20th April 2026
New data shows a sharp rise in investigations into NCEA exam rule breaches, as digital assessments become more widespread across schools. The figures, obtained under the Official Information Act, point to a growing challenge in maintaining assessment integrity in an increasingly digital environment.
What the data shows
According to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, 1241 potential breaches in external assessments were investigated in 2025. This represents a 42 percent increase from 876 investigations in 2024 and is nearly three times higher than the 345 cases recorded in 2019.
These figures relate specifically to externally assessed exams, which are typically conducted under supervised conditions. The number of confirmed cases for 2025 is expected to be released later, but in 2024, 738 of the 876 investigations were substantiated.
Role of digital exams and AI
The rise in investigations coincides with the shift from traditional pen and paper exams to digital formats. While digital exams are conducted in controlled environments, they introduce new challenges around monitoring behaviour and detecting breaches.
Artificial intelligence is also emerging as a factor. NZQA recorded 168 potential breaches involving AI use in 2025, reflecting growing concern about how students may be using these tools in assessment contexts.
However, officials have indicated it is still unclear what is driving the full increase in investigations, particularly in externally assessed exams where supervision is strict.
Regional and subject differences
The data shows that investigations are not evenly distributed across the country. Auckland recorded the highest number of cases overall, with 479 investigations.
When adjusted for population, Hawke’s Bay had the highest rate of investigations per student, followed closely by the Nelson Tasman region. By contrast, Southland recorded the lowest rate.
By subject, English had the highest number of investigations, followed by literacy writing and numeracy. This is largely attributed to the high number of students sitting these assessments.
How exams are monitored
Despite the rise in investigations, digital exams are still tightly controlled. Exam systems can record screens and track keystrokes, while students take assessments in supervised environments with strict rules around device use.
This means that attempting to use external tools such as AI during an exam would likely require separate devices and carries a high risk of detection.
Ongoing questions for assessment integrity
The increase in investigations highlights the complexity of maintaining fair assessment practices as technology evolves. While most students continue to follow the rules, the data suggests that monitoring and enforcement are becoming more challenging in a digital context.
As digital assessments continue to expand, attention is likely to remain on how systems can adapt to new forms of potential misconduct while ensuring consistency and fairness across the qualification system.
