What Is the GAT?
The GAT (General Achievement Test) is a test of general knowledge and skills that most VCE students sit in June. Since 2024 it has two parts: Section A tests literacy and numeracy (and is how you can demonstrate the literacy and numeracy standards required for the VCE), and Section B tests general knowledge and skills across maths, science, technology, the arts and humanities. The GAT does not count directly toward your study scores or ATAR – but VCAA uses the results behind the scenes for quality assurance and to calculate a derived exam score if you miss an exam. (Source: VCAA – confirm current-year details on the VCAA website.)
Key takeaways
- The GAT is a general-skills test most VCE students sit in June (16 June in 2026).
- Section A tests literacy and numeracy; Section B tests general knowledge and skills.
- It does not count directly toward your study scores or ATAR.
- VCAA uses it for quality checks and to calculate a Derived Examination Score if you miss an exam.
When is the GAT?
The GAT is held on a single day in June each year – 16 June in 2026 – with Section A in the morning and Section B in the afternoon, and a break between them. (Always check the exact current-year date and times on the VCAA website.)
Who sits the GAT, and which sections?
All senior secondary students in Victoria sit Section A. Students enrolled in one or more VCE Unit 3 & 4 subjects (including scored VCE VET) sit both Section A and Section B.
What’s on each section?
Section A assesses literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy. Section B assesses general knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities.
Does the GAT count toward my ATAR?
Not directly. VCAA uses GAT results to (1) confirm you meet the VCE literacy and numeracy standards (Section A), (2) run quality checks on school assessments and exams, and (3) calculate a Derived Examination Score if illness or misadventure stops you sitting an exam. So it is worth taking seriously even though it is not scored like a subject. See VCE exam structure & SACs explained.
How to prepare
You cannot cram general knowledge overnight, but getting familiar with the format and timing helps, and the literacy and numeracy section rewards the same skills your subjects build all year. Steady weekly practice is what builds them – and your first 30-minute lesson with HZ is free.
Written by Haobo Zhang (98 ATAR, University of Melbourne Biomedicine), founder of HZ Tutoring. Updated June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Does the GAT count towards my ATAR?
Not directly. VCAA uses GAT results for quality assurance, to confirm the VCE literacy and numeracy standards, and to calculate a Derived Examination Score if you miss an exam.
When is the GAT in 2026?
The GAT is held on 16 June 2026. Always confirm the current-year date on the VCAA website.
Who has to sit the GAT?
All senior secondary students sit Section A. Students enrolled in one or more VCE Unit 3&4 subjects (including scored VCE VET) also sit Section B.
What is Section A of the GAT?
Section A tests literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy, and is a way to demonstrate the literacy and numeracy standards required for the VCE.