Learning options that are eligible to contribute credit to the QCE are classified into three categories of learning: Core, Preparatory and Complementary. Many groups of learning options may have courses of study in multiple categories. When considering the credit which may accrue to a QCE, understanding which category a learning option is in is important.
| Learning options | Category of learning | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Preparatory | Complementary | |
QCAA syllabuses (Applied and General) | Course exists in this category | ||
QCAA Short Courses | Course exists in this category | Course exists in this category | |
VET | Course exists in this category | Course exists in this category | Course exists in this category |
| IBDP in Queensland schools | Course exists in this category | Course exists in this category | |
Recognised Studies | Course exists in this category | Course exists in this category | Course exists in this category |
| University subject (school program) | *Course exists in this category | ||
Non-Queensland Studies | Course exists in this category | ||
* University subjects are only eligible to contribute credit to a QCE when studied as part of a school program while enrolled at school.
All learning contributing to the QCE is categorised into one of the three categories of learning:
- Core course of study
- Preparatory course of study
- Complementary course of study.
The QCAA has developed separate criteria for each category.
Determining QCE credit value
The QCAA assigns QCE credit value based on consideration of the following criteria:
- depth and breadth — consideration of the complexity of knowledge and skills in a course of study
- time — consideration of the required learning experiences, the amount of learning required for completion of the course, Core elements (breadth and complexity of learning), elective elements (breadth and complexity of learning) and the typical length of the course
- utility — consideration of the expected learning outcomes, compulsory formal and/or experience-based learning, and how further learning, employment or community engagement are enhanced by completing the course, including, if applicable, any relevant links to other accredited learning.
In the event of a new course of study for which there is no precedent, the QCAA determines the category of learning and assigned credit for the new course of study in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
2.2.1 Core courses of study
Core courses of study are the types of courses usually undertaken by students during the senior phase of learning.
Criteria for Core courses of study
Typically, Core courses of study are:
- a component or subcomponent of an eligible option under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (Qld)
- available for implementation statewide by schools or registered training organisations (RTOs)
- characteristic of learning outcomes at senior secondary schooling including knowledge, skills and understandings, both generic and specific to an area of learning, required as a basic preparation for civic life, further study and lifelong learning. These characteristics are developed through studies that may include academic disciplines and VET
- quality assured by the QCAA, a similar statutory authority or another accreditation body, e.g. International Baccalaureate (IB) or Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
- generally comparable to other (for example interstate and overseas) approved syllabuses or recognised courses of study due to the scope, standing and depth of learning being accepted by the community and educators as suitable for senior schooling
- required to deliver between 200 and 300 hours of learning.
QCE credit for Core courses of study
The following tables indicate the QCE credit that may accrue for Core courses of study from Applied, Applied (Essential), General, General (Extension) and General (Senior External Examination) subjects, VET and IBDP in Queensland schools.
