Special Assessment Conditions

Find detailed information about Special Assessment Conditions (SAC), which help students with particular learning needs complete assessments

About Special Assessment Conditions (SAC)

Every student has a right to express their knowledge, skills and understanding without being unfairly disadvantaged.

Special Assessment Conditions are available to meet a range of physical, emotional, sensory, medical, and learning needs. They provide flexibility in the ways learners can access and demonstrate their learning. They do not make assessments easier or impact their validity.

SAC applies to internal and external assessments

Special Assessment Conditions apply to both internal and external assessments towards NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship. They can include:

  • the use of a reader or writer assistant
  • rest breaks
  • access to quiet spaces
  • Braille or enlarged papers.

Specific Special Assessment Conditions, such as a reading assistant, may be included in the learning support a student receives during the year.

Students may need different supports in different assessments. The supports, including SACs, will be adjusted as needed.

Schools apply on behalf of students

Applications for Special Assessment Conditions are made by schools to NZQA for students.

SAC resources and information

The types of SAC available

The types of SAC available and also when SAC support is not appropriate

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SAC in NCEA assessment

How Special Assessment Conditions apply during NCEA assessments

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SAC quicklinks

Information about our new Notifications Gateway, SAC corequisites and SAC forms and guides

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Information for schools, students, whānau and registered professionals

Go to the links below to find SAC information specific to you:

Information for schools

Information for students

Information for parents and caregivers

Information for registered professionals

The SAC Rules

NZQA’s rules about the provision of Special Assessment Conditions are published in the Assessment Rules for Schools, TEOs.

Read the Assessment Rules for Schools, TEOs

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