Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test

Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests
Event information
Location	Hogwarts Castle, Highlands, Scotland, Great Britain
Date(s)	May-June, annually
Participant(s)	Seventh-year students (examinees)
Description	Final examination

Terry Boot: "You can do a Protean Charm?"

Hermione Granger: "Yes."

Terry Boot: "But that's... that's N.E.W.T. standard, that is."

— Hermione's ability to perform N.E.W.T.-level magic

The Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (often abbreviated N.E.W.T.) was a series of subject-specific standardised tests taken during Hogwarts students' seventh year to determine if they had mastered magic at the advanced level that not everyone was able to achieve.

Each subject had its own N.E.W.T. exam. The scores achieved by a student on their N.E.W.T.s were what potential employers looked at when said student was looking for a career after their graduation, so passing these exams was critical. Some careers, such as Auror or Healer, required a student to earn top grades in as many as five N.E.W.T.s.

As well as referring to the test that students took in their seventh year, the term "N.E.W.T." also referred to the type of class, i.e. the level of difficulty of the more advanced classes the student took in their sixth and seventh years at Hogwarts. In addition, "achieving a N.E.W.T." was used to refer to a class in which the student had passed their N.E.W.T. exam.

Overview

"As Hermione had predicted, the sixth-years' free periods were not the hours of blissful relaxation Ron had anticipated, but times in which to attempt to keep up with the vast amount of homework they were being set. Not only were they studying as though they had exams every day, but the lessons themselves had become more demanding then ever before."

— Harry Potter regarding the increased difficulty of the sixth year

A N.E.W.T. Potions class in 1996, where only twelve students were able to advance from the previous year

The more advanced course work during sixth and seventh years was beyond the ordinary Wizarding level, colloquially referred to as N.E.W.T.-level, after the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test, which was taken at the end of their seventh and final year. This higher level of education was much more difficult than it had been previously, even for students who had previously proven themselves to be prodigious in those subjects. Hermione Granger for example was particularly talented in Potions, but even she struggled with the subject at the N.E.W.T.-level. The majority of students' time was spent studying and trying to cope with the vast amounts of homework they were being given.

The exams themselves were incredibly difficult, as stated in the name "nastily exhausting". It can be assumed that the studying involved for this exam was just as vigorous and taxing as the O.W.L. exams, if not even more so. The scores of these exams were what potential employers looked at when the student was looking for a career after they completed their education. Some careers required certain subjects to be taken at N.E.W.T.-level and with a passing grade, or in some cases top grades. Although, not all careers required N.E.W.T. scores, so students did not have to take the exams if they didn't want to, and not everyone who did would pass. There were many employers who accepted applicants who only had O.W.L. grades, but it still helped to have N.E.W.T. grades anyway, and many high profile jobs required, or at least preferred them.

Advancement

"I do not accept students into N.E.W.T. classes unless they have achieved 'Exceeds Expectations' or higher at Ordinary Wizarding Level."

— Professor McGonagall on the increased difficulty in N.E.W.T.-level magic

O.W.L. exam results

At the end of their fifth year students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry took the Ordinary Wizarding Level exams, or O.W.L., a test to determine if a student had mastered magic to the standard level that any competent wizard should have been able to achieve. Each subject had its own O.W.L. exam. Students who earned a high enough grade on a subjects O.W.L. were allowed to continue studying the subject in the final two years of their education.

The individual teachers decided what grade was required for a student to take their class at the N.E.W.T. level, Severus Snape only accepted students into his advanced potions class if they got an 'Outstanding' on the O.W.L. exam, while Horace Slughorn was perfectly willing to accept students with 'Exceeds Expectations'. A student who failed to meet the teachers expectations on the O.W.L. would not be allowed to take their class anymore, as they would likely not be able to keep up with the more difficult curriculum.

Even if a student passed their O.W.L., they could still choose to discontinue taking the class, even if it was a core class. This allowed them to focus all their attention only on the subjects they were actually going to need for the career they had chosen to pursue. Although, the more studious students might have chosen to take more subjects than were necessary for their desired career. Hermione Granger for example, who wanted to gain as much magical knowledge as possible and become the best witch she could be, took seven N.E.W.T. classes.

Difficulty of magic

"The spell I am going to try and teach you is highly advanced magic, Harry — well beyond Ordinary Wizarding Level. It is called the Patronus Charm."

— Remus Lupin regarding the difficulty of some types of magic

Harry Potter's stag Patronus fends off hundreds of Dementors, extremely advanced magic

Even though students were taking fewer classes than they were before, the workload was no less difficult and time consuming. Quite the opposite in fact; the magic studied at the N.E.W.T.-level was well beyond the ordinary Wizarding level they were used to, and class assignments and homework were more strenuous on the students than ever before.

Some examples of N.E.W.T.-level spells included: the Water-Making Spell, turning vinegar to wine, Human Transfiguration, and Shield Charms. Potions that were considered N.E.W.T.-level were: Amortentia, Felix Felicis, Polyjuice Potion, Veritaserum, Draught of Living Death, Everlasting Elixirs, and poison antidotes.

In addition to the already advanced and difficult nature of the material, the use of Nonverbal spells were introduced in the sixth year, and the teachers expected them to be used by the students for the rest of their classes from thereon. Due to the strong willpower required to perform such a feat, many students seemed to struggle with this portion (at least initially).

That being said, some witches and wizards were talented enough to perform N.E.W.T.-level magic before the time came for them to take their O.W.L. exams. Hermione Granger for example was able to brew the Polyjuice Potion in her second year and perform the Protean Charm in her fifth, both of which were highly impressive feats. Even more impressive was Harry Potter's ability to conjure a corporeal Patronus in his third year (something beyond N.E.W.T.-level, so advanced that it was normally not even taught at Hogwarts at all). Another example was Talbott Winger, who completed the extremely long and difficult ritual to become and Animagus before he even started school.

In addition to the more advanced materials of what they were already studying, more specialised subjects (such as Alchemy) were available, as long as there was sufficient demand for the class to be held. A twelve-week course on Apparition was also available (for a fee of twelve Galleons).

N.E.W.T. scores

N.E.W.T. results.

"They ask for a minimum of five N.E.W.T.s, and nothing under 'Exceeds Expectations' grade, I see."

— Grading for N.E.W.T.s is the same for O.W.L.s

If a student failed a N.E.W.T. it is unknown if the student was allowed to retake it, if they wished to. If retaking it was an option, they were either presumably held back in the subject that they failed or just given a second chance at the exam itself. The grading system for N.E.W.T.s was the same for O.W.L.s.

Passing grades Outstanding [O] Exceeds Expectations [E] Acceptable [A]

Fail grades Poor [P] (may possibly repeat) Dreadful [D] Troll [T] (fail with distinction)

N.E.W.T. students

Achievers of N.E.W.T.s

Job	Recipients	Notes
Healers	Dilys Derwent	Requirements to become a Healer included N.E.W.T.s of at least grade E in the subjects of Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Herbology, and Defence Against the Dark Arts, making it likely the Healers to the left achieved the grades needed.
	Lancelot
	Augustus Pye
	Hippocrates Smethwyck
	Helbert Spleen
	Miriam Strout
	Hannah Abbott
Aurors	Alastor Moody	To be an Auror, applicants needed at least five high-level N.E.W.T grades, though an exception was made for at least Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Neville Longbottom.
	Frank Longbottom
	Alice Longbottom
	John Dawlish
	Kingsley Shacklebolt
	Nymphadora Tonks
	Rufus Scrimgeour
	Gawain Robards
	Proudfoot
	Savage
	Williamson
Professors	Albus Dumbledore	Were said to have earned top grades, likely in at least Transfiguration, since they both taught the subject.
	Minerva McGonagall
	Severus Snape	Likely achieved a high grade in Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts, since he later taught the subjects.
	Hogwarts professors	Have likely achieved N.E.W.T.s in at least in their own subject. An exception may be Neville Longbottom, who left Hogwarts to be an Auror and later became Herbology professor.
Others	Barty Crouch Jnr	Achieved twelve O.W.L.s and likely achieved N.E.W.T.s too.
	Percy Weasley	Graduated with perfect N.E.W.T grades.
	Tom Riddle	Was said to have achieved top grades in every exam that he took.
	Hermione Granger	Returned to take her N.E.W.T.s, despite not attending her seventh year at Hogwarts at the time she should have. She probably continued with the subjects she picked at the start of her sixth year; Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Potions.
	Bill Weasley	Likely achieved high N.E.W.T. grades, probably in at least Charms and Care of Magical Creatures given their careers. In Bill's case: Defence Against the Dark Arts, Potions and Transfiguration as well.
	Charlie Weasley
	Lily Potter	Likely achieved high grades, given that they were good students.
	James Potter
	Remus Lupin
	Arthur Weasley	Probably in at least Muggle Studies.
	Ministry of Magic	The majority of jobs at the Ministry will want N.E.W.T. grades.

Known leavers

It was the choice of every student whether they wanted to take their N.E.W.T.s or not, and not everyone would pass. There were many jobs who accepted applicants who only had O.W.L. grades, but it helped to have N.E.W.T.s. and many high profile jobs would prefer them. Every student tried to return for the final two years.