| QCAA syllabus | Set standard | QCE credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied subjects (including Essential) | 4 (maximum credit available) | ||
Unit 1 | Satisfactory | 1 | QCE credits contribute to the completed Core when students have met the conditions in Section 2.1.3: Set pattern of learning. |
Unit 2 | Satisfactory | 1 | |
Units 3 and 4 | Final result of C or better | 2 | |
| General subject | 4 (maximum credit available) | ||
Unit 1 | Satisfactory | 1 | QCE credits contribute to the completed Core when students have met the conditions in Section 2.1.3: Set pattern of learning. |
Unit 2 | Satisfactory | 1 | |
Units 3 and 4 | Final result of C or better | 2 | |
| General (Extension) subject | 2 (maximum credit available) | ||
Units 3 and 4 | Final result of C or better | 2 | QCE credits contribute to the completed Core when students have met the conditions in Section 2.1.3: Set pattern of learning. |
| General (Senior External Examination) subject | 4 (maximum credit available) | ||
Final result of C or better | 4 | QCE credits contribute to the completed Core when students have met the conditions in Section 2.1.3: Set pattern of learning. No credit accrues for partial completion of a subject. See Section 4.1.2: General, General (Extension) and General (Senior External Examination) syllabuses and Section 13.2.5: Enrolments and results). | |
| VET qualification | Set standard | QCE credits | Notes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate II | Completed qualification | 4 (maximum credit available) | QCE credit accrued from new learning contributes to the completed Core when a student completes the full qualification. | ||||||||||
| Certificate III and IV | Completed qualification | 8 (maximum credit available)
| QCE credit accrued from new learning contributes to the completed Core when a student completes the full qualification. | ||||||||||
| *Based on the recommended hours of learning as determined by the Queensland Government, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. | |||||||||||||
| School-based apprenticeship | 6 (maximum credit available) | ||||||||||||
| VET qualification | The maximum percentage of competencies that school-based apprentices may complete while at school depends on the nominal term (full-time) of the apprenticeship in years: | Up to 2 | School-based apprenticeship VET qualifications do not contribute to the completed Core of the QCE, as they cannot be completed while at school. The Queensland Government Department of Employment, Small Business and Training provides further information about maximum training allowed and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. | ||||||||||
| On-the-job | Minimum 50 days (375 hours) per 12 months from date of commencement (a minimum of 7.5 hours per week averaged over each 3-month period) | Up to 4 | QCE credits may contribute to the completed Core when a student completes all the on-the-job hours while at school. Partial credit may apply (1 credit for 25 days completed). The Queensland Government Department of Employment, Small Business and Training provides further information about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. | ||||||||||
| Electrotechnology minimum 80 days (600 hours) per 12 months | Up to 4 | ||||||||||||
| School-based traineeships | 8 (maximum credit available) | ||||||||||||
| Completed qualification | Up to 8 | No additional QCE credit is accrued for on-the-job hours completed for a school-based traineeship. | |||||||||||
Credit is contingent on meeting additional VET credit rules as set out in Section 2.3: Additional VET QCE credit rules. Only credit from completed Core VET qualifications is eligible to contribute to the completed Core in the set pattern requirement of the QCE.
| VET qualification | Competencies complete | QCE credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Certificate II Maximum credit available for a completed course with 90% or more new learning is 4 credits. For further information about new learning, see Section 2.3: Additional VET QCE credit rules. | 100% complete | 4 | |||
75% complete | 3 | ||||
50% complete | 2 | ||||
25% complete | 1 | ||||
<25% complete | 0 | ||||
| Maximum credit available | |||||
Certificate III and IV Maximum credit available for a completed course with 90% or more new learning is 5–8 credits. For further information about new learning, see Section 2.3: Additional VET QCE credit rules. | 100% complete | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
75% complete | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | |
50% complete | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | |
25% complete | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
<25% complete | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| IBDP course | Set standard | QCE credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Units 1 to 4 equivalent | Final result of 4 or above on examination | 4 | QCE credits contribute to the completed Core when a student has completed the course of study. |
IBDP studies in a Queensland school: Partial completion
If a student exits IBDP studies prior to completion, they may be eligible for partial QCE credit. Schools may report a result for each semester of partial completion that is comparable to a unit of study.
| IBDP course | Set standard | QCE credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 equivalent | Satisfactory | 1 | A student who transfers from an IBDP subject to similar QCAA subjects may be eligible for relaxation of the studies that contribute to the completed Core. |
| Unit 2 equivalent | Satisfactory | 1 |
For more information about reporting partially completed IBDP studies, see Section 11.2.2: School reporting to the QCAA.
Recognised studies
Recognised studies are courses of study that have been recognised by the QCAA as being eligible to contribute credit to the QCE. See Lists of recognised studies for a full list, including those in the Core category of learning.
Non-Queensland studies
Non-Queensland studies may contribute credit towards a QCE. For more information about applying for credit for non-Queensland studies, see Section 2.5.2: Interstate and overseas transfers: Non-Queensland studies.
2.2.2 Preparatory courses of study
Preparatory courses of study provide foundational learning for further education and training. Preparatory courses include QCAA Short Courses, VET Certificate I qualifications and some recognised studies.
