<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> 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>
who is the awarding body for the leaving cert
who is the awarding body for the leaving cert
State Examinations Commission
State Examinations Commission