Many talents.One VCE - VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate (2023 guide)

Sep 20, 2026

Guide explaining senior secondary pathway changes in Victoria from 2023, introducing two ways to obtain the Victorian Certificate of Education: enrol in VCE or the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM). Describes the VCE VM as a two-year vocational, applied learning program with core skills and 180 hours of VET, no study scores or ATAR for VM subjects, and options to add VCE subjects. Also explains the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) for flexible learning at AQF Level 1, suitable for students who may not be ready for VCE completion.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

What’s changing in 2023

VCE, VCE VM, and Victorian Pathways Certificate

VCE Vocational Major

Victorian Pathways Certificate

Choosing the right pathway

Where to Now?

Many talents.One VCE. YICTORIAEducationStudy options for Years 11 and 12and Training Government Authorised by the Victorian Government,1 Treasury Place,Melbourne. Senior secondary education in Victoria ischanging to give you more pathways andgreater choice From 2023 there'll be two ways to obtain your VictorianCertificate of Education.You can enrol in VCE or the VCEVocational Major,a new two-year vocational,applied learningprogram within the VCE.It replaces and builds on the strengthsof Intermediate and Senior VCAL. There will also be the Victorian Pathways Certificate,replacingFoundation VCAL,for students who may not be ready or able tocomplete a certificate at VCE level. Whether you want to take on university,TAFE,an apprenticeshipor traineeship,or head straight into the workforce when youfinish school,there is a secondary pathway that will help getyou there. | What's changing in 2023 | | | | --- | --- | --- | | VCE | | VCE/no change | | Senior or Intermediate
VCAL | | VCE Vocational Major* | | Foundation VCAL | | Victorian Pathways
Certificate | | VET subjects included in all pathways | | | *Intermediate VCAL can be awarded to eligible Year 12 students in 2023.Talk to your teachers toexplore your options. VCE Vocational Major VCE Vocational Major(VCE VM)is a two-year vocational andapplied learning program,now placed directly in the VCE.It isdesigned to equip you with the essential skills for work,furthereducation and your personal pursuits as an active and engagedmember of society. This is a great choice if you prefer to learn in a real-world,workenvironment and don't need an ATAR for your post-school goals.This is a good pathway to an apprenticeship,traineeship,furtherstudy,or directly into a job. You'll study core units-Literacy,Numeracy,Work Related Skills andPersonal Development Skills-and complete 180 hours of VocationalEducation and Training(VET)at Certificate Il level or above.The VCE VM has no external examinations,other than the GeneralAchievement Test(GAT)or in some VCE VET programs.This meansyou will not receive a study score for VCE VM subjects or an ATAR.You can add VCE subjects and VCE VET programs to your VCE VMlearning program. # Victorian Pathways Certificate The Victorian Pathways Certificate(VPC)is a new certificatedesigned for students who may not be able or ready to complete acertificate at VCE level and need flexibility in learning.The VPC is atAustralian Qualifications Framework Level 1. It offers an engaging curriculum and additional support for you todevelop the work-related skills and capabilities you need to succeed.The VPC is normally completed in Year 11 and 12,but it is flexible so itcan be started earlier or finished over a longer period than 2 years.The coursework is designed and delivered at a more accessible levelthan the VCE and VCE Vocational Major.You can study the VPC atyour own pace and your teachers will assess your progress through arange of classroom learning activities. When you've finished the VPC program,you will be awarded aVictorian Pathways Certificate.You should talk about whether thisoption is right for you with your teachers and family. Choosing the right pathway The best way to choose the right pathway for you is to talk withyour careers practitioner,teachers and family to help makeyour choice. Think about your key strengths,the subjects you enjoy nowand what you would like to do when you finish school. Do you want to go straight into the workforce or into furtherstudy?Do you want to work in a trade or are you thinkingabout an office environment? Where to Now?2023 Guide to senior secondary schoolpathways in Victoria is a booklet that explains everything you need to know about your final years ofschool and will help you understand your options.It's available from your school orvcaa.vic.gov.au/where-to-now. For more information about the new seniorsecondary pathway options go toYICTORIAEducationv

FAQs

What are the two ways to obtain the Victorian Certificate of Education from 2023?

Students can enrol in VCE or enrol in the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM). A Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) option also exists for students who may not be able or ready to complete a VCE-level certificate.

What is the VCE Vocational Major and how is it assessed?

The VCE VM is a two-year vocational, applied learning program placed directly in the VCE. It includes core units, and 180 hours of VET at Certificate II level or above; it has no external examinations other than the General Achievement Test (GAT) and in some VCE VET programs.

What is the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) and who is it for?

The VPC is a new certificate designed for students who may not be able or ready to complete a certificate at VCE level, offering flexibility in learning. It is delivered at an accessible level and is normally completed in Year 11 and 12.

Sep 20, 2026

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