What are the SACE External Examinations like?

For many SACE subjects, exams are used to test your knowledge of all the information you have learned in the past year. SACE exams can be in multiple formats, whether that be online or on paper.

Published 27 May 2022  •   •  7 min read

By Manoj Arachige
Photo by Green Chameleon / Unsplash

KIS Summary:

  • Provides important information, such as where you can find your exam information.
  • Provides tips on how to prepare for the exam, and what you can expect on the examination day.
  • Explains how you will be scored, and the results you can view when your ATAR is released.

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For many SACE subjects, external examinations are used to test your knowledge of everything you have learned in the past year. SACE exams can be in multiple formats, whether that be online, or on paper. In this article, we will be diving into what to expect on exam day and how to prepare for it.

Table of Content:


Where can I find my Exam Information?

The SACE website is your go-to for finding all your exam information. KIS Academics has also consolidated the important dates for the 2025 exams in this article here.

If you search for your subject on the SACE website, you should be able to find a link to a page explaining which format your exam will be in, and how long you will have to complete it. Make sure you have all the dates and time limits recorded on your calendar and planner!

How to arrange for Special Provisions?

  1. First, contact your school. You should speak to your subject teacher, school SACE coordinator, or school counsellor.
  2. Be specific about your needs so that your school can determine the best special provision for you.
  3. You will then need to gather evidence, including results, reports, or teacher observations.
  4. Your school will then make a decision based on these events, and notify SACE so that you can complete the exam according to your special provisions.

How do I Prepare for the Exams?

  • The best way to prepare for exams is to do as many practice questions as possible. You can find them on the SACE website, or ask your teacher/tutor for more resources.
  • Time yourself when doing the practice papers.
  • If you need more targeted exam preparation, you can find your best local tutor at KIS Academics.
  • Review your previous exam papers, and mock exam papers.
Get a tutor from KIS Academics today!

What should I expect on the Big Day?

  1. Your teacher should notify you of the exam start time, and what time to arrive at the exam location before the day of your exam.
  2. In the exam hall, the tables should be separated, and you will have a designated spot to sit with your SACE identification number on the desk.
  3. If your exam is to be completed on paper, your papers should be handed out by the exam facilitator. If your exam is online, make sure you bring a charged device to complete it on.
    1. Typically, your school will install the SACE online exam browser onto your school’s device. If you are unsure about this, seek guidance from your SACE school coordinator.
  4. Keep in mind that the exam facilitator will not be your subject teacher.
  5. In the unlikely case of an emergency, your exam facilitator will direct you to the nearest exit and your exam will cease.

How am I Scored?

Once the exam has been completed by everyone in the subject, the SACE board will moderate and mark each exam.

Your exam will be looked at by more than one moderator to ensure fairness. No one exam will be marked more harshly than another.

Firstly, one moderator will look at your answers and mark them according to the mark scheme. Once this process is completed, another moderator will look at your answers and mark your exam again. If there is a large disagreement between the two marks, a third moderator will look at your exam until a consensus is made.

Will I know my Results?

You will be able to find out your exam results the day your ATAR is released.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to find out how you scored on each question, but you will receive a grade for each subject.

You will later be sent a physical exam result in the post with your ATAR.

Conclusion

The external exams can be daunting, but with the right preparation and the right tools, you will be able to ace it. Get a tutor from KIS Academics to achieve your academic goals now!

For more study tips and resources, check out these KIS Academics articles:

SACE: All you Need to Know about how to Get a Merit - How to get a Merit in SACE (updated 2025) | KIS Academics
A merit is awarded to students who excel in a particular SACE stage 2 subject. Here are my tips on how to get a merit!
SACE/ NTCET: Understanding South Australia and the Northern Territory’s Year 12 ATAR system - How does the SACE and NTCET work (Updated 2025) | KIS Academics
Not sure how the SACE/NTCET works? How does that lead to an ATAR? Learn about South Australia and the Northern Territory’s shared Year 12 ATAR system here.
SACE: Adjustment Factors and how they Work (updated 2025) | KIS Academics
SACE bonus points are super important! These bonus points give your adjusted ATAR a boost to push your ranking up when applying for tertiary study through SATAC.

FAQs

What to do if you encounter a big issue during the exam?

Raise your hand ASAP to get the attention of the exam facilitator, and seek guidance from them. This is especially prevalent for any technical difficulties you may face doing an online examination.

Best study tips?

How long should I be studying everyday?

There is not magic number; you should study the amount that makes you feel the most confident. Everyone studies a little differently, to there is no point comparing with others. As long as you're confident with you the content you've covered, then you're good!

What if you don't get a good ATAR?

It is not the end of the world, there are alternative pathways to getting into University (if that is your goal).

If University is not your goal, you can still get technical certifications (TAFE/VET) and work in a trade.


Written by Charlotte Kenning who pursued a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Flinders University.


Looking for some extra help to guide you through your SACEs? Look no further, KIS Academics has many brilliant tutors that can help you achieve your academic goals:

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