VCAL – Information for parents

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a ‘hands on’ option for students in Years 11 and 12. Like the VCE, VCAL is a senior secondary certificate of education recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), however, unlike the VCE, which is favoured by students seeking a pathway to university, VCAL with its focus on applied learning is usually chosen by students who are interested in doing an apprenticeship, continuing further training at TAFE, or gaining employment  after completing Year 12.

VCAL  flexibility enables students to design a study program that suits their interests and learning needs. Students select accredited VCE and Vocational Education and Training (VET) modules and units from the following four compulsory strands:

• Literacy and Numeracy Skills
• Work Related Skills
• Industry Specific Skills
• Personal Development Skills

VET training is a compulsory requirement for completion of VCAL certificates at Intermediate and Senior level. Students in Year 11 can enrol in a VCAL learning program that matches their skills and abilities i.e. either Foundation or Intermediate level.  Students who successfully complete their VCAL  will  receive a statement of results and a certificate

Students who start their VCAL and then decide they would like to complete their VCE, are able to transfer between certificates. Any VCE studies successfully completed as part of the VCAL program will count towards the VCE.