<P> The Leaving Certificate Examinations (Irish: Scrúduithe na hArdteistiméireachta), which is commonly referred to as the Leaving Cert (Irish: Ardteist) is the final examination in the Irish secondary school system . It takes a minimum of two years preparation, but an optional Transition Year means that for those students it takes place three years after the Junior Certificate Examination . These years are referred to collectively as "The Senior Cycle ." Most students taking the examination are aged 16--20; in excess of eighty percent of this group undertake the exam . The Examination is overseen by the State Examinations Commission . The Leaving Certificate Examinations are taken annually by approximately 55,000 students . </P> <P> There are three distinct programmes that can be followed . While the outcomes of each programme are quite distinct, each is intended to reinforce the principles of secondary education; to prepare the student for education, society and work . </P> <Ul> <Li> Established Leaving Certificate: The Established Leaving Certificate, introduced in 1924, is the most common programme taken . A minimum of six subjects are examined, including compulsory Irish . Most students take seven subjects . </Li> <Li> Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme: The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, introduced as a more practical "hands - on" complement to the conventional Leaving Certificate, is similar to the established programme . The student takes at least five traditional subjects, one of which must be Irish . Two of the student's subjects must be part of one of a list of Vocational subject groupings . They must also study a modern European language and two Link Modules, Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education . The programme is designed to help the student find their potential for self - directed learning, innovation and enterprise . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Established Leaving Certificate: The Established Leaving Certificate, introduced in 1924, is the most common programme taken . A minimum of six subjects are examined, including compulsory Irish . Most students take seven subjects . </Li>

When will the leaving cert 2018 timetable be out