Summary
Leaving Certificate subject choice affects both CAO points potential and course eligibility. Students should balance subjects they're strong in (for points) with required subjects for target courses. Most students take 7 subjects, with CAO points calculated from the best 6.
Key Principles for Subject Choice
Your CAO points come from your best 6 results. A H3 in a subject you enjoy is worth more points than a H6 in a "hard" subject. Focus on subjects where you can achieve your best grades.
Many courses have specific subject requirements (e.g., Higher Level Maths for Engineering, a laboratory science for Medicine). Check requirements for courses you're interested in before finalising your subjects.
If you're unsure about your career direction, choose a broad mix of subjects. Including a science, a language, and a business subject keeps many pathways available.
A H6 or above in Higher Level Mathematics earns 25 bonus points. If you're capable of achieving this, Higher Level Maths can significantly boost your total.
Compulsory and Optional Subjects
- RequiredIrish (exemptions available)
- RequiredEnglish
- UsuallyMathematics
Most schools require these three subjects. Irish exemptions apply to students who meet specific criteria.
Sciences
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science
Languages
French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, etc.
Business
Business, Accounting, Economics
Applied/Practical
DCG, Engineering, Construction Studies, Home Economics
Humanities
History, Geography, Politics & Society
Common Course Subject Requirements
| Course Area | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|
| Medicine/Dentistry | Chemistry + one of Biology/Physics/Maths (Higher Level) |
| Engineering | Higher Level Mathematics (H4/H5 minimum) |
| Science Degrees | Usually 2 science subjects (varies by course) |
| Nursing | Biology or Chemistry (O6/H7 minimum) |
| Primary Teaching | Irish, English, Maths (H4 in Irish and English) |
| Architecture | Often Maths + portfolio/aptitude test |
| Arts/Humanities | Usually no specific subjects (general entry) |
| Business | Usually no specific subjects required |
Requirements vary by institution. Always verify on the CAO course page or college website.
Higher Level vs Ordinary Level
Points Comparison
| Grade | Higher | Ordinary |
|---|---|---|
| H1/O1 | 100 | 56 |
| H2/O2 | 88 | 46 |
| H3/O3 | 77 | 37 |
| H4/O4 | 66 | 28 |
| H5/O5 | 56 | 20 |
| H6/O6 | 46 | 12 |
| H7/O7 | 37 | 0 |
| H8/O8 | 0 | 0 |
Key Considerations
- A H5 (56 points) equals an O1 (56 points) - choose based on where you can achieve best
- Some courses require Higher Level in specific subjects
- Foundation Level is not typically counted for CAO points
- You can change levels during 5th or 6th year if needed
Practical Advice
🎯 If You Know Your Career Path
Research specific course requirements on CAO and college websites. Build your subject choice around these requirements, then add subjects you're strong in for points.
🤔 If You're Undecided
Choose a balanced combination: keep one science (for STEM options), consider a European language, and pick subjects you enjoy and can score well in. Ourcourse recommendations testcan help identify courses that match your interests.
📊 Points Strategy
Take 7 subjects to give yourself a safety net (your 7th can cover a weak result in another subject). Focus effort on subjects where improvement will gain the most points.