Can You Request a Copy of Your HSC Exam Responses?

## Can You Request a Copy of Your HSC Exam Responses?

Yes. You can request a copy of your written HSC examination responses directly from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). This lets you see what you actually wrote in your exams, rather than relying on your memory of how you answered each question.

There is an important catch: **a copy of your exam responses does not include the marks awarded by examiners, marker comments, or a re-mark of your work.** If you want to understand how many marks you received for individual questions, you need a different NESA service.

For students completing the 2026 HSC, requests open on 17 December 2026 and close on 7 May 2027. There is a fee for each course requested, and an additional results-check fee may apply.

## What does NESA actually provide?

NESA offers three different post-results services that are easy to confuse:

| Service | What you receive | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Examination responses | A copy of what you wrote in your written exam | What you actually submitted |
| Raw marks report | The raw mark allocated to each exam question | How many marks you earned |
| Results check | A check that your marks were processed correctly | Whether your recorded results accurately reflect the marking and processing |

These services answer different questions. Ordering a copy of your exam responses will not tell you whether an examiner awarded you 3 out of 4 marks for a particular calculation. A raw marks report is more useful for that.

Likewise, a results check is not an opportunity to have an examiner reconsider the quality of your answer.

[IMAGE: Three clearly distinguished examples of HSC post-results documents: a scanned handwritten examination response, a question-by-question raw marks report, and a results-processing check summary. Show what information each contains and distinguish the documents without inventing real student details or official NESA document designs.]

Yes. NESA lets you request a copy of your written HSC examination responses. This gives you the opportunity to see what you actually wrote in your exams, rather than relying on your memory of how you answered each question.

There is an important catch: **a copy of your exam responses does not include the marks awarded by examiners, marker comments, or a re-mark of your work.** If you want to understand how many marks you received for individual questions, you need a different NESA service.

For students completing the 2026 HSC, requests open on 17 December 2026 and close on 7 May 2027. There is a fee for each course requested, and an additional results-check fee may apply.

## What does NESA actually provide?

NESA offers three different post-results services that are easy to confuse:

| Service | What you receive | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Examination responses | A copy of what you wrote in your written exam | What you actually submitted |
| Raw marks report | The raw mark allocated to each exam question | How many marks you earned |
| Results check | A check that your marks were processed correctly | Whether your recorded results accurately reflect the marking and processing |

These services answer different questions. Ordering a copy of your exam responses will not tell you whether an examiner awarded you 3 out of 4 marks for a particular calculation. A raw marks report is more useful for that.

Likewise, a results check is not an opportunity to have an examiner reconsider the quality of your answer.

[IMAGE: Three clearly distinguished examples of HSC post-results documents: a copy of a student's written examination response, a question-by-question raw marks report, and a results-processing check summary. Show what information each contains and distinguish the documents without inventing real student details or official NESA document designs.]

### 1. HSC examination responses

This is the service you're looking for if you want to see your original exam answers.

NESA provides a copy of your responses for each written HSC examination you undertook. The copy contains what you wrote, but does not contain the marks allocated by the examiners.

For example, imagine you sat the HSC Physics examination and wanted to revisit your response to a question about magnetic flux.

Your response copy would let you see the explanation and calculations you submitted. However, it would not tell you whether the examiner awarded you 2, 3, or 4 marks.

### 2. HSC raw marks report

If you want to know how many marks you received for individual questions, request an HSC raw marks report.

This report lists:
- The raw mark allocated to each examination question.
- Your total raw examination mark for the course.

Your raw examination mark is not necessarily the same as the examination mark shown on your HSC Record of Achievement. NESA aligns raw marks against achievement standards to determine the reported examination mark.

The raw marks report costs $11 per course, plus the cost of a results check if you haven't already ordered one.

### 3. HSC results check

A results check verifies that your examination marks were recorded and processed correctly.

NESA checks matters including:
- Whether the marking information was accurately captured in its system.
- Whether you attempted questions that were recorded as non-attempts.
- Whether digitally scanned responses were correctly captured and assigned to the right student, course, and question.
- Whether multiple-choice responses match your original answer sheet.

This is useful if you suspect a processing or recording error.

However, it does not involve an examiner marking your answers again. It checks the accuracy of the recorded result, not whether the examiner's academic judgement was correct.

You can read the full requirements on [NESA's results services page](https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/hsc/results-and-certificates/student-services).

