# State examinations | Schooling | Moving to Ireland > In Ireland, the State Examinations are a vital part of the education system. These exams are taken by students at the end of their secondary school… Source: https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/state-examinations/ Schooling · Step 4 of 6 # State examinations 1 min read · Updated 13 September 2026 In Ireland, the State Examinations are a vital part of the education system. These exams are taken by students at the end of their secondary school education and are used to determine eligibility for higher education courses and other opportunities. The State Examinations include a range of different exams, including the Leaving Certificate, the Junior Certificate, and the Leaving Certificate Applied. Each of these exams has a different structure and purpose, but all are important for students' future prospects. **The Leaving Certificate** is the most important of the State Examinations, and it is usually taken by students in their final year of secondary school. This exam consists of a range of subjects, including English, Irish, Maths, and a number of optional subjects. Students take written exams in each of these subjects, and their results are used to determine their eligibility for higher education courses. **The Junior Certificate** is taken by students in their third year of secondary school, and it is used to provide a comprehensive assessment of students' abilities across a range of subjects. This exam covers a range of subjects, including English, Irish, Math, and some optional subjects. Students take written exams in each of these subjects, and their results are used to help them plan their future studies. **The Leaving Certificate Applied** is a less academic exam, and it is taken by students who prefer a more practical approach to education. This exam includes a range of practical subjects, including business, engineering, and art. Students take written exams in each of these subjects, and their results are used to determine their eligibility for further vocational education and training. Overall, the State Examinations are a vital part of the Irish education system, and they play an important role in determining students' future prospects. By providing a comprehensive assessment of students' abilities across a range of subjects, these exams help to ensure that students are well-prepared for higher education and other opportunities. ![](https://www.movingtoireland.co/apple-touch-icon.png) You have read 24% of this guide ## Keep reading in the Moving to Ireland app The rest of **State examinations** — about 1 minute more — is in the app, free to download, alongside 98 other guides and a checklist built around your own move. [Download free on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) iPhone and iPad · no account needed ## More on schooling [All 6 guides in this section](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/) - ### [An overview of Irish Education System](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/an-overview-of-irish-education-system/) Education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a healthy society, and Ireland has a strong education system that is highly regarded around the… 2 min read - ### [Pre-school education and childcare](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/pre-school-education-and-childcare/) Preschool education and childcare are crucial in a child's early development. In Ireland, the government has numerous initiatives to support families in… 2 min read - ### [Primary and post-primary education](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/primary-and-post-primary-education/) Education is an important aspect of Irish society, with a strong emphasis placed on providing quality education to all students. Ireland's education… 2 min read - ### [Third-level education](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/schooling/third-level-education/) Third level education in Ireland is highly regarded and recognized worldwide, with a range of courses available across universities, institutes of… 2 min read Keep going ## Get the full schooling roadmap in the app Moving to Ireland turns 99 guides into a personal checklist. Tell it your passport, whether you have moved yet, and who is coming with you, and it lays out every step in order — from the visa to the bins. - Step-by-step checklist - Tailored to your passport - Pre-move & post-move - Family & pet sections [![Download Moving to Ireland on the App Store](https://www.movingtoireland.co/images/app-store-badge.svg)](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) ★★★★★ 4.9 on the App Store [![Expats who settled in Ireland, two five-star App Store reviews, and the Moving to Ireland app showing its relocation checklist](https://www.movingtoireland.co/images/app-social-proof.webp)](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261)