QCE exam timetable 2026Written exams Mon 26 Oct to Tue 17 Nov · QCAA
The first QCE written exam:
2026 QCE written exams by subject
Dates and times for the 27 QCE subjects we cover, from the QCAA external assessment timetable 2026. Tap a subject for its exam page: format, what to revise and a cram sheet.
| Date | Subject | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | Morning session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| Health | Afternoon session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| Music | Afternoon session2 h plus 20 min perusal or planning time | |
| English | Morning session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| Ancient History | Afternoon session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| Philosophy and ReasonPhilosophy & Reason | Morning session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| Physical Education | Morning session2 h plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Visual ArtsVisual Art | Afternoon session2 h plus 20 min perusal or planning time | |
| Literature | Morning session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| Legal Studies | Afternoon session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| ChemistryPaper 1 | Morning session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| ChemistryPaper 2 | Afternoon session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| BiologyPaper 1 | Morning session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| BiologyPaper 2 | Afternoon session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Business | Afternoon session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| Film, Television and New MediaFilm, Television & New Media | Morning session2 h plus 20 min perusal or planning time | |
| Accounting | Afternoon session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| Drama | Afternoon session2 h plus 20 min perusal or planning time | |
| Modern History | Morning session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| General MathematicsPaper 1 | Afternoon session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Specialist MathematicsPaper 1 | Afternoon session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| General MathematicsPaper 2 | Morning session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Specialist MathematicsPaper 2 | Morning session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Design | Afternoon session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| PhysicsPaper 1 | Morning session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| PhysicsPaper 2 | Afternoon session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Digital Solutions | Morning session2 h plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| PsychologyPaper 1 | Afternoon session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| PsychologyPaper 2 | Morning session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Engineering | Afternoon session2 h plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Geography | Morning session2 h plus 15 min perusal or planning time | |
| Math MethodsMathematical Methods · Paper 1 | Morning session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Math MethodsMathematical Methods · Paper 2 | Afternoon session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Marine SciencePaper 1 | Morning session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time | |
| Marine SciencePaper 2 | Afternoon session1 h 30 min plus 5 min perusal or planning time |
QCAA's timetable sets the day and the morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) session, not a start time: your school tells you when to arrive. Durations are working time plus perusal or planning time.
Source: QCAA external assessment timetable 2026 (QCAA, May 2026), checked Wednesday 23 September 2026. QCAA's site blocks automated downloads, so we checked a copy of the QCAA PDF (author and title metadata: Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, 'QCAA external assessment timetable 2026') published by a Queensland state school. Your personal timetable from your school or QCAA is the final word; check it for any subject not listed here.
Not on the 2026 written exam timetable
Exam-day rules in 60 seconds
The night before
- QCAA's timetable fixes the day and the AM or PM session only: confirm the start time and venue with your school.[2]
- Check your calculator is on QCAA's approved list for the subject.[1]
- Pack a clear plastic container or zip-lock bag: black or blue pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, a highlighter.[1]
- An ordinary watch only if you want one (no smart watch or fitness tracker); it goes on the desk.[1]
- Pack a water bottle (it stays on the floor).[1]
Exam morning
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start.[1]
- Switch your phone off and leave it in your bag outside the room.[1]
- More than 40 minutes late needs permission, and you lose perusal and planning time.[1]
- During perusal and planning time, don't write in the response book or touch your calculator.[1]
- You can't leave in the first 40 minutes or the last 10 minutes.[1]
The full rundown: QCE exam day: what to actually expect.
Exam-week survival kit
Short, practical guides for the final week: revision, the night before, the QCAArules, reading time, what to do if you're sick, and handling stress.
- The last 7 daysA day-by-day revision plan
- The night before and exam morningA calm checklist
- What to bring, and what's bannedThe official rules
- How to use reading timeA routine for the first minutes
- If you're sick or something goes wrongWho to tell, evidence and deadlines
- Handling exam-week stressWhat helps, and who to talk to
After the exams
: QCE subject results released at 9 am in the myQCE Student Portal (QCAA) (source).