The exam centre for candidates is provided in the enrolment information published in the data file on 1 September.
There may be unique circumstances, such as selection for regional representation, that require a candidate to request a change in their exam centre.
Things to note
Requests for exam centre changes are processed by NZQA after 15 September. You may submit them earlier.
Principal's Nominees (PNs) must not ask Examination Centre Managers (ECM) to send personalised exam papers between exam centres. To do so would put the security of external exams at risk and is considered a breach of external assessment.
Exam papers for a candidate changing exam centres will not be personalised.
Using the request form
Requests to change examination centre must be made using the digital Change of Exam Centre Request form:
The Change of Exam Centre Request form will be available in Term 1 2025
Late entry attendance roll [DOCX, 44 KB]
Instructions for completing a change request [PDF, 1 MB]
Part 1 is completed by the Principal's Nominee (PN) of the home school
Part 1 of the digital form must be completed by the PN at the candidate’s home school (school of enrolment).
Once submitted, the request is automatically sent to the PN at the proposed new exam centre.
Part 2 is completed by the PN of the new exam centre
Part 2 of the digital form must be completed by the PN at the proposed new exam centre.
Before agreeing to host the candidate, they must check that:
- Their school's exam centre is holding exam sessions at the time of the transferring candidate’s exams.
- The exam sessions can accommodate any special requirements (audio components of language and music exams, digital sessions) or any special assessment conditions the candidate is entitled to (check with your ECM).
- There is space is available in the exam rooms.
- No additional supervisors are needed to accommodate the candidate for any session.
If the proposed change would create a new exam session or require additional supervision, the request may be declined or NZQA may seek reimbursement of any actual and reasonable costs in setting up a new session.
Responsibilities of the home school PN
It is the responsibility of the PN at the home school to:
- Advise the ECM of the candidate exam centre change (booklets should be labelled absent).
- Advise the candidate who to contact at the host school.
- Advise the candidate to take their admission slip and photo ID to the host examination centre.
Responsibilities of the new exam centre PN
It is the responsibility of the PN at the new exam centre to:
- Advise the ECM of the candidate exam centre change.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact your NZQA School Relationship Manager.