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Frequently asked Questions

  1. Why do I have a VCAA ID and a Username?
  2. Why do I get logged out after 30 minutes?
  3. Why is it necessary to fill in applications for different subjects?
  4. How much detail do I need to provide about myself?
  5. What is the general process that my application goes through?

Question 1: Why do I have a VCAA ID and a Username?

The VCAA is acutely aware of the need to protect your valuable information and has decided on some rigorous measures to make the SSMS site difficult for others to gain access to your information.

By having a separate identifier (login) adds a further level of security to your confidential details. Your VCAA ID (5-digit number) is an identifier that remains as your unique VCAA job and pay number. Your Username is purely for use with SSMS.

Question 2: Why do I get logged out after 30 minutes?

The security time-out is to ensure the security of your information and to lock out others in case you are required to move away from the application.

You should not need to spend large amounts of time on each screen and therefore you can be timed out if you are not actively using SSMS within a particular timeframe. This period of inactivity applies only to a single page in SSMS (including typing in text boxes) but does not pertain to the use of the entire application.

Question 3: Why is it necessary to fill in applications for different subjects?

Each application is unique to the job/task applied for with its own individual profile of questions asked. For example, in the process of selection, VCE examinations staff want to know different information about you than do the P-10 [NAPLAN] staff.

Question 4: How much detail do I need to provide about myself?

The application process is not intended to be onerous but rather should highlight what different experience, skills and knowledge you would bring to the particular activity. In some places a limit of 300 characters is applied (a counter appears in these places with green text) and you are advised to be precise by using a dot point approach.

Question 5: What is the general process that my application goes through?

Not every VCAA activity has the same overall process but broadly speaking it follows:

  • Step 1 – application received and scrutinised by VCAA personnel staff (check on referees, qualifications etc).
  • Step 2 – if accepted, your job profile (application) is made available to the VCAA staff in charge of that process.
  • Step 3 – if recommended then it is usually passed on to the leader of external sessional staff (such as a Chief Assessor or State Reviewer).
  • Step 4 – all nominations for appointment at this time then go back to the VCAA staff in charge of that process who can forward this on to their manager.
  • Step 5 – at the end of this approval process, offers of appointments are made; others are placed onto a waiting list.

The VCAA welcome any further suggestions of questions to vcaa.hr@education.vic.gov.au