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arrowFrequently asked questions

 
graphicWho are the teg examinations for?
graphicWhy is teg certification important?
graphicDo candidates have to sit the A1 exam in advance of sitting the A2 exam?
graphicWhere are the examinations held?
graphicWhen are the examination results available?
graphicHow many hours of study are required to undertake the different examinations?
graphicDo I have to pass each part of the examination in order to gain an overall pass?
graphicCan I do different parts of the examination at different times?
graphicIs the use of dictionaries allowed in the examinations?
graphicWill candidates lose marks if they misspell words in the aural exam?
graphicWhat can candidates do if they don’t understand the directions given at the beginning of the examination or during the oral examination?
graphicAre there any restrictions regarding the age of candidates?
graphicDo I have to attend an Irish language course in order to do any of the examinations?
graphicHow often are the examinations held?
graphicHow can I register for one of the examinations?
graphicWhat is the cost of the examinations?
graphicWhat are the payment methods?
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Who are the teg (Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge/European Certificate in Irish) examinations for?

Anyone can sit a teg examination. It is not necessary to attend a particular course, nor are there any age restrictions for candidates.

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Why is teg certification important?

teg is the first and only system of certification for adult learners of Irish. Similar systems have already been developed for the majority of other European languages. The different levels in teg are based on the Common European Framework for Languages: Learning, Teaching and Assessment (Council of Europe, 2001). This system helps learners to plan their study and to get recognition for the progress that they have made. A further advantage of the system is that it gives employers specific information about the language ability of candidates for the purpose of employment or promotion, the importance of which has increased with the implementation of the provisions of the Official Languages Act (2003). Ionad na dTeangacha in NUI Maynooth is a member of ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) which monitors the content and standard of the teg examinations.

The Department of Education and Skills has accepted Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge Level B2 as meeting the Irish language entry requirement for primary education programmes.

This is a great opportunity for people who would like to enter the teaching profession but who do not have the necessary Irish language qualifications (e.g. Leaving Certificate Higher Level Irish) for the colleges of education. Unlike the Leaving Certificate Higher Level Irish syllabus and examination, the TEG B2 syllabus and exam are designed with the adult learner in mind which greatly enhances the learning experience.


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Do candidates have to sit the A1 exam in advance of sitting the A2 exam?

No. Each exam is independent and it is up to the candidate to choose whatever examination is most suitable for him/her.

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Where are the examinations held?

The examinations are held once a year, in April or May (A1, A2, B1, B2) and January (C1). Details of venues are here.

Usually, the written exam is held in the morning. See the information on the application form to check times for the oral exams. Examinations are held in various locations in Ireland and abroad, depending on demand.

Please note that an examination will be cancelled at any venue if there are fewer than 15 applicants. You will be informed of available venues 14 days before the examination date. We advise against making travel and accommodation arrangements prior to receiving this notification from the Language Centre.


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When are the examination results available?

Results will be posted to candidates 6-8 weeks after they sit the exam. Certificates will be sent to successful candidates shortly after that.

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How many hours of study are required to enable one to undertake the different examinations?

The table below provides a rough guide based on the Common European Framework for Languages: Learning, Teaching and Assessment (Council of Europe, 2001). Of course, a lot depends on the individual learners and on the support available to them.
Framework Study/learning hours Irish language syllabus
A1 80-100 Syllabus A1
A2 160-200 Syllabus A2
B1 350-400 Syllabus B1
B2 500-600 Syllabus B2
C1 1000 Syllabus C1
C2 1500 Syllabus C2


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Do I have to pass each part of the examination in order to gain an overall pass?


No. Although candidates are given the marks they attained in each section, the marks from each section are added together to give the overall result. Therefore, depending on the marks, a candidate could fail a section or two but pass the overall exanination. If candidates are successful in the examination, certificates will be awarded to them according to the following grades:

A1 A2
50-64% Pass 50-64% Pass
65-79% Pass with Merit 65-79% Pass with Merit
80-100% Pass with Distinction 80-100% Pass with Distinction


B1 B2
50-64% Pass 50-64% Pass
65-79% Pass with Merit 65-79% Pass with Merit
80-100% Pass with Distinction 80-100% Pass with Distinction


C1
60 % Pass *
80-100% Pass with Distinction
*Candidates must obtain a minimum 10% (out of 20%) in every section of the exam to earn an overall pass in the exam. See the Advanced 1 examination for further information.

At all levels, the percentage of marks awarded to the candidate in each section will be indicated on the certificate.

In the case of B2, each section of the exam (speaking, listening comprehension, reading comprehension and writing) is worth 25% of the marks.

In the case of C1, each section of the exam (speaking, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing and Use of Irish) is worth 20% of the marks. At this level, the percentage of marks awarded to the candidate in each section will be indicated on the certificate.

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Can I do different parts of the examination at different times?

Not in the case of A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1. Candidates who undertake any of these examinations must do all parts of the examination.

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Is the use of dictionaries allowed in the examinations?

The use of dictionaries is not permitted in any of the examinations. Certain questions in the examination test the candidates understanding of particular words and phrases and their usage.

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Will candidates lose marks if they misspell words in the aural exam?

At beginners' levels (A1 agus A2) it is accepted that candidates will not always be totally correct in their spelling. Mistakes in spelling are accepted, therefore, if it is clear what word is intended, for example, 'diardain' instead of 'Déardaoin'. If a particular word is spelt out loud on the recording, candidates will be expected to spell correctly the word in question.

At the other levels, candidates will not lose marks for spelling mistakes provided that what they write is clear and intelligible to the examiners.

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What can candidates do if they don’t understand the directions given at the beginning of the examination or during the oral examination?

Candidates can ask the examiner to repeat the directions and they will not lose marks as a result of doing this. That said, in the interests of fairness, the examiner cannot give any additional information apart from repeating the directions.

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Are there any restrictions regarding the age of candidates?

There is no age restriction for candidates who wish to undertake any of the teg examinations. However, the texts and tasks are for the most part directed at adult learners.

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Do I have to attend an Irish language course in order to do any of the examinations?

No. Even though many of the organisations teaching Irish in Ireland and abroad use the syllabi and teaching materials on which teg is based, there is no requirement to attend any particular course or to use any particular learning materials in order to sit the examinations. However, it is certainly helpful to attend a course that addresses the requirements of the examinations.

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How often are the examinations held?

The examinations are held once a year.

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How can I register for one of the examinations?

It is possible to register and pay online. Details here.

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What is the cost of the examinations?

Information here.

A complete refund will be made to an applicant who withdraws more than 10 days prior to an examination. No refund will be made for later withdrawals except where a medical certificate or other documentation acceptable to the Language Centre is presented. Notification of an intention to withdraw should be sent by email to us.

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What are the payment methods?


  • It is possible to register and pay online. We also accept cheques, postal orders and bank drafts. Details here.

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    If I have any further questions?

    If you have any further questions please contact Ionad na dTeangacha:

    graphicAt info@teg.ie
    graphicOn 00-353-1-7083737
    graphicAt Ionad na dTeangacha, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Má Nuad, Co. Chill Dara. (Éire).

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