Exam format · updated 24 October 2026

QCE (Queensland) external assessment format

In the QCE, each General subject combines internal assessments set by the school with an external assessment set and marked by the QCAA. Our papers follow the published structure for each subject, with Papers 1 and 2 for the sciences and Internal Assessment 1 data tests.

PartOur practice paper formatPapers
General MathematicsA full practice examination with Section I 6 multiple-choice, Section II 33 marks, 39 marks in all, 5 minutes reading time and 90 minutes working time20
Mathematical Methods2 practice papers (technology-free and technology-active), each with 10 multiple-choice questions plus short response, 55 marks each20
Specialist MathematicsA technology-free paper with 10 multiple-choice questions plus short response (60 marks), 5 minutes perusal and 90 minutes working time20
Chemistry Paper 1A 58-mark paper with Section I 20 multiple-choice, Section II 38 marks, 10 minutes perusal and 90 minutes working time20
Chemistry Paper 2A 58-mark extended-response and problem-solving paper, 10 minutes perusal and 90 minutes working time20
Biology Paper 1A 50-mark paper with Section I 20 multiple-choice, Section II 30 marks, 5 minutes perusal and 90 minutes working time20
Physics Paper 1A 50-mark paper with Section I 20 multiple-choice, Section II 30 marks, 10 minutes perusal and 90 minutes working time20
General English4 assessment tasks (IA1, IA2, IA3 and the External Assessment) in one booklet10
Essential English2 short-response questions with 15 minutes planning and 90 minutes working time13

The table shows a selection of the formats our QCE papers follow. See each collection page for the rest.

Check the QCAA syllabus

Syllabus and assessment details are published by the QCAA for each subject. Confirm the version that applies to your year.

Official sources

Practice papers for this exam

Australia · Year 12

QCE General Mathematics

20 papers. A full practice examination with Section I 6 multiple-choice, Section II 33 marks, 39 marks in all, 5 minutes reading time and 90 minutes working time.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

QCE Mathematical Methods

20 papers. 2 practice papers (technology-free and technology-active), each with 10 multiple-choice questions plus short response, 55 marks each.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

QCE Specialist Mathematics

20 papers. A technology-free paper with 10 multiple-choice questions plus short response (60 marks), 5 minutes perusal and 90 minutes working time.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

QCE Chemistry Paper 1

20 papers. A 58-mark paper with Section I 20 multiple-choice, Section II 38 marks, 10 minutes perusal and 90 minutes working time.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

QCE Chemistry Paper 2

20 papers. A 58-mark extended-response and problem-solving paper, 10 minutes perusal and 90 minutes working time.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

QCE Biology Paper 1

20 papers. A 50-mark paper with Section I 20 multiple-choice, Section II 30 marks, 5 minutes perusal and 90 minutes working time.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

QCE Physics Paper 1

20 papers. A 50-mark paper with Section I 20 multiple-choice, Section II 30 marks, 10 minutes perusal and 90 minutes working time.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

QCE General English

10 papers. 4 assessment tasks (IA1, IA2, IA3 and the External Assessment) in one booklet.

Browse 10 papersAustralia · Year 12

QCE Essential English

13 papers. 2 short-response questions with 15 minutes planning and 90 minutes working time.

Browse 13 papers

Questions

Are these official QCE papers?

Our papers are original practice papers written to the published format. They are not official papers and are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any exam authority.