The NCEA exams for 2025 officially start on Tuesday, 4 November, and finish on Friday, 28 November. That’s just under a month of exams — long enough to feel like a marathon if you’re not pacing yourself, but totally manageable with the right plan.
The first day kicks off with one of the big ones — Maths, which always seems to appear early in the schedule. And on the final day, students wrap things up with subjects like Spanish, Digital Tech, and Social Studies.
Most students are done before the last day, but depending on your subjects, you might be sitting exams right up to the end. If that’s you — don’t stress. You get more time to revise without distractions, which can actually work in your favour.
| Examination | National Certificate of Educational Achievement ( NCEA) |
| Start Date | Tuesday 4, November 2025 |
| End Date | Friday 28, November 2025 |
| Official Timetable | PDF File |
What to expect during the exam period
The exam stretch has its own rhythm. It starts a little slow, hits full speed in the middle two weeks, and then eases off in the final days. Big subjects like English, Science, and History usually land in the middle. Specialty subjects — things like languages, tech, or arts — often fall earlier or later.
No two exam schedules are the same. Yours depends entirely on what subjects you’re taking. That’s why it’s super important to look up your exact exam dates early — ideally before Term 4 even starts.
How to access the official exam timetable
If you want the full exam timetable for 2025 (including dates and sessions for all subjects), you can find it in the official PDF published by NZQA.
🗂️ Here’s the direct link to the 2025 exam timetable PDF:
👉 Download the timetable here
Once you’ve opened it, scroll through to find your subjects. Highlight the ones you’re sitting, and jot down the dates somewhere you’ll actually check — like your phone calendar, study planner, or even a sticky note on your desk.
Final thoughts
The 2025 NCEA exam period runs from 4 to 28 November. It might seem like a long haul, but with good prep and a bit of perspective, it’s more doable than it looks. Focus on one subject at a time, stick to your own pace, and remember: these exams are just one step in your journey — not the whole story.