The Leaving Certificate Applied is a distinct, self-contained two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life.
The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students and to provide opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge. The programme focuses on the talents of each student and helps students apply what they learn to the real world.
The two-year programme consists of four half-year blocks called sessions. Achievements are credited in each session.
Courses are offered in three main areas:
- Vocational preparation, involving work experience, enterprise and communication
- General education, offering life skills, the arts, social education, leisure and language
- Vocational education.
Course structure
Each course consists of a number of modules and each module takes place over half a year. There is also a wide range of practical courses, called vocational specialisms. Some of the vocational specialisms in our LCA programme include Engineering, Graphics and Construction Studies, Hotel, Catering and Tourism and Office Administration and Customer Care.
Assessment and examinations
Assessment is continuous throughout the course and there is a final examination in some subjects.
Assessment takes place on the completion of modules and practical activities that allow the student to integrate the learning from different courses.
The final examination must be taken in the following areas:
- English and communication
- Two vocational specialisms
- Mathematical applications
- Language (Gaeilge or German)
- Social education
There are written and oral examinations in all languages. There are practical examinations in the vocational specialisms. The written examinations usually take place in June, at the same time as the examinations for the established Leaving Certificate.
The certificate awarded
Students who successfully complete the programme are awarded a Leaving Certificate from the Department of Education. The certificate is awarded at three levels:
| Level | Marks and Credits Required |
| Pass | 60-69% (120-139 credits) |
| Merit | 70-84% (140-169 credits) |
| Distinction | 85-100% (170-200 credits) |
Candidates who get less than 60% (120 credits) or who do not complete the course, are awarded a record of experience.
Eligibility for further education and third-level courses
A student who has been awarded the Leaving Certificate Applied can go on to a very wide range of post-Leaving Cert courses (PLCs).
PLC courses can lead on to an award recognised by the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Students with the Leaving Certificate Applied cannot gain direct entry through the Central Applications Office (CAO) system to the universities or institutes of technology. Many PLC courses lead to either a level 5 or level 6 award. In some cases, you can progress with this award to a third level course in a higher education institution such as, institutes of technology and universities.
Students cannot go directly to nursing but may be eligible to apply as a mature student with certain qualifications or relevant experience.
Students with the Leaving Certificate Applied can also go on to apprenticeship programmes. Many students go directly to employment.
