As the final term of Year 12 begins, students across Queensland are gearing up for their external assessments. With QCE exams counting toward a student’s ATAR and final results, preparation and planning are essential. This blog breaks down the full 2025 QCE written exam timetable and shares practical study strategies from our expert tutors to help you feel confident and ready to perform at your best.
QCE Exam Timetable 2025
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has released the official external assessment schedule for General and General (Extension) subjects. Exams will run from Monday, 27 October to Tuesday, 18 November 2025, with AM and PM sessions each day.
Here are the key dates:
Times vary slightly between subjects and papers. Check your individual school schedule or the official QCAA external assessment timetable for confirmation.
Essential Tips for QCE Exam Success
We spoke to our 500 tutors, who have an average ATAR of 99.00, and asked them to share their best exam advice for QCE students. Here’s what they said:
- Start with the timetable: Use it to plan a weekly study calendar that prioritises your early exams or harder subjects.
- Balance knowledge and exam technique: Make sure you're not just revising content—practise writing full responses under timed conditions.
- Understand your cognitive verbs: QCE uses very specific action words like "evaluate" and "analyse"—be sure you know what each one requires.
- Stay consistent: Small, focused study blocks each day are more effective than last-minute cramming.
- Take care of your well-being: Sleep, nutrition, hydration, and downtime all help you stay focused and productive.
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Maximising the Benefits of Past Papers
Past papers are one of the most effective resources for exam prep. Here’s how to make them work for you:
- Complete them under timed conditions: Mimic exam scenarios to practise stamina and time management.
- Compare your responses to sample answers: Use QCAA marking guides to self-assess and improve your technique.
- Use them to revise content: Identify gaps in your knowledge and return to those topics in your textbook or notes.
- Repeat key question types: Practice common formats like short-response justifications or structured essays multiple times.
- Get feedback: Ask a teacher, peer, or tutor to mark a past response and suggest improvements.
