These courses are examined by the Authority. Student results in ATAR courses are used by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) to calculate a student’s Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score.

These courses are not externally examined. However, they each have an externally set task (EST) which is set by the Authority. General courses are for students who are typically aiming to enter further vocationally based training or the workforce straight from school.

These courses include a full VET qualification and mandatory workplace learning. VET industry specific courses contribute towards the WACE as course units. VET industry specific courses are for students aiming to enter further vocationally based training or the workforce straight from school.

These courses provide a focus on functional literacy and numeracy skills, practical work-related experience and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. Foundation courses are not designed, nor intended, to be an alternative senior secondary pathway.

Preliminary courses are for students who have been identified as having a learning difficulty and/or an intellectual disability. Preliminary courses do not contribute to achievement of the WACE.

VET qualifications undertaken separate to a VET industry specific course may contribute to the WACE through credit transfer. Qualifications undertaken as VET credit transfer contribute to the WACE as unit equivalents and may be used to meet the Certificate II or higher requirement.

These programs provide access to areas of learning not covered by WACE courses or VET programs and contribute to the WACE as unit equivalents. Endorsed programs are for students wishing to participate in programs which are delivered in a variety of settings by schools, workplaces, universities and community organisations.