Senior secondary certificate

​​​In Queensland, senior secondary students work towards the attainment of either the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or the Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA).

QCE

The QCE is Queensland's school-based senior schooling qualification awarded to eligible students usually at the end of Year 12. The QCE records achievement of a significant amount of learning, at a set standard and pattern in contributing studies, while meeting literacy and numeracy requirements. It recognises broad learning options and offers flexibility in what, where and when learning occurs. The QCE is administered by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).

Attaining a QCE greatly enhances employment prospects and future opportunities for young Queenslanders. This is why ensuring every Queensland state school student has the opportunity to achieve these qualifications by the end of Year 12 is a priority for the department under our vision for Equity and Excellence​.

QCIA

The QCIA recognises and reports the achievements of students whose learning is part of an individualised learning program (ILP).

The QCIA is an official record that students have completed at least 12 years of education. It provides eligible students with a summary of their skills and knowledge which can then be presented to employers or training providers.

For further information about the QCIA, including eligibility criteria, refer to the QCAA website.

Additional information

Visit the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) for a range of resources and additional information:

• Overview of the QCE
• QCE and QCIA policy and procedures handbook is a useful guide for all learning providers
• Senior Education Profile calendar provides the annual QCAA timelines
• Certificates and qualifications
• confirmation and endorsement quality assurance processes
• QCE resources page provides a range of additional brochures, fact sheets and information
• lists of QCE recognised studies provides courses and categories of study that are currently recognised by the QCAA
• myQCE is for students to support them to plan their pathway to achieving a QCE by the end of Year 12 and explore further study, training and career options.​