The GAT

Tuesday 16th June 2026

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is an exam undertaken by all students in Victoria  enrolled in a Unit 3&4 subject. It assesses literacy and numeracy, general knowledge and skills. 

Do I need to sit the GAT? 

You will need to sit the GAT if you are a:

• Year 12 VCE or VM student
• Year 11 VM student enrolled in Unit 3&4 WRS

• Year 11 VCE student enrolled in any Unit 3&4 VCE subject

   

What does it involve? 

The GAT has two sections. Section A (9.00 to 11.15am) is a literacy and numeracy test with multiple choice questions and a two-part writing task. Section B (1.15 to 3.00pm) is a general knowledge and skills test, with an extended written response and 50 multiple choice questions.

• VM students are only required to complete Section A. 
• VCE students are required to complete both Section A and Section B.

Why is it important?

The GAT is used in calculating Derived Exam Scores for Year 12 VCE (scored) students who are unable to sit their end of year exams due to unforeseen circumstances such as an illness. For scored students, it is also a statistical moderation mechanism to check the accuracy of external and school-based assessments. Finally, the GAT assesses your literacy and numeracy skills against Victorian senior secondary standards.

What can/should I bring? 

Use the list below as a guide or checklist. A more comprehensive list of permitted material for all VCE exams can be found here on the VCAA website.