To be awarded the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), students must meet specific academic and competency-based requirements. These requirements ensure that students acquire essential skills and knowledge for higher education, vocational training, or employment.

WACE Grading Scale for Senior Secondary (Years 11 & 12)

To qualify for WACE certification, students must:

• Complete a minimum of 20 course units (or the equivalent) across Years 11 and 12.
• Achieve at least C grades or higher in 14 units, including six Year 12 units.
• Meet literacy and numeracy requirements (via standard testing or course results).
• Satisfy breadth and depth requirements, meaning students must complete:
  • At least one English course in both Years 11 and 12.
  • A combination of ATAR, General, and/or VET courses.

Literacy and Numeracy Standards

Students must demonstrate minimum literacy and numeracy competency, which can be met by:

• Achieving Category 3 in the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA).
• Achieving Band 8 or higher in Year 9 NAPLAN (for automatic exemption from OLNA).
• Passing the required English courses in Year 11 and 12.

ATAR Pathway Requirements

Students pursuing university admission through ATAR must:

• Complete at least four ATAR courses in Year 12.
• Obtain a minimum ATAR score as required by universities.
• Achieve the minimum English competency set by universities.

VET and General Pathway Requirements

Students opting for Vocational Education and Training (VET) or General courses must:

• Complete a Certificate II or higher in a VET qualification.
• Pass General or Foundation courses with the required credits.
• Meet workplace learning or practical skill-based assessments.

ICAE’s Role in Helping Students Pass WACE

• Guidance on Course Selection – Helping students choose the right mix of ATAR, General, and VET courses.
• Literacy & Numeracy Support – Assisting students in preparing for OLNA or alternative assessments.
• Exam & Skill-Based Preparation – Providing resources to ensure students meet grade and competency standards.
• Monitoring Progress – Ensuring students track their academic performance to qualify for WACE certification.

Conclusion

The WACE pass criteria ensure well-rounded academic and skill-based learning. With ICAE’s support, Indian students and schools can successfully navigate WACE requirements, achieving global academic recognition and career opportunities.