Senior Certificates

Victorian senior secondary education is changing

There’s a new way to get your Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The VCE now includes the Vocational Major, a new two-year program that sits within the VCE. The new Victorian Pathways Certificate is also available for those who need flexibility in their learning. These new options replace the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) with improved curriculum, preparing you for further study, training at TAFE or work.

Read more about VCE.

The VCE Vocational Major

The VCE Vocational Major is a 2-year applied learning program within the VCE. You will develop knowledge, confidence and skills for work and life. It will prepare you for work and further education and training. When you graduate from secondary school, you'll graduate with the Victorian Certificate of Education, with the additional words 'Vocational Major'.

The VCE Vocational Major is a great choice if you prefer learning in a real-world environment and putting practical life skills into action, and don’t need an ATAR when you finish school. The VCE Vocational Major doesn’t require you to do exams, other than the General Achievement Test (GAT).

Read more about the VCE Vocational Major.

The Victorian Pathways Certificate

The Victorian Pathways Certificate is a flexible program. It is designed for a small number of students in years 11 and 12 who, for a range of reasons, are not able or ready to undertake the VCE or the VCE Vocational Major. It will prepare you for work and further education and training, including the VCE.

Your school can help you decide if the Victorian Pathways Certificate is right for you.

Read more about the Victorian Pathways Certificate.

Why VCAL was replaced

These changes are a result of the review of vocational and applied learning pathways in senior secondary schooling (the Firth review). The review found we needed to improve vocational learning in schools. Now you will have greater access to high-quality, relevant vocational education and applied learning opportunities. You'll be able to use your many talents in new ways under the new VCE.

Most students who were doing VCAL in 2022 have finished VCAL or transferred to one of the new options. A small number of students will do Intermediate VCAL in 2023.

Choosing your pathway

Your school course counselling sessions will inform you about the pathway options.

Talk to your school to check what they offer. For example, you may be able to add a vocational education and training qualification to your pathway.

Read more about this and other senior secondary vocational learning reforms and options.