Preparatory courses of study are stepping stones to further education and training.
They can contribute a maximum of 6 credits towards a QCE. The table below summarises Preparatory course options.
| Course | Set standard | Credits1 |
|---|---|---|
A maximum of 6 credits can contribute | ||
| VET Certificate I qualifications | Certificate I completed | for each qualification of:
|
| Employment skills development programs approved under the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 | Course completed and requirements met | 2 (max. of 1 program can count) |
| Literacy: A short course senior syllabus 2010 Numeracy: A short course senior syllabus 2010 | At least a Sound Level of Achievement | 1 per course |
| Recognised studies categorised as Preparatory learning, which may include: | Agreed standard | as recognised by QCAA |
| Course completed and requirements met | 2 (max. of 1 program can count) | |
1Credits allocated for partially completed studies are detailed in Section 4.1 of the QCE handbook.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificates I
Awarded Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificate I qualifications may contribute 2 or 3 credits towards a QCE. A maximum of 2 Certificate I level courses can count towards a QCE. Credits assigned to VET Certificates can be checked through the Student Connect website.
Employment skills development programs
These programs help young people aged 15–17 years re-join education, training or employment. Programs usually include literacy and numeracy, employment preparation activities and some basic vocational skills training. A successfully completed program may contribute 2 credits to the QCE. A maximum of 1 program may count towards a QCE. See the Job Futures website for more information on these Get Set for Work programs.
Re-engagement programs
These programs are developed locally to help young people participate in education or training. A successfully completed program may contribute 2 credits to the QCE. A maximum of 1 program can count towards a QCE.
Recognised certificates and awards
Some certificates and awards in areas such as music, dance, drama, sport and community development can count as preparatory studies towards the QCE. For information on course recognition and a list of recognised programs see Recognised studies.
QCAA literacy or numeracy short courses
These courses have been developed to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate the requirements of the National Reporting Systems (NRS) Level 3 literacy and numeracy standards.
A course completed at a Sound Achievement or higher contributes 1 credit towards the QCE, and also meets the QCE's literacy and/or numeracy requirements. (See the syllabus for the short courses in literacy and numeracy).
