List of available Special Assessment Conditions
Here is a list of all special assessment conditions, with more information about each one.
Braille Paper (BP)
A physical paper printed in Braille for blind candidates.
Computer Only Notification (CO) in separate accommodation
This is a Notification that lets students use a computer (word processor) only in exams. It is not a SAC provision.
Students with this Notification cannot use the Extra Writing Time option.
Students share accommodation and printers by default unless a student needs isolated accommodation.
Use of a computer for external assessment
Computer Use (CU) assistance in separate accommodation
This SAC provision lets students use a computer (word processor) in exams.
Students with this SAC provision can use the Extra Writing Time option.
Students share accommodation and printers by default unless a student needs isolated accommodation.
Use of a computer for external assessment
Enlarged Papers (EP)
The student can have an exam paper enlarged to A3 size only.
Extra Writing Time (ET)
A student can have up to:
- 10 extra minutes for any hour-long assessment or
- 30 extra minutes for three-hour sessions, if the student is entered for three standards or NZ Scholarship in that session.
Extra Writing Time option for SAC
Reader (R) assistance in separate accommodation
A student may a Reader during an assessment if they have a condition that makes reading difficult.
The student and Reader will automatically have isolated separate accommodation because the Reader will be talking.
Rest Breaks (RB)
Candidates with physical and medical conditions, such as chronic fatigue, diabetes, anxiety, chronic pain or physical injury, can have Rest Breaks during an assessment.
The usual maximum rest break is 10 minutes on top of any hour-long assessment or 30 minutes for a three-hour examination. The 30 minutes only applies when the student is entered for three standards or NZ Scholarship in that session.
If a student needs more time than that, discuss the need with NZQA.
Students only get Rest Breaks on top of Extra Writing Time in exceptional circumstances.
Separate Accommodation (SA)
A student can have Separate Accommodation if they have a specific reason not to be with other students.
This may be Isolated or Small Group Separate Accommodation, depending on the student's need.
Signing Reader (SR) in separate accommodation
Students who are deaf or hard of hearing can have a Signing Reader to sign the assessment or any instructions to them.
SAC support for deaf or hard of hearing students
Special Paper (SP)
This is a PDF that is:
- loaded onto a digital device so it can be enlarged as the student needs or
- printed on coloured paper.
It is not a digital assessment that can be answered on screen.
Supervisor who is capable of signing (SS)
Deaf or hard of hearing students can request a supervisor who can sign instructions to them if needed.
SAC support for deaf or hard of hearing students
Writer/Typist (WR)
A student may have a Writer or Typist during an assessment if they have a condition that makes writing or typing difficult.
The student and Writer/Typist will automatically have isolated separate accommodation because the student will be talking.
It is a Writer’s choice to type if they are confident to do so. The student does not make this decision.
On this page
Exceptional circumstances
If a student faces exceptional barriers to assessment, contact the SAC team to discuss options.
The student may need special arrangements for them to be fairly assessed.
Possible support and exclusions
SAC support linked to specific needs and when SAC isn't appropriate