## What does it cost to request your exam responses?

NESA charges $49 per course for the HSC examination responses service.

However, there's an additional detail worth understanding before you pay.

**NESA automatically includes a results check with your examination responses request if you haven't already ordered one.**

The results check costs:

| Course | Results check fee |
|---|---:|
| English Standard | $46 |
| English Advanced | $46 |
| All other courses | $24 per course |

This means the total cost of requesting your examination responses, assuming you haven't previously ordered a results check, is:

| Course | Examination responses | Results check | Total |
|---|---:|---:|---:|
| English Standard | $49 | $46 | $95 |
| English Advanced | $49 | $46 | $95 |
| Mathematics Advanced | $49 | $24 | $73 |
| Mathematics Extension 1 | $49 | $24 | $73 |
| Mathematics Extension 2 | $49 | $24 | $73 |
| Physics | $49 | $24 | $73 |
| Chemistry | $49 | $24 | $73 |

If you've already ordered a results check for a particular course, you only pay the $49 examination responses fee for that course.

### Worked example: requesting two examination responses

Suppose you completed English Advanced and Physics and want copies of both examination responses. You haven't previously ordered any results checks.

Your total cost would be:

**English Advanced:**

- Examination responses: $49
- Results check: $46
- Total: $95

**Physics:**

- Examination responses: $49
- Results check: $24
- Total: $73

Therefore:

\[
95+73=\boxed{\$168}
\]

You would pay $168 for both courses.

If you had already ordered the results checks, the cost would instead be:

\[
2\times49=\boxed{\$98}
\]

These are the NESA fees published for the 2026 HSC services, checked on 9 November 2026. Check the [official NESA fee information](https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/hsc/results-and-certificates/student-services) before ordering in case fees change.

## When can you request your 2026 HSC responses?

NESA has published the following dates for students completing the 2026 HSC:

| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| HSC results released | 16 December 2026 |
| Results services open | 17 December 2026 |
| Final date to request examination responses | 7 May 2027 |
| Students Online account closes | 30 June 2027 |

There are two deadlines to remember.

First, you must submit your examination responses request by 7 May 2027.

Second, your Students Online account closes on 30 June 2027. Make sure you download or print your returned responses before your account closes.

NESA states that orders are delivered to your Students Online account within 20 working days.

[IMAGE: A clear chronological timeline showing the 2026 HSC results release on 16 December, results services opening on 17 December, the examination responses ordering deadline on 7 May 2027, and Students Online account closure on 30 June 2027. Visually distinguish the final ordering date from the later account closure.]

These dates apply to the 2026 HSC cohort. If you completed your HSC in an earlier year, check directly with NESA rather than assuming the same ordering window applies.

## How do you request a copy of your HSC exam responses?

The process is straightforward. You don't need to contact your school to submit the request.

NESA manages the service through your Students Online account.

### Step 1: Log in to Students Online

Visit [NESA Students Online](https://studentsonline.nesa.nsw.edu.au/).

You'll need your NESA student number and PIN to access your account.

### Step 2: Open Results Services

Once you've logged in, find the Results Services section of your account.

This is where NESA makes its examination responses, raw marks report, and results check services available.

### Step 3: Select HSC Examination Responses

Choose the examination responses service and select the course or courses for which you want copies.

Check the fees carefully. Remember that a results check is included if you haven't already ordered one.

### Step 4: Complete your order

Follow the payment instructions and submit your request.

Keep a record of your order and check your Students Online account for the returned responses.

### Step 5: Download and save your responses

NESA states that orders are delivered within 20 working days.

Once your responses become available, download and save them somewhere you can access after leaving school.

Don't leave this until the end of June. Your Students Online account closes on 30 June 2027.

If you have trouble accessing your account, contact the NESA Student Enquiry Centre on 1300 13 83 23.

## What should you do with your returned exam responses?

Getting a copy of your exam responses is only useful if you know what to look for.

There are a few practical ways to use them.

### Compare your answers with the marking guidelines

Start by finding the official examination paper and marking guidelines for the same year and course.

Read the question again, then compare your actual response with the requirements of the question.

For example, consider a Physics question asking you to explain how changing the angle between a magnetic field and a coil affects magnetic flux.

You might remember writing that increasing the angle increases the magnetic flux. When you inspect your actual response, you discover that you confused the angle measured from the magnetic field with the angle measured from the plane of the coil.