However, Fred and George Weasley, for example, did not bother taking the N.E.W.T.s and instead left Hogwarts to set up a joke shop. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the immediate cause of their departure was mainly to evade the much-despised Professor Umbridge, and not because they simply decided not to achieve them.

Wizard(s)	Notes
Helena Ravenclaw	Ran away from Hogwarts, stealing her mother's Diadem.
Zygmunt Budge	Left at the age of fourteen to pursue private studies in potion-making.
Selene Wartnaby	Went missing after attempting to Apparate to the Moon. Did not complete her N.E.W.T.s.
Simon Talmadge †	Died at the age of sixteen, prior to completing his N.E.W.T.s.
Anne Sallow	Dropped out from Hogwarts after her fourth year as a result of her illness.
Newton Scamander	In 1913, Newt was expelled from Hogwarts early into his sixth year after one of Leta Lestrange's experiments involving a Jarvey went too far, endangering the life of another student. It also violated laws prohibiting the possession of this creature. Rather than seeing his good friend expelled, Newt took the blame for Leta's actions, and was thus sentenced to be expelled from Hogwarts in her place.
Willa Weholt †	Accidentally died during a Quidditch match.
Myrtle Warren †	Killed by the Serpent of Slytherin prior to completing her N.E.W.T.s.
Rubeus Hagrid	In 1943, Hagrid was expelled from Hogwarts in his third year, wrongly accused of opening the Chamber of Secrets that resulted in the death of a girl.
Duncan Ashe †	Died after concocting an Erumpent Potion, before completing his N.E.W.T.s.
"Pumpkin Johnny"	Ran into the Forbidden Forest after being bullied and was never seen again.
Rowan Khanna †	Died prior to completing his N.E.W.T.s.
Cedric Diggory †	Murdered by Peter Pettigrew on Lord Voldemort's orders in his sixth year before he had a chance to take N.E.W.T.s at the end his seventh year.
Harry Potter	Was qualified to take: Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration at N.E.W.T.-level. He decided not to return to school for the seventh year and went to work for the Ministry as an Auror. He became the Head of the Auror Office in 2007. In 2019 was promoted to Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Ron Weasley	Picked the same subjects as Harry, but decided not return to school for seventh year too. He went to work at the Ministry as an Auror and later went to work at the joke shop with his brother George.
Neville Longbottom	Picked at least three subjects; Charms, Herbology, and Defence Against the Dark Arts, but he left before the end of his seventh year. He went to work for the Ministry as an Auror, then returned to Hogwarts as a professor of Herbology.
Fred Weasley †	Mentioned above, left during the rule of Dolores Umbridge, before exams and started their own joke shop.
George Weasley
Lavender Brown †	Died in the Battle of Hogwarts before completing their N.E.W.T.s.
Vincent Crabbe †
Colin Creevey †
Fallen Fifty †
Unidentified Hogwarts students killed on the seventh floor †
Kellen Carrion	Left before his seventh year.
Beauxbatons student who transferred from Slytherin	Transferred to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.
Craig Bowker Junior †	Murdered by Delphini before getting a chance to complete his N.E.W.T.s.

Behind the scenes

• The N.E.W.T. is comparable to the Muggle A-Levels given at a similar stage of education in most of the UK and Commonwealth, the leaving certificate given in Ireland, the Advanced Placement exams given in the United States, the Australian Certificate of Education (overriding State certificates in 2014) given in Australia, or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme given worldwide.
• Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger skipped the 1997–1998 school year, which would have been their final year, due to the reign of Lord Voldemort and their search for his Horcruxes. Presumably, Muggle-born students also missed their schooling that year. After the defeat of Voldemort, Hermione completed her education and took her N.E.W.T.s, while Harry became an Auror and Ron initially became an Auror and then left to help his brother George at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Those who participated in the Battle of Hogwarts were given exemptions from usual Auror qualifications by Kingsley Shacklebolt due to their duelling experience.
• Doing well on N.E.W.T.s is normally imperative to earning a position at the Ministry of Magic, except under special circumstances (see above).
• N.E.W.T.s are the highest level of examinations given at Hogwarts. It is unknown what system other wizarding schools such as Beauxbatons or Durmstrang use.
• It is assumed that the name, N.E.W.T., is a play on words (like the O.W.L.s), because owls and newts are both animals. It may also be a reference to the Magizoologist Newt Scamander.
• It is possible that Katie Bell did not take her N.E.W.T.s as she was hospitalised for most of her seventh year. If this is the case, then this would explain as to why Katie attended Hogwarts in both parts of the Deathly Hallows film.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (First mentioned)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film) (Mentioned only)
• Pottermore (Mentioned only)
• Wizarding World (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (First appearance)
• Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (Mentioned only)

See also

• Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.)
• Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test (W.O.M.B.A.T.)