The Leaving Certificate Applied, a separate two-year Leaving Certificate program that prepares students for adult life and work, is self-contained.

This programme aims to recognize the talents of students and provide opportunities to develop personal responsibility, self-esteem, and self-knowledge. This programme is designed to help students put what they have learned into practice.

Each session is a half-year block that makes up the two-year program. Each session awards credit for achievements. You can apply for leaving cert online courses according to your study requirements. 

Students completing the Leaving Certificate in 2021 had the option to either sit for the written exam or receive an accredited grade from State Examination Commission (SEC). 

Courses for Applied Leaving Certificate

Three main areas offer courses:

• Vocational preparation that includes work experience, enterprise, and communication

• General education: This includes life skills, the arts and social education.

• Vocational education.

Course structure

Each course is made up of a number of modules . Each module lasts for half a year. The student has the option to choose from a variety of vocational specialisms or practical courses.

Assessments and exams

The course is assessed continuously throughout and there is a final exam.

Modules and practical activities are used to assess the student's ability to combine the knowledge from different courses.

These are the areas that must be examined for final certification:

• English and communication

• Two specializations in vocational training

• Mathematical applications

• Language

• Social education

Written and oral exams are offered in all languages. Practical examinations are available in vocational specialisms. The written examinations are usually held in June along with the exams for the established Leaving Certificate.