The three-hour exam included three different sections and tested students on materials and techniques learnt throughout the year.

At Horsham College, students were mainly relieved after completing their first exam.

Emmy Bull, 18, said she was nervous when she entered the exam hall.

"It took about 10 or 15 minutes to get into it but then it was fine,'' she said.

Emmy said she expected what was on the exam.

"The prompts were really good,'' she said. "It goes so quickly.''

Emmy said she would now focus on her biology, mathematic methods and music exams, having completed further mathematics and psychology last year.

Saif Khan, 18, completed the English as a Second Language exam.

He has been at Horsham College since 2005 but spent a semester in Pakistan last year.

Saif said he was nervous before the exam but relaxed during it.

"I think I did well there were no surprises,'' he said. "Once the clock started you became part of it.''

Saif said he had legal studies, economics, geography and business management exams left.

Georgia Francis, 18, said she was relieved to have the English exam over.

"I sweated during the exam,'' she said. "I was hyperventilating. I'm still alive though.''

Georgia said she had five exams remaining physical education, health and human development, outdoor education and two further maths exams.

She completed psychology last year.

Education Minister Martin Dixon wished students success with their exams.

"The final VCE English exam is always a milestone but it is important to remember all the good work to get to this point,'' he said.

"While the exams are a test of skill and knowledge, they also give students an opportunity to demonstrate understanding gained through years of learning.''