Grading scales

This page includes information on the grading scales that apply to qualifications we offer. There are some exceptions.

On this page:

Degrees, diplomas and certificates not listed separately

Grade points

Grade points can be used to calculate a grade point average (GPA). It is calculated by:

  • assigning numbers to grades (as set out in the table below)
  • weighting by course credit values
  • then dividing the sum by the credit total.

A GPA is commonly calculated at the completion of a qualification and is used by universities and other educational institutions globally as part of admission requirements. The GPA reflects the average grade across all courses, not just those that have been successfully completed. The higher the GPA the better the academic performance.

Grading scales for courses developed by Open Polytechnic

Grade Recorded

Interpretation

Course Outcome

Grade Points

A+

90 – 100%

Pass

9

A

85 – 89%

Pass

8

A-

80 – 84%

Pass

7

B+

75 – 79%

Pass

6

B

70 – 74%

Pass

5

B-

65 – 69%

Pass

4

C+

60 - 64%

Pass

3

C

55 – 59%

Pass

2

C-

50 – 54%

Pass

1

D

40 – 49%

Fail

0

E

0 – 39%

Fail

0

Pass

Awarded pass and no appropriate grade can be awarded

Pass

5

Fail

Failed course and no appropriate grade can be awarded

Fail

0

AEF

Aegrotat Fail

Fail

0

AEG

Aegrotat Pass

Pass

5

CC

Credit granted on basis of learning outcomes met via passes on other courses

Pass

N/A

EX

Exempt

Pass

N/A

FC

Failed Mandatory Component (including < 40% in Examination)

Fail

0

DNC

Did not complete all assessments, includes absence from examination

Fail

0

GP

Grade Pending

 

On hold

N/A

 

Grading scale for assessment components of courses developed by Open Polytechnic

Grade Recorded

Interpretation

Final Outcome

A+

90 – 100%

Pass

A

85 – 89%

Pass

A-

80 – 84%

Pass

B+

75 – 79%

Pass

B

70 - 74%

Pass

B-

65 – 69%

Pass

C+

60 – 64%

Pass

C

55 – 59%

Pass

C-

50 – 54%

Pass

D

40 – 49%

Fail

E

0 – 39%

Fail

F

Attempted assessment, did not meet subminimum requirement

Fail

CM

Competent (competency based assessment)

Pass

NY

Not yet competent (competency based assessment)

Fail

AE

Excellence (marks used to determine result)

Pass

AM

Merit (marks used to determine result)

Pass

AC

Achieved (marks used to determine result)

Pass

NA

Not Achieved (marks used to determine result)

Fail

EX

Exempt

Pass

FS

Failed To Submit

Fail

AB

Absent from the Examination

Fail

GP

Grade Pending (place holder when waiting for a result – e.g. valid extension)

On hold

 

Grading scale for qualifications not developed by Open Polytechnic

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology and the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) have a grading scale set by external organisations.

 

Bachelor of Engineering Technology

HD 85 – 100% High Distinction
A 75 – 84% Distinction
B 65 – 74% Credit
C 50 – 64% Pass
F 0 – 49% Fail
AG Aegrotat Pass
AB Absent Final Exam
P Pass Residential Practice Unit
F Fail Residential Practice Unit
FS Failed To Submit

 

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6)

A+ 90 – 100% Pass
A 85 – 89% Pass
A- 80 – 84% Pass
B+ 75 – 79% Pass
B 70 – 74% Pass
B- 65 – 69% Pass
C+ 60 – 64% Pass
C 55 – 59% Pass
C- 50 – 54%

Pass

D 40 – 49% Fail
E 0 – 39% Fail
AG Aegrotat Pass
FR Failed Final Exam (achieved less than 40% in the examination where this applies)
FE Fail Final Exam
AB Absent Final Exam
FC Failed Mandatory Component
FS Failed To Submit

 

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