WACE Requirements Made Simple: A Parent & Student Guide

Thinking about university? Many families focus on ATAR — but understanding the WACE requirements is just as important. Too often, these are overlooked in the pressures of Year 11 and 12, leaving students with the ATAR they need but without WACE — blocking their entry into university.

This guide breaks down the WACE requirements into clear, simple steps to help parents and students stay on track — from subject selection in Year 10 through to final checks in Year 12.

What is WACE?

The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is awarded to students who successfully complete senior secondary school in WA. It’s issued by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) and is a requirement for most university courses.

Achieving WACE means a student has met:

1. The breadth and depth standard
2. The achievement standard
3. The literacy and numeracy standard

Because WACE guidelines can change slightly each year, we recommend:

• Visiting the SCSA WACE Requirements Website for the latest details
• Consulting your school for personalised guidance to ensure you’re on track

What is an ATAR?

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0 and 99.95 that shows how a student’s results compare to other Year 12 students across Australia. The ATAR is used to apply for university courses.

It’s important to note that an ATAR is a rank, not a percentage.

To receive an ATAR, students must:

• Complete at least four Year 12 ATAR courses, and
• Sit the corresponding exams.

While this is the most common pathway to university, there are alternatives such as vocational training and experience-based entry. For more on how the ATAR is calculated, visit the TISC Website.

The Minimum WACE Requirements

To achieve WACE, students must meet all of the following standards:

Achievement Standard

• A minimum of 14 C grades (or equivalent) across Year 11 and Year 12 combined
• At least 6 C grades (or equivalent) from Year 12 units

Breadth and Depth

• Complete 20 units in total (usually 10 in Year 11, 10 in Year 12).
• Must include:
  • At least one pair of Year 12 units from List A (Arts, Languages, Social Sciences)
  • At least one pair of Year 12 units from List B (Mathematics, Science, Technology)

Literacy and Numeracy

• Meet the OLNA (Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment) standard in Reading, Writing, and Numeracy
• Or pre-qualify through Year 9 NAPLAN

Examinations

• Sit the practical and written examinations for your Year 12 ATAR subjects (unless exempt)

WACE requirements are reviewed annually by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). For the most up-to-date details, always refer to the SCSA Website.

Why the ATAR Isn’t Enough

In Years 11 and 12, students often focus on performing well in their ATAR subjects — but meeting the minimum WACE requirements is just as important, and can sometimes be overlooked. Both are essential for university entry.

Some students have missed out because they:

• Did not meet the minimum English requirement*
• Failed OLNA despite strong ATAR results
• Didn’t achieve enough C grades over Year 11 and Year 12
• Dropped an ATAR subject without replacing it, breaking breadth requirements

* Students must complete four English units post-Year 10 — including a Year 12 pair

Even a student with a 95+ ATAR could be ineligible for university entry if WACE is not achieved. That’s why it’s critical to track both ATAR performance and WACE progress throughout Year 11 and 12.

Planning Ahead

From Year 10 subject selection through to the end of Year 12, it’s essential to plan ahead and check progress regularly — not just towards your ATAR goal, but also to ensure WACE is achieved.

If you’re in Year 10 choosing subjects:

• Choose both List A and List B subjects
• Confirm you can meet the 20-unit requirement
• Check university prerequisites for your chosen course

If you’re in Year 11 or 12:

• Check your English requirement and OLNA status early
• Track your C grades and total units
• Speak with your school or the PEAK Academic Team if you’re at risk of missing a requirement

Useful Resources

• SCSA Website – WACE Requirements Information
• SCSA Website – Year 10 Subject Selection Guide
• TISC Website – ATAR Information

Your Next Steps

Meeting WACE requirements is just as important as achieving a strong ATAR. They are separate goals, but both are essential for university entry.

From Year 10 onwards, make sure you track both — so there are no surprises in Year 12. Plan early, check regularly, and get support if you need it.

At PEAK Education, we help students stay on top of both their ATAR and WACE requirements, so results day comes with confidence, not setbacks. If you’d like guidance or extra support, our team is here to help — Contact Us Today.