On Tuesday morning, thousands of students sat the General Achievement Test - a three-hour assessment used to create a derived examination score for students who have had an interrupted year.

The GAT was originally scheduled for June but was repeatedly postponed due to the state's COVID-19 lockdowns.

Related news: Bendigo students prepare for the 2021 General Achievement Test

Bendigo Senior Secondary College year 11 student Kaleah Bonanno said she enjoyed returning to campus after a year of remote learning.

"The GAT was quite long but it felt good to be back in a normal classroom instead of being behind a screen at home," she said.

"The past two years have been weird, not normal. It's been hard to adapt to it all."

There were a range of COVID protocols in place for the GAT, with a one student per four square metre rule in the exam rooms, some staggered start times, mandatory face masks, and increased ventilation.

BSSC year 12 student Fin Bray said the different circumstances did not feel uncomfortable for the students.

"It didn't really affect anything," he said. "We would all be pretty separated normally."

Read other news: Central Victorians embrace the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine

The year 12 student said he felt ready for his final exams after an "easier" year of remote learning.

"We're used to it now, I guess," Mr Bray said. "It's still a bit harsh. I feel prepared for my exams. Just doing the best I can."

Ms Bonanno said she felt a bit nervous ahead of her Health and Human Development exam.

"I'm a little bit worried because we've been home for so long," she said. "But I'm sure I'll be fine."

The Victorian Certificate of Education written exams will start on October 27 and run through to November 17.

VCE and ATAR results will be delivered to students on December 16.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: