Notice to Schools 76/2022 – 20 May 2022

General Achievement Test exemption policy

Principals/directors and VCE and VCAL coordinators

The General Achievement Test (GAT) exemption policy has been updated as part of the implementation of the 2022 redeveloped GAT.

The revised policy reinforces the importance of sitting the GAT. It also notes that schools and providers can consider Special Examination Arrangements to enable students impacted by disability, illness, injury, or other circumstances to sit the GAT.

A student may be deemed eligible for GAT exemption if they:

• have a condition, circumstance or impairment for which arrangements cannot reasonably be made. Special Examination Arrangements for the GAT can be provided for students with a vision impairment or who are deaf or hard of hearing
• are prevented from sitting the GAT by injury, illness, personal trauma or a serious intervening event
• are employed and cannot be absent from work (evidence from the employer is required)

Schools and non-school providers with student(s) who meet the eligibility criteria must apply for an exemption from the GAT using the ‘Application for exemption from the GAT’ form, which is available on the Victorian Assessment Software System (VASS).

Critical dates

• Wednesday 7 September – GAT held
• Friday 16 September – last day to apply for GAT exemption

Additional information

Please email queries about GAT exemption and Special Examination Arrangements to Special Provision.

To find out more about the 2022 redeveloped GAT, register for one of our information sessions for senior secondary providers.