The Leaving Certificate Established

The Leaving Certificate Established is a two-year programme that aims to provide learners with a broad, balanced education while also offering some specialisation towards a particular career option. Students generally take six or more subjects for examination, one of which must be Irish (unless an exemption applies). All subjects are offered at two levels, ordinary and higher. Irish and Mathematics are also offered at foundation level. Over 30 Leaving Certificate subjects are available to schools. To explore these subject, click on the link adjacent.

Subjects are assessed by an examination paper and by additional assessment methods including oral and aural examinations, practical examinations and assessment of practical coursework at the end of the two-year programme of study. Performance in the examination can be used for purposes of selection into employment, and into further and higher education. The State Examination Commission (SEC) provides everything you need to know about state examinations.