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Victorian Pathways Certificate

The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is a foundation secondary qualification designed for students who would benefit from an individualised program at a more accessible level than the VCE or VCE VM.

The VPC can help you move into a senior secondary qualification, entry level VET course or straight into a job.

Your teacher or careers practitioner will talk to you and your family about whether the VPC is right for you. Once you, your family and your teacher or careers practitioner have agreed that this is the best option for you, you can start your VPC at any time during the school year, and the time you take to finish the VPC is flexible.

Quick explainer

The VPC is a flexible certificate designed to meet the needs of students who are not ready to complete the VCE or VCE VM.

What can my VPC program include?

You can choose from 4 subjects:

  • VPC Literacy
  • VPC Numeracy
  • VPC Work Related Skills
  • VPC Personal Development Skills.

You can also add VCE and VCE VM units or VET units at Certificate I level or above to your VPC program. You can also receive structured workplace learning recognition in your program. Your teacher or careers practitioner can help you develop a program that suits your learning needs and interests.

How do I achieve my VPC?

You must complete a minimum of 12 units, including at least:

  • 2 units of VPC Literacy (or units from the VCE English group including VCE VM Literacy)
  • 2 units of VPC Numeracy (or units from the VCE Mathematics group including VCE VM Numeracy)
  • 2 VPC Work Related Skills units
  • 2 VPC Personal Development Skills units.

Many students will undertake more than 12 units in their VPC.

How are my VPC subjects marked?

All units in your VPC are marked by your teacher at your school or provider.

You can find VPC providers in the schools and study search.

How will I receive my VPC results?

You will receive a Statement of Results from the VCAA, listing all the units you were enrolled in and completed.

You will also receive a Full Qualification or Statement of Attainment from the RTO for completed VET studies.

I’ve already started a VET certificate. Will it count towards my VPC?

Yes. Speak to your teacher or careers practitioner to work out how much of that study counts towards your VPC so you can plan the rest of your program.

I’ve already done a VCE unit. Will this count towards my VPC?

If you have an S result for a VCE unit, it may count towards your VPC. Your teacher or careers practitioner can tell you whether you are eligible for this credit.

Can I switch to the VCE or VCE VM after I finish my VPC?

Yes, you can switch to the VCE or VCE VM. If you decide to take this option, you should discuss it with your teacher or careers practitioner. It’s important to remember that VPC units do not credit into the VCE VM or VCE.

Can I complete a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship as part of my VPC?

Yes. You should discuss this with your teacher.

Can part-time work count towards my VPC?

While part-time work does not contribute directly to your VPC you may be able to use your experience in the workplace to better understand VPC Work Related Skills units.

Other work activities that may contribute to your VPC include:

  • a school-based or part-time apprenticeship or traineeship
  • structured workplace learning (SWL) placements
  • SWL recognition