Find your ideal path after secondary school.
CourseCompass is Ireland's AI-powered career guidance platform. Take a few short tests and get a personalised list of CAO courses, PLCs and apprenticeships matched to who you actually are — not just your points.
Why students choose CourseCompass
Built around you. Designed to help you decide with confidence.
Clarity
Get a personalised list of CAO courses, PLCs and apprenticeships matched to who you actually are — not just your predicted points.
Confidence
Backed by the same psychometric frameworks (RIASEC, VARK+M, Big Five) used by guidance counsellors — powered by AI and built for you.
Conversation
Every assessment produces a clear written report you can share with your parents and guidance counsellor to help you make the right call.
Real sample results
See exactly what you'll get.
Tap any preview to open the full sample report.
Top CAO course matches
AI-matched to interests, aptitudes & subjects
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin City University
Maynooth University
Maynooth University
Atlantic Technological University
TU of the Shannon
Top SOLAS apprenticeship matches
Software Developer Associate
FIT / Tech Industry · L6 · 2 yrs
Cybersecurity Practitioner
FIT · L6 · 2 yrs
ICT Network Engineer Associate
FIT · L6 · 2 yrs
Electrical
SOLAS · L6 · 4 yrs
Engineering Services Management
TU Dublin · L7 · 3 yrs
Top Post-Leaving Cert courses
Software Development (Pre-University)
Ballyfermot CFE · L5
Computer Science with AI
Pearse College Dublin · L5
Cybersecurity & Networking
Coláiste Dhúlaigh · L5
Games Design & Animation
Coláiste Dhúlaigh · L6
Cloud Computing
Bray Institute of Further Ed. · L6
Strongest Leaving Cert subjects
VARK+M cognitive profile
Plus personalised study strategies
How it works
Three steps from confusion to a confident CAO list.
Discover
Take short, age-appropriate assessments — your interests, learning style and personality.
Sample: Subject Interest resultMatch
Our AI cross-references your profile against 830+ CAO courses, PLCs and apprenticeships.
Sample: Course Compass bookletDecide
Get a clear, written report you can use yourself or share with your parents for CAO night.
Sample: Full results overviewHow our assessments work
Validated questions. AI-generated follow-ups. A clearer answer.
Every CourseCompass test follows the same five steps — peer-reviewed psychometrics (RIASEC, Big Five, VARK, aptitudes), Claude-powered follow-up questions to build confidence in the result, and a personalised report.
Choose an assessment
Buy one tool, or get the full Senior Cycle bundle.
Best value
5th & 6th Year Bundle
Course Compass, PLC Compass, Apprenticeship Compass, Learning Style Test & Career Investigations.
Loved by Irish students & their families
“Finally, a CAO list that makes sense.”
“The tests were excellent. The course I had been looking at came up as my top match. Honestly the clearest results I've seen — absolutely worth it.”
Aoibhinn O'Connor
Student · Cork
“I had no idea what to put on my CAO. Course Compass gave me three real options I was actually excited about. Total game-changer.”
Cian Walsh
5th Year · Dublin
“Genuinely the clearest report we've seen. My daughter and I went through every course together — it changed the conversation completely.”
Mairead Byrne
Parent · Galway
“I was so stressed about CAO night. One evening with this and I had a calm, agreed shortlist with my parents. Worth every cent.”
Ava Ryan
6th Year · Limerick
“The tests were excellent. The course I had been looking at came up as my top match. Honestly the clearest results I've seen — absolutely worth it.”
Aoibhinn O'Connor
Student · Cork
“I had no idea what to put on my CAO. Course Compass gave me three real options I was actually excited about. Total game-changer.”
Cian Walsh
5th Year · Dublin
“Genuinely the clearest report we've seen. My daughter and I went through every course together — it changed the conversation completely.”
Mairead Byrne
Parent · Galway
“I was so stressed about CAO night. One evening with this and I had a calm, agreed shortlist with my parents. Worth every cent.”
Ava Ryan
6th Year · Limerick
Frequently asked
Questions students ask us most.
The complete digital guidance platform for Irish secondary schools.
Replace printed workbooks with one platform: 12+ assessments, AI-powered insights, full admin analytics, and TY-ready career investigation modules. Free trial available for schools.
- Bulk student & teacher accounts
- Class-level analytics & longitudinal tracking
- GDPR, NCCA aligned, Book Grant Scheme eligible
What's included
- Course Compass for every student
- Subject Interest, Learning Style, Wellbeing
- Career Investigations (TY-ready)
- School admin dashboard & exportable reports
- Parent-friendly PDF booklets
CAO + Leaving Cert AI Chatbot
Your Personal CAO & Leaving Cert Guidance Chatbot
Get instant, accurate answers to everything CAO, Leaving Cert, subject choices, careers, and college requirements — available 24/7.
Our AI-powered guidance assistant gives students reliable, up-to-date information sourced directly from Irish education datasets and verified CAO documentation. Perfect for parents, students, and teachers who need fast, trustworthy guidance.
🎯 What the Chatbot Can Help With
💬 Sample Chatbot Conversation
Here's what a real conversation with the CourseCompass AI Chatbot looks like:
Student:
How many points do I need for Computer Science in UL?
Chatbot:
The CAO points for LM118 — Computer Science in UL were 401 points in 2023. You will need Higher Level Maths for most Computer Science pathways. If you'd like, I can also show you similar courses in UCD, MTU and TUS Limerick.
Student:
What subjects should I pick in 5th year if I want to study business?
Chatbot:
The most helpful subjects for business degrees are Accounting, Business, Economics, and Higher Level Maths. You don't need all of them — but taking at least one business subject is strongly recommended.
Student:
When does the CAO open this year?
Chatbot:
The CAO application system typically opens in early November. I can give you reminders, deadlines, fee information and a checklist if you'd like.
Student:
Explain the difference between a Level 7 and Level 8?
Chatbot:
Level 7 is an ordinary bachelor's degree, usually 3 years. Level 8 is an honours degree, usually 4 years. Both qualify you for postgraduate study, but Level 8 is generally preferred for competitive careers.
🔥 Why Schools Love the Chatbot
Reduces Guidance Counsellor Workload
Students can get accurate answers instantly, instead of queueing outside the guidance office.
Trusted, Verified Information
Every answer uses validated CAO and university data — never vague, outdated, or incorrect.
Perfect for Parents
Parents can also ask questions during open nights or at home.
Supports Exam Stress Reduction
Students feel supported: "What do I need?" "What course suits me?" "What's the deadline?" — all answered immediately.
Helps with Subject Choices
Particularly valuable for incoming 5th years choosing subjects.
Accessible 24/7
No more missed information. No more confusion. Always available.
Try the CAO & Leaving Cert Chatbot Today
Get instant answers to your questions about courses, points, subjects, and pathways
Start Chatting Now