<P> The Leaving Certificate Examination (Irish: Scrúdú na hArdteistiméireachta), which is commonly referred to as the Leaving Cert (Irish: Ardteist) is the university matriculation examination in the Republic of Ireland and the final exam of 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>

Who is the awarding body for the leaving cert