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National standards
The National Qualifications Framework contains two types of national standards: achievement standards and unit standards. Credits from all achievement standards and all unit standards count towards NCEA.
Each standard registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) describes what a learner needs to know or what they must be able to achieve.
Because the standards are nationally agreed, learners' achievements can be recognised in a number of contexts. Their knowledge and skills will be transferable between qualifications and providers.
Standards specify learning outcomes, or describe the levels of performance learners need to reach to meet the standard. Having met it, they will gain credits toward national qualifications. In general, standards do not prescribe (or define) content or curriculum (what is taught). Nor do they describe exactly how assessments are to be carried out (by exams, tests, essays, etc).
Each standard has a defined credit value and sits at a specified level on the NQF. Credits may be accumulated from different learning institutions or workplaces towards a single qualification. All organisations accredited to assess against standards recognise NQF credits awarded by others.
Achievement standards are at levels 1, 2 and 3 on the Framework and cover learning areas related to the school curriculum, including subjects previously covered by School Certificate, Sixth Form Certificate and University Bursaries.
More information about the National Qualifications Framework
Last updated: 02 September 2004