Criteria for Preparatory courses of study
Typically, Preparatory courses of study are of less depth and breadth compared to Core courses of study. Preparatory courses of study contribute to the QCE as a foundation to further education or training in senior schooling.
Preparatory courses of study include:
- breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills that would prepare a student to perform a defined range of activities, most of which may be routine and predictable
- a variety of employment-related skills, including Preparatory access and participation skills, broad-based induction skills and/or specific workplace skills.
Preparatory courses of study may require a student to demonstrate knowledge by recall in a narrow range of areas and demonstrate basic practical skills, such as:
- performing a sequence of routine tasks given clear direction
- receiving and passing on messages or information
- developing knowledge and skills that provide a foundation or entry to Core courses of study
- participating in work as a member of a team or group.
Preparatory courses of study provide foundation or entry-level access to Core courses of study provided in senior schooling or the workplace.
QCE credit for Preparatory courses of study
Preparatory courses of study contribute a maximum of four credits to the QCE. Learning in the Preparatory category does not contribute to the completed Core in the set pattern required for the QCE.
No credit is accrued for partial completion of Preparatory courses of study.
| Preparatory courses | Set standard | QCE credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
QCAA Literacy Short Course (2018) | Final result of C or better | 1 | |
QCAA Numeracy Short Course (2018) | Final result of C or better | 1 | |
VET Certificate I qualification | Qualification completed, with at least 90% new learning | 2 (199 nominal hours or less) | QCE credit for VET qualifications is based on the recommended hours of learning as determined by the Queensland Government Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. For more information about new learning in VET, see Section 2.3.2. |
Qualification completed, with at least 90% new learning | 3 (200 nominal hours or more) | ||
Recognised studies | Agreed standard | As recognised by the QCAA |
2.2.3 Complementary courses of study
Complementary courses of study generally go beyond the scope and/or depth of what is considered senior schooling.
Criteria for Complementary courses of study
Typically, Complementary courses of study are of greater depth and/or breadth than Core courses of study. Complementary courses of study may add value or enrich the core of learning that the community expects students to complete during senior schooling.
Complementary courses of study:
- may be offered by learning providers other than the main learning provider (MLP)
- have depth and breadth of learning that is generally
- accepted by the community and educators as suitable for senior schooling
- comparable to other approved syllabuses or recognised courses of study in related areas of learning
- are quality assured by the QCAA or an accreditation or certification body recognised by the QCAA.
Some Complementary courses of study involve:
- self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgment is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, repertoire, services and techniques for self and others
- application of a significant range of fundamental principles and complex techniques across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts in relation to varied or highly specific functions
- depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or management requirements, evaluation and coordination
- depth, breadth and complexity involving analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation across a broad range of technical and/or management functions, including developing new criteria, applications, knowledge or procedures, where applications involve
- significant judgment in planning, design, technical or leadership/guidance functions related to products, services, operations or procedures
- participation in development of strategic initiatives, as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others.
QCE credit for Complementary courses of study
Complementary courses of study may contribute a maximum of eight credits to the QCE. Learning in the Complementary category does not contribute to the completed Core in the set pattern required for the QCE.
VET Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications, as well as University subjects, studied as part of a school program in partnership with a tertiary education institution are eligible to contribute to a QCE only when completed while a student is enrolled at a school. In some cases, credit is accrued for partial completion of Complementary courses of study.
| Complementary courses | Set standard | QCE credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
QCAA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Short Course | Final result of C or better | 1 | |
QCAA Career Education Short Course | Final result of C or better | 1 | |
University subject | Pass result | 2 credits for a one-semester FTE subject 4 credits for a two-semester FTE subject | These subjects contribute credit to a QCE only when a student is enrolled at a school. Credit may accrue for partial completion of a two-semester FTE subject. FTE is university full-time equivalent. |
VET Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications | Competency completed | 1 credit for each competency at AQF Level 5 or above | VET Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses contribute credit to a QCE only when a student is enrolled at a school. In some cases, credit may be accrued for partial completion. |
Recognised studies | Agreed standard | As recognised by the QCAA |
