Queensland Certificate of Education overview
The QCE is Queensland's senior school qualification, which is awarded to eligible students usually at the end of Year 12. Young Queenslanders are registered for the QCE during Year 10 or in the 12 months before turning 16, whichever comes first.
Learning options and requirements
The QCE offers flexibility in what is learnt, as well as where and when learning occurs. Students have a wide range of learning options; these can include senior school subjects, vocational education and training, workplace and community learning, as well as university subjects undertaken while at school.
To be awarded a QCE, students must have at least 20 credits in the required pattern, and fulfil literacy and numeracy requirements.
Planning for a QCE - SET Plan
A Senior Education and Training Plan (SET Plan) helps students structure their learning around their abilities, interests and ambitions. The plan is finalised by the end of Year 10 and is agreed between the student, their parents or carers and the school.
Monitoring progress - learning accounts
When a student is registered, the QSA opens a learning account for them. The learning account records details of learning and results of any completed studies. Students are able to access their learning account through the Career Information Service website.
Awarding a QCE
Most students are awarded a QCE at the end of Year 12. Students who do not meet the QCE requirements at the end of Year 12 can continue to work towards their certificate - their learning account remains open, regardless of their age (however, credits expire after 9 years). The QSA will award a QCE in the following July or December, once a person becomes eligible.
All students who finish Year 12 receive a transcript of their learning account in the form of a Senior Statement, which is issued in December.
After finishing Year 12 students who become eligible for the award of a QCE will receive a Statement of Results. A Statement of Results is a cumulative transcript of their learning account. These will be issued avery July and December.
Tertiary entrance and the QCE
The requirements for a QCE are different to those for tertiary entrance. See the Tertiary Entrance section of this website for more information on pathways to tertiary study.
Last updated: 10 April 2008
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