Leaving Certificate 2026 – Important Information
📘 Overview
This page provides important information for Leaving Certificate students and parents/guardians, including examination dates, oral examination dates, coursework deadlines, practical examinations and useful links.
Students should check this page regularly and speak with their teachers if they are unsure about any deadline or arrangement.
⏳ Exam Tracker
🔴 Key Dates for Leaving Certificate 2026
- Written Examinations: Wednesday 3 June – Tuesday 23 June 2026
- Oral Examinations: Saturday 28 March – Thursday 2 April 2026
- Music Practical Examinations: Monday 13 April – Friday 24 April 2026
- Coursework and Practical Deadlines: Subject dependent, mainly from January to May 2026
⏳ Leaving Certificate 2026 Countdown & Exam Tracker
Use this tracker to help see what is coming next.
🗣️ Oral Exams
28 March – 2 April 2026
Irish and Modern Foreign Language oral examinations.
🎵 Music Practicals
13 April – 24 April 2026
Music practical examinations.
🛠️ Practical & Coursework Period
March – May 2026
Projects, portfolios, practical exams and coursework deadlines.
✍️ Written Exams
3 June – 23 June 2026
Main Leaving Certificate written examinations.
🕒 Leaving Certificate 2026 Timeline
The timeline below gives students and parents/guardians a clear overview of the main exam-related periods.
January 2026
Design and Communication Graphics coursework deadline.
February 2026
CAO Important Dates. Students should check course requirements carefully.
March 2026
LCVP portfolio, Engineering project and other subject-specific deadlines.
28 March – 2 April 2026
Leaving Certificate oral examinations take place during the first week of the Easter holidays.
13 April – 24 April 2026
Music practical examinations.
April 2026
Coursework deadlines and practical examinations, including Art and Construction Studies.
May 2026
Practical examinations, including Engineering practical examinations.
3 June – 23 June 2026
Leaving Certificate written examinations.
🎓 Coursework, Projects and Practicals
Many Leaving Certificate subjects include coursework, projects, practical examinations or oral examinations. These components form part of the final grade and must be completed by the required deadline.
Examples of Coursework / Project Components
- Construction Studies project
- Engineering project and portfolio
- Design and Communication Graphics coursework
- Geography investigation
- History research study report
- LCVP portfolio
Examples of Practical / Oral Components
- Irish oral examination
- Modern foreign language oral examinations
- Music practical examination
- Art practical examination
- Construction Studies practical examination
- Engineering practical examination
📄 Official Links and Documents
Students and parents/guardians should always refer to official State Examinations Commission and Department of Education information.
👩🎓 Student-Friendly Guide
This section is written directly for students.
- Know your deadlines and exam dates.
- Start coursework and projects early.
- Back up digital work regularly.
- Do not leave printing, saving or submission until the last day.
- Ask your teacher early if you are unsure about any requirement.
- Check oral, practical and written exam dates carefully.
- Use a calendar, journal or reminder system to track key dates.
👨👩👧 Parent/Guardian-Friendly Guide
This section is designed to help parents/guardians support Leaving Certificate students.
- Talk to your son/daughter about upcoming deadlines.
- Encourage good attendance, especially before project, practical and oral examination dates.
- Help students plan study time and coursework time.
- Check CAO and college application deadlines carefully.
- Contact the school early if you have concerns about deadlines, attendance or exam arrangements.
💡 In Simple Terms
- The Leaving Certificate written exams take place in June.
- Oral exams and many practicals happen before June.
- Coursework deadlines are very important and must not be missed.
- Good planning and attendance are essential.