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The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme(LCA)is a distinct, self-contained two-year programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. It is designed for students who do not wish to proceed directly to third level education or for those whose needs, aspirations and aptitudes are not adequately catered for by the other two Leaving Certificate programmes or who choose not to opt for those programmes. The Programme is administered and assessed by the State Examinations Commission.
Credits towards the final award are accumulated throughout the two years of the programme through:
1.) Satisfactory completion of modules. (Maximum of 62 credits)
2.) Performance of students tasks. (Maximum of 70 credits)
3.) Performance in the final examinations. (Maximum of 68 credits)
The programme consists of a range of courses each designed on a modular basis. The number of modules depends on the course. The full list of course and modules can be downloaded here. Each year of the two year programme is divided into two sessions, September to January and February to June. A module within a given course is usually completed within one session. Over the two year duration of the programme, participants will complete 44 modules. Course participants accumulate credits toward their final result at the end of each session.
For more detailed information on the LCA programme please click here. 
Grading Structure
This LCA Certificate is awarded at three levels:
Pass 60-69 % (120 - 139 credits)
Merit 70-84 % (140 - 169 credits)
Distinction 85-100% (170 - 200 credits)
Candidates who acquire less than 120 credits will receive a Record of Credits. This will also apply to those who leave before the end of the programme.
The role of the State Examinations Commission in the operation of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme is
To maintain a record of the credits attained by each course participant at the end of each of the four sessions.
To assess performance of the Student Tasks.
To set and mark the final examinations.
To award the Leaving Certificate Applied.
Subject Choice
Final Examinations Candidates are required to take Final examinations in the following subjects:
English and Communication
Mathematical Applications
Social Education
Gaeilge Chumarsáideach
Modern European Language i.e. French or German or Spanish or Italian
2 subjects from the Vocational Specialism Group:
Agriculture/Horticulture
Childcare/Community Care
Graphics and Construction Studies
Craft and Design
Engineering
Hair and Beauty
Hotel, Catering and Tourism
Office Administration and Customer Care
Technology
Information and Communication Technology
Active Leisure Studies
Oral Tests
Oral, as well as written/aural examinations, will be held in the case of all the languages including English and Communications.
Practical Performance Tests and Practical Coursework
Final examinations in the Vocational Specialism subjects comprise written examinations and Practical Performance tests/ Practical Coursework.
Click here to view LCA Practical Examination briefs
Timetable
The written examinations are generally held in the same period as the other Leaving Certificate examinations. This year the Leaving Certificate Applied written examinations will be held in the period 9 –17th June 2010,
Click here to view the Timetable.
Past examination papers, marking schemes and Chief Examiner Reports are available to download from the Examinations Material Archive.
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