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The SACE is undertaken in two stages, Stage 1 (which most students do in Year 11) and Stage 2 (which most students do in Year 12). Students need to obtain 200 credits to achieve the SACE through a mixture of compulsory and free-choice subjects and courses.

To be awarded the certificate, students will need to achieve a C grade or better for the compulsory subjects: the Personal Learning Plan, English and mathematics subjects, and the Research Project.

The other subjects and courses span a wide range of learning areas: arts, English, mathematics, sciences, languages, health and personal development, business, enterprise and technology, society and environment.

Flexibilities include cross-disciplinary subjects and provision for schools to tailor subjects to local needs.

There is an A to E grading system in both Years 11 and 12, supported by a rigorous and systematic quality assurance process to ensure we continue to deliver a robust, internationally recognised qualification.

For more details about how the SACE works, visit About the SACE in the Students and Families section of the website.

Many students who gain the SACE include some form of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in their studies.

The SACE recognises VET that operates through a national training system, and that is delivered, assessed and certified by Registered Training Organisations.

Through this form of training, students not only learn first-hand about the world of work and the expectations of employers, but they also gain an understanding of the pathways available to them.

An increased focus on VET in the SACE equips more young South Australians to meet the future skills and economic needs of the state. Students are able to study their entire SACE with a VET focus if they choose. School-based apprenticeships and work placements are an important feature of this opportunity.

VET recognised in the SACE is in line with the Australian Skills Quality Authority’s VET Quality Framework and nationally endorsed training packages, This ensures it is commensurate with the quality and consistency of VET throughout the country.

VET in the SACE enables students the opportunity to work towards a nationally accredited qualification while still at school. Students can graduate from the SACE with a VET certificate in one of many industry groups, from manufacturing to community services, from information technology to hospitality.

In collaboration with industry and businesses, the SACE Board has created an online tool, the VET Recognition Register. Industry areas and the VET qualifications students can undertake are presented in a searchable list, along with the number of SACE credits they could earn.

Students are able to earn SACE credits for learning undertaken in the community.

The SACE Board recognises community learning through undertaking volunteer training such as Country Fire Service training or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It may also include work experience and other informal community activities such as coaching a sporting team, being the primary carer of a family member, or taking a leadership role in the workplace or the community. Students need to provide evidence of their learning for assessment so that the SACE Board can recognise these kinds of community learning.

Community organisations may apply to have their community-developed programs considered for recognition towards the SACE. Further information about the recognition of Community Learning can be found in the Community Learning section.