Senior External Examination candidate information
The QSA conducts a series of senior subject examinations at locations across Queensland in October and November each year.
These examinations are for people who are not senior students in Queensland secondary schools, or for senior students who are unable to access particular subjects at their schools.
Candidates can use Senior External Examination results to meet tertiary entrance and employment requirements and/or to gain a QCE.
A brief guide to the Senior External Examination can also be downloaded:
On this page:
- Eligibility
- Nominating for examinations
- Changes to nominations
- Sitting outside Queensland
- Important dates/Examination timetable
- Cost
- Subject resources
- Tuition
- Varying examination conditions
- More information
Eligibility
Senior students in Queensland secondary schools
A student must apply to the school principal for permission to nominate for the Senior External Examination. This should be done at the beginning of the school year. Students can nominate for a maximum of 2 examinations a year.
The principal must complete and submit Eligibility form - senior secondary students.
Other candidates
Others wishing to sit the examinations must either:
- be 19 years of age or older by the end of the year in which they will sit the examination, or
- have completed Year 12 and have already received a Senior Certificate.
There is no limit on the number of examinations that these candidates may sit.
Candidates who are 18 years of age or younger at the end of the year in which they wish to sit the examination and who have not received a Senior Certificate or Senior Statement must apply to us before beginning their study in order to determine their eligibility. These candidates must submit Eligibility form - 18 years and younger.
Nominating for examinations
Nomination kits are available from us in late February each year.
Changes to nominations
Candidates who have nominated for the examinations and who wish to change their personal details, withdraw from an examination or add a subject should submit an Application to change details.
Sitting outside Queensland
Candidates may apply to sit the Senior External Examination outside Queensland. More information and an application form are in the Application to sit outside Queensland.
Important dates/Examination timetable
Examinations are held in October and November each year at a number of examination centres throughout Queensland. See the important dates and examination timetable.
Cost
- Nomination fee: $44.50 per subject
- Late nomination fee: $49.50 per subject
- Interstate or overseas: An additional fee is charged to cover administration costs. Contact us for details.
Subject resources
We currently offer 15 subjects (see below). For each subject, we provide a syllabus, past examination papers and other resources. The syllabus describes the aims, objectives, learning experiences and assessment requirements for the subject. Subject resources may be downloaded by following the links below, or purchased in hard copy.
We do not provide teaching materials or tuition.
Subjects offered
- Accounting
- Ancient History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Drama
- English
- Geography
- Legal Studies
- Mathematics A
- Mathematics B
- Modern History
- Philosophy & Reason
- Physics
- Visual Art
From 2009, the following subjects will also be offered:
For each subject, we provide a syllabus and a link to past examination papers and other resources. The syllabus describes the aims, objectives, learning experiences and assessment requirements for the subject. Subject resources may be downloaded by following the links above. Syllabuses may be purchased in hard copy.
Tuition
We strongly recommend that candidates obtain tuition before sitting an examination. Options include studying at a teaching centre or with a private tutor.
Senior school students must obtain tuition in the subjects they nominate for (usually at their own school).
Varying examination conditions
We may vary examination conditions for candidates with a recognised disability, injury or illness that would affect their result if they were to sit an examination under standard conditions.
Candidates whose first language is not English may be allowed to use a translation dictionary in subjects where communication is not assessed. Translation dictionaries are not allowed in language subjects, for example, Chinese.
Information on possible variations to examination conditions is given in the Senior External Examination Handbook. Candidates must submit an Application for variations to examination conditions by 31 August.
More information
Email externalexams@qsa.qld.edu.au or phone (07) 3864 0211.
Last updated: 24 April 2008
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