Discontinuation of physical National Student Number (NSN) cards A2024/7

Discontinuation of physical National Student Number (NSN) cards

NZQA is no longer supplying physical National Student Number (NSN) cards for candidates entered in NCEA assessments.

This change will take effect immediately, meaning that no cards will be supplied in 2024 or in future years.

Previously, NSN cards were sent to schools and kura for distribution to NCEA candidates during June. This ensured students new to NZQA had their NSN and instructions for how to set up their Learner Login to access their MyNZQA account. It also reminded existing students of that process.

Following the processing of the first data file submission to NZQA from 1 April, schools and kura can help students set up and use their MyNZQA learner account. The guide on the NZQA website includes updated instructions and a short video to assist students with creating a new account.

Find out more about using the learner portal

The NSN is also printed on a students’ examination admission slip which will still be distributed by NZQA in October.

NSNs are not required to access digital external assessments. Candidates use the “MyNZQA learner account” to login to these assessments, and the credentials used do not include candidate NSNs.

Once students have set up their MyNZQA learner account they can use this to access a reminder of their NSN.