That is a much more useful discovery than simply remembering that you found the question difficult.

Make sure you use the marking guidelines for the correct examination year and syllabus. Different syllabus editions can change the content and expectations of a course.

### Identify where your working could have been clearer

In Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, or Mathematics Extension 2, look at how you presented your working.

Consider:
- Did you show enough intermediate steps?
- Did you state the relevant restrictions or domain?
- Did you explain why a particular method was valid?
- Did you give an exact answer where one was required?
- Did you answer the question that was asked, rather than stopping at an intermediate result?

In Chemistry and Physics, pay attention to units, significant figures, chemical equations, explanations, and the connection between your calculations and the physical or chemical principles involved.

The aim is to identify weaknesses in your approach, not simply to compare your response word for word with a sample answer.

### Use your raw marks report to identify specific problems

If you want to know how many marks you received for each question, combine your response copy with your raw marks report.

For example, suppose your Physics response shows a complete calculation, but your raw marks report indicates that you received fewer marks than you expected.

You now have two useful pieces of information:

1. Your original response shows exactly what you submitted.
2. Your raw marks report shows the marks allocated to each question.

Together, these can help you identify which questions deserve closer examination.

Remember that a sample response is not necessarily the only acceptable way to answer a question. The marking guidelines, rather than identical wording, are the important reference.

## Does requesting your exam responses affect your ATAR?

No. Simply requesting or receiving a copy of your examination responses does not change your HSC marks or ATAR.

It helps to distinguish the responsibilities of NESA and the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

**NESA** is responsible for your HSC results and examination responses services.

**UAC** calculates your ATAR using scaled marks and manages university applications and offers.

These are separate processes.

If NESA formally amends your HSC results and provides the amended results to UAC, UAC will automatically recalculate your ATAR and notify you.

However, ordering an examination response copy does not automatically change your result or trigger an ATAR recalculation.

You can read more about the distinction in [HSC Marks, Performance Bands and ATAR: What Each Means](https://tutorgum.com/learn/resources/what-your-hsc-mark-performance-band-and-atar-actually-mean/).

### What if you need your responses for a university application?

Don't assume that a university will review your examination responses simply because you've obtained a copy.

If you want to use your responses as supporting evidence for an admissions review, scholarship application, or another university process, contact the institution directly.

Ask whether it accepts NESA examination response copies, what additional documents it requires, and what deadline applies.

UAC application deadlines, course preference deadlines, and university offer dates are separate from NESA's examination responses deadline.

Check the [UAC undergraduate applications and offers information](https://uac.edu.au/current-applicants/undergraduate-applications-and-offers) rather than waiting for your exam responses before managing your application.

### What about school-based assessments and trial exams?

NESA's examination responses service covers written HSC examinations. It does not provide copies of your school's trial examinations, internal assessment tasks, or other school-based work.

If you want to see those materials, contact your school or relevant education provider.

The arrangements for returning internal assessment work and providing feedback depend on the school's or provider's own policies. Don't assume that NESA's examination responses rules apply to these materials.

Similarly, if your concern relates to illness, misadventure, or an approved examination provision, these have separate NESA processes and requirements. Requesting a copy of your examination responses does not replace those processes.

You can find the relevant information in the [NESA ACE Rules](https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules) and the [NESA illness and misadventure guidelines](https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/hsc/illness-misadventure).

## Questions and solutions

### Question 1

You completed the 2026 HSC Chemistry examination and want to see exactly what you wrote in the exam.

You haven't previously ordered a results check.

Which NESA service should you request, and how much will it cost?

### Solution 1

You should request the HSC examination responses service, and the total cost will be $73.

The examination responses service costs $49 per course. Because you haven't previously ordered a results check, NESA includes one at an additional cost of $24 for Chemistry.

Therefore:

\[
49+24=\boxed{\$73}
\]

You will receive a copy of your written examination responses, but not the marks awarded to individual questions.

### Question 2

A student receives their HSC examination responses for Mathematics Advanced.

They notice that their solution to a calculus question looks mathematically correct, but they cannot tell whether the examiner awarded them full marks.

Which NESA service should they use to find out the raw marks awarded for that question?

### Solution 2

They should request an HSC raw marks report.

The examination responses copy shows what the student wrote, but it does not show the examiner's allocated marks.

The raw marks report lists the marks awarded for individual examination questions. The student can then compare the allocated marks with their original working and the official marking guidelines.

