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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority
ACE Rules

Clarified ACE Rules came into effect on 14 October 2024. These rules apply to students commencing HSC courses from Term 4 2024, for students sitting for HSC exams in 2025, and for students receiving the RoSA from October 2024.

For students sitting for HSC exams in 2024, the previous ACE Online rules continue to apply.

To learn more about how NESA has clarified the ACE Rules, refer to the information sheets.

Completing HSC exams

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NESA is authorised under sections 20A(2), 95 and 95A of the Education Act 1990 (NSW) to grant the HSC to students who have, to NESA's satisfaction:

  • participated in and completed appropriate courses of study approved by the Minister; and
  • met all other eligibility criteria.

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About completing HSC exams

  1. A student must complete the required HSC exams for a course and:
    1. make a serious attempt at the exam
    2. write in English (unless instructed otherwise)
    3. follow NESA exam rules outlined in the Loading...
    4. follow the directions of the Presiding Officer, and
    5. follow the rules of the school where they sit their exam.
  2. A student who does not comply with exam rules may have their exam paper, oral exam, performance or submitted work for that course cancelled, potentially making them ineligible for their HSC.

Online resources

For further information

Please contact Student Support on (02) 9367 8117 or by email at studentsupport@nesa.nsw.edu.au.