The Leaving Certificate and its various programmes are placed at Levels 4 and 5 on the NFQ. It is the final course in the Irish secondary school system. This programme takes a minimum of two years preparation, however, an optional Transition Year means that for some students, the Leaving Cert exam takes place three years after the Junior Certificate Examination. This award may lead to progression to a programme leading to a further education and training award at Level 5 or at a higher level. Alternatively, it could also lead to a higher education and training award at Level 6 or above. This qualification is awarded by the State Examinations Commission (Department of Education and Skills).
