know the format, permitted materials, and any topic-specific requirements. Confirm details on the NZQA website.
Prepare a one-page concept sheet (for study, not the exam)
Create a concise summary of key concepts (e.g., algorithms, data structures, programming paradigms, digital media, hardware/software, ethics). Use it for revision only; do not bring it into the exam unless explicitly allowed.
Check device and software availability (if digital submission is part of your assessment)
If your school uses a digital platform for part of the assessment, confirm login details and test the device beforehand. Ask your teacher whether the Scholarship Digital Technologies exam includes a digital component.
Plan your transport and backup
Arrange transport and a backup plan (e.g., a trusted adult, public transport). Aim to arrive early to allow for delays.
Rest and nutrition
Sleep well the night before and eat a balanced breakfast. Bring a small snack if allowed; confirm with the supervisor.
Emergency contact and provider details
Save your school's assessment coordinator's phone number and the NZQA contact details in case of an emergency. Confirm with the provider how to report an absence or lateness.
Plan the day
Review the assessment specifications and the format of the Digital Technologies Scholarship paper. Practice with past papers or sample questions if available (confirm with your teacher or NZQA). Focus on weak areas: for example, algorithms, programming constructs, data representation, networks, or digital media design. Create a concise summary sheet of key terms and processes. Check your admission slip, ID, and stationery. Confirm exam room and time with your school. Avoid learning brand-new topics; consolidate what you know.
Pack your bag with admission slip, photo ID, pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, ruler, calculator (if permitted), water bottle, and watch. Lay out clothes. Review your summary sheet lightly, but do not cram. Confirm transport and set two alarms. Check the NZQA website or your school's communication for any last-minute changes. Get at least 8 hours of sleep.
Eat a proper breakfast and hydrate. Arrive at the exam venue at least 20–30 minutes early. Switch off your phone and store it away. Listen carefully to the supervisor's instructions. Read the front cover of the paper to confirm the time allowed, number of questions, and any choices. Take a few deep breaths and begin.
Read all instructions and questions carefully before starting. Allocate time according to marks: spend more time on higher-value questions. For Digital Technologies, structure answers clearly: use headings, bullet points, or diagrams where appropriate. Show your working or reasoning for algorithm and programming questions. If you are unsure, write what you know; partial marks may be available. Keep an eye on the clock and leave 5–10 minutes to check your answers and ensure you have filled in all required details.
Rules to check
Bring your admission slip and approved photo ID. You may not be admitted without them; confirm with the provider what ID is accepted.
Electronic devices, including phones, smart watches, and unauthorised calculators, must be switched off and stored away. Possession of unauthorised devices may lead to a breach of assessment rules.
Follow all instructions from the exam supervisor. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam. Raise your hand if you need assistance.
Breaks: if you need to leave the room, ask the supervisor. You will be escorted. Time may not be added to your exam. Confirm with the provider whether supervised breaks are allowed.
Scoring: Scholarship Digital Technologies is marked holistically against the Scholarship award criteria. Confirm with the provider the exact scoring and grading process, including any marking schedule or exemplars.
Academic integrity: do not bring unauthorised notes, books, or materials into the exam room. Any breach of assessment rules will be investigated by NZQA.
If you are late, report to the supervisor immediately. Your admission may be at the supervisor's discretion; confirm with the provider the lateness policy.
If you are absent due to illness or another emergency, contact your school's assessment coordinator as soon as possible and follow the provider's derived grade or absence process. Confirm with the provider the exact procedure.