NCEA exams begin on Monday morning with the largest all - level one English.
More than 46,000 students throughout New Zealand are sitting the exam, one of 120 scheduled over the next three weeks.
The Qualifications Authority says more than 143,000 students are enrolled in the exams, which range in size from today's level one English exam through to Scholarship Latin, which has just 19 candidates.
Scholarship exams began on last Friday.
Teachers say students should take their time when they get into their exams and make sure they understand the questions they are going to answer.
They also urge students to keep a good routine with a good balance of study, exercise and rest.
The last exams will be held on 4 December.
