How to Choose Your Leaving Certificate Subjects
Your Leaving Certificate subject choices directly affect your CAO options, points potential, and career pathways. This guide covers the key factors, common questions, and subject-to-career mappings for Irish students.
Last updated: July 2026
Choose your Leaving Certificate subjects based on genuine interest, your Junior Cycle strengths, and the entry requirements of the CAO courses you are considering. Take as many subjects at Higher Level as you can realistically manage, keep your options broad if you are unsure, and check each course's specific subject requirements early.
- According to the State Examinations Commission, students sit a minimum of six subjects, and your six best results are counted for CAO points.
- According to the CAO, a 25-point bonus is awarded for Higher Level Maths at grade H6 or above.
- According to CAO figures, a Higher Level subject can be worth up to 100 points versus a maximum of 56 points at Ordinary Level.
Key Factors to Consider
- Interest and enjoyment — You will study these subjects for two years. Choose subjects you genuinely find engaging. Students who enjoy their subjects consistently perform better.
- Ability and past performance — Look at your Junior Cycle results. Strong performance in a subject at Junior Cycle is the best predictor of Leaving Cert performance.
- CAO course requirements — Many courses have specific subject requirements (e.g., a laboratory science for Science courses, a language for Arts). Check requirements early.
- CAO points strategy — Consider which subjects you can achieve the highest grades in. All Higher Level subjects carry equal maximum points (100), but some may be easier for you personally.
- Career aspirations — If you have a career direction in mind, ensure your subjects align. See the mapping table below.
- School availability — Some schools have limited subject offerings or timetable clashes. Check what's actually available.
Higher Level vs Ordinary Level
General advice: Take as many subjects at Higher Level as you can manage. Higher Level gives significantly more CAO points (max 100 vs 56 at Ordinary Level).
However: It is better to get an H3 at Higher Level (77 points) than to struggle and get an H7 (33 points). Be realistic about your ability in each subject.
Higher Level Maths bonus: Students who achieve H6 or above in Higher Level Mathematics receive 25 bonus CAO points. This makes Higher Level Maths particularly valuable for points.
Subject-to-Career Mapping
| If you're interested in... | Consider these LC subjects | CAO fields this opens |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine / Health Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths | Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy |
| Engineering / Technology | Maths, Physics, Applied Maths, DCG | Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture |
| Business / Finance | Business, Accounting, Economics, Maths | Business, Finance, Economics, Marketing |
| Law / Politics | English, History, Politics & Society | Law, Political Science, International Relations |
| Arts / Humanities | English, History, Art, Music, Languages | Arts, Journalism, Education, Social Science |
| Science / Research | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths | Science, Environmental Science, Biomedical |
| Design / Creative | Art, DCG, Construction Studies | Architecture, Design, Digital Media |
| Teaching / Education | Subject you want to teach + Irish | Primary Teaching, Secondary Teaching |
| Agriculture / Environment | Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry | Agricultural Science, Forestry, Environmental |
| Trades / Apprenticeships | Construction Studies, Engineering, DCG | Craft apprenticeships, Electrical, Plumbing |
Common Questions
How many subjects should I take?
You must take a minimum of six subjects (including Irish, English, and Maths). Most students take seven subjects. Your best six results count for CAO points.
Can I change subjects after starting 5th Year?
Some schools allow subject changes in the first few weeks of 5th Year. After that, it becomes very difficult. Choose carefully before starting.
Do I need Irish?
Irish is compulsory unless you have an exemption. For NUI universities (UCD, UCG, UCC, Maynooth), you need Irish and a third language for most courses. Some non-NUI institutions do not require Irish.
What if I don't know what career I want?
Choose a broad spread of subjects. Include at least one science, one business/practical subject, and subjects you enjoy. This keeps the most CAO options open.
Does it matter which language I choose?
For CAO points, all languages carry equal weight. Choose the language you enjoy most or have the strongest background in. French, German, and Spanish are most commonly available.
Using CourseCompass to Help
The Subject Interest Test identifies your top academic interests and recommends subject combinations aligned with your strengths and career goals. It takes 10–15 minutes and costs €14.99.
The Course Compass goes further by matching you with specific CAO courses based on your interests, personality, and aptitudes.