Requirements for achievement of The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE):
1. Literacy and Numeracy
Students must demonstrate the minimum literacy and numeracy standard based on skills regarded as essential for individuals to meet the demands of everyday life and work. This standard is equivalent to Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework. For the WACE literacy and numeracy standards, students must demonstrate the minimum standard of literacy either by:
2. Complete a minimum of 20 units, or equivalents
* In the context of ATAR courses in the WACE, the term ‘complete’ requires a student to sit the ATAR course examination
**Foundation courses do not contribute to meeting the WACE achievement requirement with this option. Students taking Foundation courses must complete a Certificate II or higher.
***In the context of VET in the WACE, the term ‘complete’ requires that a student has been deemed competent in all units of competency that make up a full qualification.
3. Breadth and depth
Students will complete a minimum of 20 units, which may include unit equivalents attained through VET and/or endorsed programs. This requirement must include at least:
ATAR Courses
| LIST A (Arts/Languages/Social Sciences | LIST B (Mathematics/Science/Technology) |
| Business Management & Enterprise (ATAR) | Biology (ATAR) |
| Drama (ATAR) | Chemistry (ATAR) |
| English (ATAR) | Design Graphics (ATAR) |
| Economics (ATAR) | Human Biology (ATAR) |
| Italian (ATAR) | Mathematics Applications (ATAR) |
| Literature (ATAR) | Mathematics Methods (ATAR) |
| Media (ATAR) | Mathematics Methods (ATAR) & Specialist (ATAR) |
| Modern History (ATAR) | Physical Education Studies (ATAR) |
| Music (ATAR) | Physics (ATAR) |
| Politics & Law (ATAR) | Psychology (ATAR) |
| Religion and Life (ATAR) | |
| Visual Art (ATAR) |
General Courses
| LIST A (Arts/Languages/Social Sciences) | LIST B (Mathematics/Science/Technology) |
| Career and Enterprise (General) with WPL | Chemistry (General) |
| Children, Family & Community (General) | Design (Graphics) (General) |
| Drama (General) | Food Science & Technology (General) |
| English (General) | Human Biology (General) |
| Geography (General) | Materials Design & Technology – Wood (General) |
| Italian (General) | Mathematics Essential (General) |
| Health Studies (General) | Physical Education Studies (General) |
| Media Production & Analysis (General) | Psychology (General) |
| Modern History (General) | |
| Music (General) | |
| Religion and Life (General) | |
| Visual Art (General) |
VET/Certificate Courses (Not List A or B)
| Certificate II in Workplace Skills (Business) | Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (2 years) |
| Certificate III in Sport & Recreation (Academies) | Certificate III in Sport & Recreation (General) |
| Certifcate II in Hospitality (2 years) | Certificate II in Dance (2 years) |
| Workplace Learning (with Career & Enterprise) |
4. Achievement Standard
Students must achieve at least 14 C grades or higher (or equivalents) in Year 11 and Year 12 units, including at least six C grades (or equivalents) in Year 12 units. Unit equivalence can be obtained through Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs and/or endorsed programs. The maximum unit equivalence available through these programs is eight units – four Year 11 units and four Year 12 units.
