The aim of this field study is to establish the extent to which Year 12 students understand and appreciate the ACT system of senior secondary colleges and the information which appears on the ACT Year 12 Certificate. A description of what makes up the college system is provided. This includes an explanation of how the colleges relate to the high schools, their curriculum, the accreditation of courses, assessment and certification. The role of the ACT Schools Accrediting Agency is explained in the way it underpins the credibility of the system and of how it carries the responsibility for the final generation of the ACT Year 12 Certificate. The major part of the study was a survey of a sample of Year 12 students at the end of 1983 to establish the extent to which they understood the aspects of the system they had been a part of for two years. The data and findings of their survey are presented. The report concludes with an outline of the most recent changes, developments and reactions which in some way affect the system.