Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE)
The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education certifies the completion of secondary education. The learning outcomes include the knowledge, skills and understanding required as a basic preparation for life in the community, work and further study. These are developed through studies that may include academic disciplines, vocational education and training, and community based learning.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
VET qualifications are industry-based, with specified combinations of units of competency required by each industry for each qualification.
They are designed in a sequence, allowing students to move steadily from one qualification to the next. Units of competency may be mixed and matched as long as they meet the requirements of the qualification. The units will accumulate on the record of achievement and help towards retaining jobs, promotion, a change of career or further learning.
VET qualifications are assessed by demonstrating competence of skills and knowledge under workplace conditions. A significant amount of learning will take place in the workplace. In addition, assessment of previously gained skills and knowledge may occur through recognition of prior learning (RPL).
They are provided through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) who are accredited to provide training and issue qualifications according to the requirements of the AQF.
VET in Schools
Increasingly, secondary schools across Australia are offering a greater number of industry-based units of competency within the school curriculum, which combines general and vocational studies with practical business and industry experience. Undertaking industry-based training while at school can also lead to a dual qualification, the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and credits towards a Vocational Certificate, Diploma or Degree qualifications.
Other certification
Statements of attainment
A Statement of Attainment is a formal record that provides information about study done through partial completion of the qualification or a nationally accredited short course. A Statement of Attainment identifies the subject(s) or unit(s) of competency that have been completed successfully. A Statement of Attainment can be used for employment purposes, or for entry or credit into further study.
The AQF Implementation Handbook includes a protocol for defining the form of the Statement of Attainment.
Higher Education
Characteristics of learning outcomes in Higher Education cover a wide range of specialised needs, ranging from initial and ongoing professional development to further postgraduate study. The learning outcomes reflect a standard appropriate for advanced study.
Primarily, the learning outcomes will include: the acquisition and application of systematic and coherent bodies of knowledge and skill; the development of the academic skills and attributes necessary to undertake research (including original research at higher levels), to comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources; and the development of the ability to review, consolidate, extend and apply the knowledge and techniques learnt, including in a professional context.