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Completing VCE units without calculation of a study score

When to consider completing VCE units without calculation of a study score

The VCE provides an option for individual students to complete units without being assessed for levels of achievement in some or all school-based and external assessments.

This option should only be applied in response to individual student need, and not as an alternative VCE program for a cohort of students. Examples of circumstances where it is appropriate to offer this option include the following:

  • illness and/or absence
  • mental health and wellbeing issues
  • clear and well-supported post-school aspirations that do not require an ATAR, for example, an offer of an apprenticeship
  • other specific and personal circumstances (not based on academic results).

Students who complete VCE units without a study score are still required to:

  • be assessed for satisfactory completion
  • participate in school-based assessment for levels of achievement, even if a score is not provided to the VCAA. However, the conditions under which the school-based assessment is to be completed may be varied.

Teachers must base their decision about satisfactory completion of units through holistic judgement of the student’s achievement of the outcomes. This decision is based on evidence gained through the student’s overall performance on assessment of a range of set work (learning activities) and assessment tasks (including school-based assessments) related to these outcomes and must be consistent for all students.

The VCAA observes that schools demonstrate best practice when they adopt a collaborative approach to determining student suitability. The VCAA expects schools to have a clear process, such as outlined in the relevant Guidance for schools, when considering an individual student’s suitability for completing VCE units without the calculation of a study score. This must include:

  • Step 1: Using the checklist in the Guidance for schools support material to help with the decision-making process.
  • Step 2: Obtaining informed written consent from the student and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
  • Step 3: Providing ongoing support to the student through follow-up discussions and a review of their support needs.

When students, with support from parents or guardians, decide to complete a unit without a study score, it is important that schools communicate to all parties the greater number of pathways available when scored assessment is completed.

See also Special Provision.

Detailed requirements for school-based assessment are included in the 2025 VCE Administrative Handbook. The handbook also includes a Teacher’s checklist to support effective delivery of the VCE.

Support materials

The VCAA has designed the following support materials to assist school staff, students and parents or carers when deciding whether to complete VCE units without calculation of a study score: