What is teg (Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge/The European Certificate in Irish)?

The Language Centre in NUI Maynooth has developed a system of certification for adult learners of Irish. Syllabi and examinations are currently available at four levels of ability:

Absolute beginners (A1)
Beginners 2 (A2)
Lower Intermediate (B1)
Upper Intermediate (B2)
Advanced 1 (C1)

The syllabus for a further level, Advanced 2 (C2), is in the process of development.

Copies of sample examinations and of the syllabi are available on this website.

NEW! There are now teaching materials available HERE.

General guidelines for teachers with adult students who wish to apply for one of the teg examinations:

1. Assist candidates to become familiar with the different sections of the examination and the types of questions and tasks found in each section. Similar questions and tasks can be practiced in class and given as homework.
   
   
2. Advise candidates to adhere to the directions that accompany each question. For example, in the case of written tasks, candidates should stick to the stipulated number of words. When asked to tick one box or to put one word in a gap, the candidates should adhere to those directions as failure to do so may result in the candidate losing marks.
   
   
3. It is of the utmost importance that candidates are familiar with the form of the oral examination. Candidates often become nervous while undergoing the examination and it is, therefore, of great benefit to them if they are fully aware of what is involved. The types of activities that form part of the oral examination (for example, general questions based on the syllabus, role-play activities and describing pictures) ought to form a central part of the classroom approach so that the candidates are comfortable on the day of the examination itself.

Frequently asked questions for secondary teachers

1. Can all schools apply for TEG exams?
   The Language Centre accepts applications from schools whose Transition Year pupils would like to attempt TEG examinations. If your school is interested please apply as soon as possible.
2. What are the benefits of TEG exams for Transition year pupils?
   TEG is an internationally recognised qualification and an extra qualification in Irish for Transition year pupils when they leave school. Candidates will gain invaluable experience at sitting written and aural exams which will stand to them when they undertake the Leaving Certificate. Also, pupils will develop important communication skills which will benefit their learning skills in the future.
3. Can Transition year pupils sit any of the TEG examinations?
   Yes but teachers are advised to contact the Language Centre with a view to selecting the appropriate level for their pupils. (Tel. 01 7086417 from 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays or send a mail to teanga@nuim.ie.
4. What levels are there in the TEG examination system?
   Comprehensive information can be found here.
5. How do I select the best level for my pupils?
   Teachers are strongly advised to contact the Language Centre for advice on selecting the appropriate level for their pupils. Prior to doing this, however, they should study the syllabi and sample papers that are available for all levels on this site. A sample paper could be administered in your school to give an indication of the most suitable level for your pupils.
6. Where are the written examinations held?
   Written examinations will be held in these centres:
   • Maynooth
   • Gaoth Dobhair
   • Letterkenny
   • Castlebar
   • An Spidéal
   • Limerick
   • Killarney
   • Cork
   • Kilkenny
   • Belfast
7. Where are the oral examinations held?
   Oral exams are usually held in the same centre as the written exams and after those exams, in the morning and in the afternoon. Depending on the number of candidates and the availability of TEG examiners in your area, the Language Centre will attempt to conduct oral exams in your school during and after school hours. But this is contingent on numbers and oral examiners being available.
8. What are the fees?
   Fees for Transition year pupils are:
   A1 - B2:    €80 per person
9. How are the results made known?
   Each candidate's overall mark is released as well as the mark obtained in each section of the examination.
10. Where do I get an application form?
    A special application form for secondary school pupils can be found here.
11. What is the application deadline?
    The final day for receipt of applications is: Friday 24 February 2012.
12. Who should complete the application forms?
    The teacher should send the pupils' application forms along with the examination fee for each pupil in one submission (check or postal order payable to Ionad na dTeangacha, Ollscoil na hÉireann Má Nuad) to the Language Centre.
13. Can individual pupils apply to sit a TEG exam or must the school submit all applicaions on their behalf?
    Individual pupils can apply but it must be made clear on the application form that a Transition year pupil is applying.
14. Where can I get further information?
    
    • Full information is available on this site (www.teg.ie).
    • You can send a mail to teanga@nuim.ie.
    • You can call 01 7086417 between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

General recommendations for teachers:

1. All necessary information about TEG exams is on this site, including syllabi, sample papers and teaching materials.
2. It is important to inform candidates about the type of questions that feature in TEG exams and to give pupils practice at attempting them.
3. It is very important that teachers read the Reports that accompany examinations A1-B2.
4. Regarding the application form: the teacher should help pupils to complete the forms and then send them all to the Language Centre in one submission along with the fee for each student.
5. Where there is more than one class from a school applying to sit a TEG exam (or exams), it is recommended that one teacher be responsible for processing all applications and contacting the Language Centre.