FAQs
Senior Secondary Education Certificate
Q. I completed year 12 but don’t have a Certificate of Senior Secondary Education. What do I need
to do?
A. You will need to contact the issuing authority in the State or Territory where you completed your
year 12 and request a copy of your Certificate.
In Western Australia, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority can reprint your Certificate if
you did enough subjects in Year 12 to obtain your Certificate of Senior Secondary Education.
Q. Is my Graduation Certificate from school enough proof?
A. No. You must provide a Certificate from the issuing authority in the State or Territory where you
studied. For example in Western Australia you will need a Certificate from the School Curriculum and
Standards Authority (previously known as the Curriculum Council, and as the Secondary Education
Authority).
Q. Can any other qualification be used to access a VET FEE HELP loan?
A. No. The requirement is that if you don’t have a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, you
must complete the Australian Core Skills Framework test and achieve an Exit Level 3 in both Reading
and Numeracy. Other qualifications not accepted include a Certificate or Diploma qualification,
degree or higher tertiary education qualification or an overseas year 12 equivalent.
Q. I am a current student and have completed my Certificate IV to continue on to my Diploma.
Isn’t that enough?
A. No. The requirement for accessing VET FEE HELP loan is to either have a Certificate of Senior
Secondary Education or an Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both Reading and
Numeracy.
Q. Do these requirements affect students wanting to access VET FEE HELP loan for a Certificate IV
trial qualification?
A. No
Q. I have met the entry requirements for my course but I haven’t got a Senior Secondary
Certificate of Education or have achieved the required Exit Level 3 in both Reading and Numeracy
of the Australian Core Skills Framework test. What are my options?
A. You can still study your course. You will need to choose a different payment option for this
semester. Please check your payment plan options with Student Services.
We will also offer you support so you can refresh your skills and sit the test again. You might be able
to apply for a VET FEE HELP loan for your units in the following semester or for units with a late
census date. Check your dates with Student Services once you obtain your Exit Level 3 score.
Q. How long is the test?
A. Even though both the reading and numeracy parts take an average of 35 minutes to one hour to
complete, there is no time limit to sit the test. We recommend that you read every question
thoroughly and take as much time as you need. Even if your test session finishes, you can exit the
test and continue in the next available session.
Q. What do I do if I start the test and I find it is too hard and I can’t continue?
A. You can stop the test and not submit it. Make sure you keep your username and password and
retake the test once you feel you are prepared.
Q. What does the test consist of?
A. The test has three parts. A practice test, the reading test and the numeracy test.
The first part is a practice test, containing five sample questions. This only takes a few minutes to
complete and its purpose is to allow you to familiarise yourself with the question types, the layout
and navigation features of the test.
Q. How hard is the test? How can I practice or study for the test?
A. We offer literacy and numeracy workshops where you can learn more about the test and get
some tips on how to answer the questions. You will get a diagnosis on your current literacy and
numeracy levels and get some practical exercises to improve your skills.
Q. How many times can I resit the test?
A. Before you are allowed to re-sit the test you must demonstrate you have improved your skills by
attending one of our workshops. If you don’t pass the test after two attempts, you will need to get
further support to improve your skills. You can talk to your portfolio about getting the support you
need.
Q. Can I do the test at home or at work?
A. The test must be done on campus to ensure its integrity and to be able to offer support and
answer any questions that might come up.
Q. I have finally passed the test, but the Student Services officer says I cannot apply for VET FEE
HELP anymore.
A. You must lodge your application for VET FEE HELP at least 14 days before your census date. You
might be able to apply for VET FEE HELP for the units with a later census date, and choose a payment
plan or an upfront payment for your units with an earlier census date. If all census dates have passed
you will need to wait until your next enrolment, and choose an alternative payment method for this
semester.