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If you’ve decided to do Vocational Education and Training (VET) during your senior years, that’s awesome!

You’re likely aware that the VET studies you’re doing right now are helping you reach the end and get that oh-so-crucial QCE; but you may be wondering the finer details of ‘just how’ that all works and what will happen if your plans change.

What quals count the most towards my QCE?

If you’re not already aware – VET qualifications contribute to your core courses of study. In order to get your QCE, you’ll need to have 20 credit, 12 of which must come from core courses, the other 8 being made up of a combination of things like core, preparatory and complementary courses.

In theory – all 20 credits can come from core courses.

Most VET certificates amount to 4 credits. However, this can vary depending on the combination training package that you do:

Pathways to QCE credit points

 

*Credits meet criteria to contribute to the completed Core requirement of the QCE.

**Complementary

If I do 2 VET quals does that get me closer to my QCE?

There’s heaps of combinations of qualifications you can do in order to meet your QCE requirements. However, credit for your QCE builds faster when you complete new learning.

When you complete multiple VET qualifications, a registered training organisation (RTO) may transfer credit for completed units of competency from one qualification to another qualification.

When you complete or partially complete multiple qualifications from the same VET training package (e.g. Certificate II in Business and Certificate III in Business, or a Certificate II in Sport & Recreation and a Certificate III in Fitness), credit accrued in the highest-level qualification in the Core category of learning will contribute, in the first instance, to a QCE.

Do VET quals count for more than doing general subjects?

General subjects provide up to 4 credits per course. While some VET courses can provide up to 8 credits per course, the majority of certificates provide a maximum of 4 credits each.

Taking on a diploma level qual is a big commitment during senior, so be aware of the workload before you sign up, and make sure you have a back up plan to achieve your credits if you don’t complete it in time.

Does doing VET count towards both QCE and ATAR at the same time?

Yes it can, but it’s really dependant on your subject choices.

One VET course at Certificate III level or higher, when combined with four General subjects (e.g. biology, geography, music and visual arts), may also contribute to your ATAR.

What if I don't finish the VET qual? Will I still get a QCE?

Credit (up to 4 points depending on level of completion) is still assigned for partially completed qualifications that are considered new learning. In other words, if you partially complete a stand alone VET qualification, or if you partially complete a qualification that is not part of the same package as another qualification you’ve finished.

You’ll still need to meet the 20 credits required for your QCE, so you’ll likely need to complete other training or another subject to make up the difference.

Can I finish over the end of year holidays and still get my QCE?

Absolutely. You’ll be awarded a QCE when you have met all the QCE requirements, either at the completion of Year 12, or after you have left school. You can continue to work towards your QCE for up to seven years after finishing Year 12.

We hope that answers some of the questions you had!

If any of the above terminology seems confusing, be sure to check out our QCE survival guide that breaks it all down.

infographic showing all the ways you can reach your 20 QCE credit points

For further reading, we’d recommend checking out QCE