The following are listed according to level of difficulty:

Background information: The Irish Basic - National Vocational Certificate was developed by the Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann (ITÉ), the Linguistics Institute of Ireland in cooperation with the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA). This language test is set at beginners level and corresponds with the Council of Europe's Breakthrough level specification. The test comprises a written and an oral section.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at examination centres in Ireland. The pass grades are either 'pass' (50-64%); 'merit' (65-79%) or 'distinction' (80-100%). The test can be taken throughout the year.

Background information: The RTG was established by the Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann (ITÉ), the Linguistics Institute of Ireland. It is based on the Council of Europe's Waystage Level specification. Candidates should be capable of communicating in a limited number of standard everyday situations. The test comprises four sections i.e. reading; writing; listening and speaking.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The examination can be taken in May at centres in both Ireland and abroad. The passing grades are either 'pass', 'merit' or 'distinction'.

Background information: The BTG was established by the Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann (ITÉ), the Linguistics Institute of Ireland and is based on the Council of Europe's Threshold Level specification. Candidates should be capable of communicating in social and work situations. The exam tests reading, writing and listening skills.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The examination can be taken in May at centres in both Ireland and abroad. The passing grades are either 'pass', 'merit' or 'distinction'.

Background information: The Irish Level 1 - National Vocational Certificate was developed by the Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann (ITÉ), the Linguistics Institute of Ireland, in cooperation with the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA). It was designed for candidates who have a basic knowledge of the Irish language; the level of difficulty is equivalent to the Council of Europe's Waystage level specification. The preferred entry level for candidates corresponds to the NCVA Irish Basic or equivalent; Candidates should be capable of communicating effectively in social / business environments. The test comprises a written and oral section.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at examination centres in Ireland. The pass grades are either 'pass' (50-64%); 'merit' (65-79%) or 'distinction' (80-100%). The test can be taken throughout the year.

Background information: The Irish Level 2 - National Vocational Certificate was developed by the Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann (ITÉ), the Linguistics Institute of Ireland, in cooperation with the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA). This Irish language proficiency test was designed for candidates who have a good knowledge of the Irish language; the level of difficulty is equivalent to the Council of Europe's Threshold level specification. The preferred entry level for candidates corresponds to the NCVA Irish Level 1 or equivalent; Candidates should be capable of communicating effectively in more complex social and vocational contexts. The test consists of written and oral sections.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at examination centres in Ireland. The pass grades are either 'pass' (50-64%); 'merit' (65-79%) or 'distinction' (80-100%). The test can be taken throughout the year.

ITÉ - Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann
Dr. Eoghan Mac Aogáin
31 Fitzwilliam Place
Dublin 2
Ireland
Tel.: +353-1-6765489
Fax: +353-1-6610004
E-mail: ite@ite.ie