The report costs $11 per course, plus a results check if one has not already been ordered.

Importantly, finding a difference between your answer and a sample response does not automatically mean that your answer was marked incorrectly. The marking guidelines determine what earns credit, and alternative valid methods may also receive marks.

### Question 3

A student wants copies of their English Advanced and Physics examination responses.

They have already ordered results checks for both courses.

How much will the two examination responses requests cost?

### Solution 3

The total cost will be $98.

Because the student has already ordered the results checks, they do not need to pay for them again.

Each examination responses request costs $49 per course.

\[
49+49=\boxed{\$98}
\]

This is why it is worth checking which NESA services you've already ordered before paying. You don't want to budget for a results check twice.

### Question 4

A student receives their Physics examination responses and discovers that they wrote a detailed explanation for a question they had previously thought they left blank.

They believe the examiner must have missed the response.

They want NESA to reconsider the marking and award additional marks.

Will ordering a results check achieve this?

### Solution 4

No. A results check can investigate whether the response was accurately captured and processed, but it cannot reconsider the examiner's academic judgement.

The distinction is important.

If the response was not correctly scanned, indexed, or recorded, this is the kind of processing issue a results check is designed to identify.

However, if the response was correctly captured and the examiner simply awarded fewer marks than the student expected, a results check does not provide a re-mark.

The student can contact NESA's HSC Results Enquiry Centre to discuss concerns about their results, but should not assume that a different academic judgement will be made.

### Question 5

A student receives their Mathematics Extension 2 examination responses and raw marks report.

They discover that a question they answered using an alternative mathematical method received zero marks. They believe their method is mathematically valid and that the examiner should have awarded marks.

At the same time, the student is waiting for a university offer through UAC.

They decide to request a results check and assume that, if they are unhappy with the outcome, UAC can reconsider their ATAR using the examination response copy.

Explain what the student can realistically do, and which organisation is responsible for each part of the process.

### Solution 5

The student can ask NESA to check that the recorded result is accurate, but neither the examination responses service nor the results check provides an ordinary re-mark of the answer. UAC cannot independently reconsider the examiner's marking.

There are three separate issues.

**First: the mathematical validity of the answer.**

The student should compare their actual response with the original examination question and the relevant marking guidelines.

An alternative method can be mathematically valid without necessarily satisfying every requirement of the question. For example, a question might require a particular justification, an exact result, or a specified form of proof.

The fact that an answer reaches the correct numerical result does not automatically establish that every assessed requirement was satisfied.

**Second: the accuracy of the recorded result.**

The student can use the results check to establish whether NESA correctly captured the examiner's recorded marks and processed the response.

However, the results check cannot decide that the examiner should have awarded a different mark simply because the student believes their method deserved more credit.

The examination response copy provides evidence of what the student wrote, while the raw marks report provides the allocated marks. Neither creates a right to have the examination re-marked.

**Third: the university admission process.**

NESA is responsible for HSC results. UAC is responsible for calculating the ATAR and managing its university application and offer processes.

If NESA formally amends the student's HSC result and provides the amended result to UAC, UAC automatically recalculates the ATAR.

If NESA does not amend the result, the student should not expect their ATAR to change simply because they have obtained a copy of their examination response.

If the student believes there is a separate basis for an admissions review, they should contact the relevant university and check its own requirements and deadlines.

The key point is that these organisations have different responsibilities. A mathematically convincing response, a successful processing check, an amended HSC result, and a changed university offer are four different things. One does not automatically produce the next.

## Before you place your order

If you're completing the 2026 HSC, keep this checklist handy:

- [ ] Wait until NESA results services open on 17 December 2026.
- [ ] Log in to Students Online.
- [ ] Decide whether you need examination responses, a raw marks report, or a results check.
- [ ] Check whether you've already ordered a results check for each course.
- [ ] Review the applicable fees before paying.
- [ ] Submit your examination responses request by 7 May 2027.
- [ ] Download and save your returned responses before 30 June 2027.

The most useful approach is to match the service to the question you actually want answered.

If you want to remember exactly what you wrote, request your examination responses. If you want to see how many marks each question received, request your raw marks report. If you suspect an administrative or processing error, request a results check.

Once you have your responses, you can use them to identify specific weaknesses in your exam technique and understand where your working, explanations, or problem-solving approach could improve. That's a much more productive use of your HSC papers than simply trying to reconstruct your performance from memory.