WACE scaling explained: scaled scores, the TEA and bonuses

What WACE scaling does

A combined mark out of 100 in one ATAR course is not directly comparable to the same mark in another, because the groups of students are different. TISC calculates scaled scores in all ATAR courses, using school assessments and WACE exam results, for use in determining a student's ATAR. SCSA first places school marks on the exam scale by statistical moderation, which is what makes marks at different schools comparable inside a course. The grade and mark you see on your SCSA results are not changed by scaling. See WACE grades explained.

How the TEA is built

1. Take your best four scaled scores in ATAR courses, subject to the rules on unacceptable combinations.
2. Add 10 per cent of your best LOTE scaled score, if you have one.
3. Add 10 per cent of your Mathematics Methods scaled score, if you have one.
4. Add 10 per cent of your Mathematics Specialist scaled score, if you have one.

You get these bonuses even if the course is not one of your best four. Scores can be accumulated over five consecutive years, but each course counts once and, if you repeat a course, TISC uses your best score. You need at least four scaled scores for an ATAR to be calculated. A student with four courses that attract no bonus has a maximum TEA of 400. With three bonus courses in the best four, the maximum is 430.

A worked example

This example uses made-up scaled scores. A student has English 74, Chemistry 81, Mathematics Methods 88 and Physics 79, and no LOTE or Specialist.

TISC's 2025 table shows a TEA of 326.7 was the minimum for an ATAR of 98.00, and 335.5 for 98.50. So a TEA of 330.8 would have been an ATAR of at least 98.00, and below 98.50, in 2025. The conversion changes each year, so this is only an illustration. The full process is in the ATAR in Western Australia.

Why WA is different, and what is happening to the bonus

TISC's July 2024 discussion paper says WA is the only state that includes a bonus for particular Year 12 subjects in the calculation of the ATAR. In other states, incentives are applied after the ATAR as an adjustment to create a selection rank, set by the state, university or course. TISC reported that between 2020 and 2023, 6,946 students received a scaled-score bonus, and that 78 per cent of 2023's ATAR students did not complete a LOTE, Methods or Specialist course. In 2023 the Board decided to remove the bonuses from 2026, then agreed to postpone this to 2027 after feedback from schools, parents and others.

TISC now says that in 2026 its Board decided the change proposed for 2028 has been postponed until further notice, so the current inequities in the calculation continue. For students sitting WACE exams now, the 10 per cent bonuses for LOTE, Methods and Specialist remain in the TEA.

Practise to build the raw material

Scaling only moves the marks you earn. Sit a short timed paper: Year 12 Maths for Methods or Specialist, or Year 12 Physics, Year 12 Chemistry or Year 12 Biology. Each has 8 questions worth 25 to 35 marks, and the results page shows a predicted grade from A to E with typical cut-offs, not SCSA's. See the exam days in WACE exam timetable 2026.

Common mistakes about WACE scaling

• Taking Methods or Specialist only for the bonus. The bonus is 10 per cent of your own scaled score, so a weak score adds little. TISC found the average bonus per course over 2020 to 2023 was between 6.8 and 7.0 points.
• Thinking the bonus changes your grade. It only changes the TEA.
• Counting the same course twice. A course counts once, with your best score.
• Assuming the bonus has ended. TISC has postponed any change until further notice.

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Australia · WACEWACE Maths Methods: ATAR exam format and what is testedWACE Maths Methods for Year 12: the SCSA ATAR exam sections, Units 3 and 4, calculator rules, school marks and 2026 and 2027 dates.