Second-Chance Maths Exams

If your Leaving Certificate Maths result prevents you from meeting the entry requirements for a course, you may still have another option.

Several colleges offer their own Maths Entry Examination, Maths Competency Test or preparatory pathway. Passing can satisfy the Maths requirement for selected courses at that institution.

Important conditions

Normally, you must:

• Have applied through CAO for the relevant course.

• Achieve the required CAO points.

• Meet all other entry and subject requirements.

• Register separately for the college’s Maths examination.

Passing does not add CAO points or guarantee a place. These examinations are specific to particular colleges and courses.

Participating colleges

• Atlantic Technological University – Enabling Maths

• Dundalk Institute of Technology – Maths Entry Examination

• Munster Technological University – Second-Chance Maths : Applications Closed.

• South East Technological University – Second-Chance Maths

• Technological University Dublin – Maths Competency Test

• Technological University of the Shannon – Maths Entrance Examination

• University of Galway – Engineering Maths Qualifying Examination

• University of Limerick – Special Entrance Mathematics Examination

Can the result be used the following year?

This varies. MTU permits results to be carried forward for up to two academic years, and SETU accepts previous examination results. UL restricts its result to the current CAO cycle. Check directly with the relevant admissions office before relying on a result for a future application.

Examination dates, deadlines and eligible courses vary. Students should follow the official college links and act quickly after receiving their results.

Information checked on 24th August 2026. College arrangements may change.