What is the WACE?
4 min read · updated 2026-09-01
The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is the credential Perth students earn at the end of secondary school, administered by SCSA (the School Curriculum and Standards Authority).
How students earn it
Students complete Year 11 and 12 courses, choosing ATAR courses (for university entry) and General courses (other pathways), alongside literacy and numeracy requirements. ATAR courses are examined externally at the end of Year 12.
WACE and university entry
ATAR courses feed the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank used by WA universities (UWA, Curtin, Murdoch, ECU) and nationally. The external exams make Year 12 pacing and past-WACE-paper practice the decisive preparation.
Perth practicalities
Western Australia runs on a stable timezone (no daylight saving), which keeps weekly tutoring routines simple year-round. Sessions are scheduled after school and weekends in AWST.
FAQs
What is the difference between ATAR and General courses?＋
ATAR courses are examined externally and can contribute to a university ATAR; General courses lead to the WACE and work, training or further study without an ATAR.
When do WACE exams run?＋
The written exams run in November of Year 12, with practical and portfolio components earlier in the year.
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