Managing the pressure of assessment results

Steps you can take

After finishing exams it’s completely normal to feel nervous about your results.

Try not to dwell on your exams once they are finished – instead, make time to relax and have fun. Reward yourself for your hard work and try not to over-analyse your responses.

Work with the results you got

Once you’ve received your results, even if they aren’t quite what you were hoping for, there are several things you can do.

If you need 12 credits or fewer to attain NCEA or be awarded University Entrance, you may be able to study for free at Te Kura's Summer School over the summer break.

Summer school and short courses may also be available if you missed a specific standard you needed. Talk to your school or Te Kura, or contact us on 0800 697 296. There is also helpful information on the Careers website.

Te Kura Summer School

Missed NCEA credits, what to do now? (external link) - Careers NZ 

You can ask for a review or reconsideration of a result

After viewing your assessed NCEA or Scholarship exams and portfolios, if you feel that any of your answer booklets have not been marked correctly or the results recorded accurately, you can also request a review or reconsideration.

Find out more about reviews and reconsiderations

Planning next year's subjects

If you're looking at what subjects to take next year, you may be interested in the information about subject choices on the Careers website.

NCEA subject choice (external link) - Careers NZ

Talk to someone who can help you with the next steps

If you want to apply for further study or training, you can talk to providers – many offer ways to achieve the standards you require; or can suggest ways to make your application stand out.

If you needed to come back to school in 2023 to complete your NCEA or get UE before moving into work or study, NZQA can work with your school to award your qualification earlier in the year.

There is also information available on the Careers website about what you can do, along with advice for parents on how they can support you.

Supporting a young person who missed NCEA credits (external link) - Careers NZ

You can get help with the cost of study

If you’re worried about the cost of study or training, remember you could be eligible to receive one year’s study or two years' training Fees Free. 

Check your Fees Free eligibility

There are many ways to your goals

Above all, remember that there are different paths to where you want to go, and it can always be helpful to talk to someone at your school or a family member.