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Understand the test4 min read

What the GAT is, when it is on and what results mean

The GAT is a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills sat by Victorian students completing senior secondary studies. VCAA says no special study is needed. The 2027 test is on Thursday 17 June 2027.

Last checked against the official sources.

The GAT is a general test of knowledge and skills. It is on Thursday 17 June 2027. No special study is needed, and it does not count directly towards VCE results.

What it is

VCAA describes the GAT as a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills. It supports quality assurance of VCE assessments and lets students show they meet the Victorian literacy and numeracy standards expected at senior secondary level.

When it is on

VCAA's key dates list the GAT as Thursday 17 June 2027. Ask your school for the time and place.

Who sits it

VCAA says students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3 and 4 sequence sit both sections. Section A tests literacy and numeracy, and Section B tests general knowledge and skills. Section A only is for Vocational Major students who are not also enrolled in a VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3 and 4 sequence. Ask your school which applies to your child.

Do students need to study

VCAA says no special study is needed. Earlier schooling in subjects such as English, mathematics, science and history prepares students for it.

Exam tip

The best preparation is to sleep well, arrive on time and try each question calmly.

What results mean

VCAA says GAT results are used to check that VCE assessments have been marked fairly, through statistical moderation, and in the calculation of the Derived Examination Score. They are also used to report on literacy and numeracy standards.

Key fact

The GAT does not count directly towards VCE results, but students are still expected to attempt it properly.

VCAA says 2026 GAT results will be available on Thursday 10 December 2026. For 2027, VCAA lists Thursday 9 December 2027 for final results to students but does not list GAT results separately, so treat it as expected and check VCAA.

For parents

Reassure your child that this is not a test to cram for. If your child is unwell on the day, contact the school promptly.

For details of sections and timing, see VCAA's GAT page.

ExamExplained is run alongside a tutoring business. VCAA's position, that no special study is needed, comes first. This guide is free, written by us, not official and not endorsed by VCAA.

Key dates

GAT key dates, with the official source for each
WhatWhenStatusSource
VCE GAT 2026 results availableConfirmedOfficial page for VCE GAT 2026 results availablechecked 7 October 2026
VCE General Achievement Test (GAT) 2027ConfirmedOfficial page for VCE General Achievement Test (GAT) 2027checked 7 October 2026
VCE GAT 2027 results expectedVCAA lists Thursday 9 December 2027 as the day final results are available to students. It does not list GAT results separately, so treat this as expected.Expected, not yet publishedOfficial page for VCE GAT 2027 results expectedchecked 7 October 2026

Download these dates as a calendar file (.ics)

The calendar file holds only the dates above. If the download does not open on your phone, try it on a computer. Expected dates are marked as expected. Check the official page before you rely on a date.

Frequently asked questions

Does the GAT count towards my VCE?
VCAA says the GAT does not count directly towards VCE results. It is used for quality assurance of VCE assessments, and to show whether students meet Victorian literacy and numeracy standards.
When are GAT results available?
VCAA says results for the 2026 GAT will be available on Thursday 10 December 2026. For 2027, VCAA lists Thursday 9 December 2027 as the day final results are available to students. It does not list GAT results separately, so treat that date as expected and check VCAA.

Sources