The Sri Lankan Advanced Level (A-level), formerly known as the Higher School Certificate (HSC), is a General Certificate of Education (GCE) qualification exam in Sri Lanka, similar to the British Advanced Level. It is conducted annually by the Department of Examinations under the Ministry of Education. Typically, students take this exam during their final two years of college-level education, or as external (non-school) candidates after completing the GCE Ordinary Level exams. The majority of candidates enter the exam through their respective schools, but those who have not completed their school education can also apply as private candidates. The qualification also serves as an entrance requirement for Sri Lankan state universities. The exams are offered in three mediums: Sinhala, Tamil, and English.