What I need to know
Why would I choose to do the VCAL?
Just like the VCE, the VCAL is an accredited senior secondary school certificate undertaken in Years 11 and 12. The VCAL is based on hands-on learning, also referred to as ‘applied learning’.
If you choose to do the VCAL, you will gain practical experience and employability skills, as well as the skills you will need to go onto further training in the workplace or at a TAFE institute.
When can I do the VCAL?
You can begin your VCAL program in Year 11 or Year 12 of secondary school. The VCAL is also available at TAFE institutes and a number of Adult and Community Education (ACE) centres.
What are the VCAL levels?
The VCAL has three levels – Foundation, Intermediate and Senior. You would start and complete your VCAL at the level that matches your needs and abilities.
Are there any entry requirements?
No. You begin the VCAL at a level suitable to your capabilities. Your teacher or careers counsellor will be able to help you decide which level is suitable for you.
How long will the VCAL take me to complete?
The VCAL has been developed for Years 11 and 12 students and the time it takes varies depending on how your VCAL program is structured. A VCAL certificate will usually take a year to complete.
What do I get after successfully completing the VCAL?
If you successfully complete your VCAL program you will receive a VCAL certificate for either Foundation, Intermediate or Senior level, depending on the VCAL level you chose to complete. You will also get a Statement of Results from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), listing all completed VCAL, VCE and VCE Vocational Education and Training (VET) units, and a Statement of Attainment from the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for VET or Further Education (FE) training you have completed.
Where can I study the VCAL?
The VCAL is being offered state-wide at schools, TAFE institutes and ACE centres.
Visit http://schlprv.vcaa.vic.edu.au/schoolsstudiessearch/ for a list of all VCAL providers.