The Level 5 Certificate enables learners to develop a wide range of skills, which are vocationally specific and require a general theoretical understanding. With this award, learners are enabled to work independently while subject to general direction. The majority of certificate/module holders at Level 5 take up positions of employment. Those having received the award are also deemed to meet the minimum entry requirements for a range of higher education institutions/programmes. This qualification is awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). It is on the same NFQ level as the Leaving Cert programme.
By contrast, the Leaving Certificate Examination 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." This curriculum is also at Levels 5 and 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
