We are not accepting any further applications for 2022-23.
Please note that there may be a limited number of spaces available. Schools are advised to get in touch with teanga@mu.ie as soon as possible in September 2023 to register as soon as possible.
Exam schedule 2023:
| B1 |
March 2023 |
| B2 |
April 2023 |
|
A2 & A1
|
April-May 2023 |
The TEG exam system is suitable for:
- Transition year students
- 5th/ 6th year students preparing for the Leaving Certificate Irish exam
There are two options available for secondary school students wishing to take a TEG exam.*
They can choose to:
- take the entire exam - reading, listening, writing and speaking - for full certification or
- take the oral exam only for partial certification.
*Schools cannot register students for a mix of full certification and partial certification exams. Students must register for either the oral exam only or the full exam.
Syllabuses, sample exam papers and comprehensive teaching materials are available for each level. Secondary schools generally choose one or more of the following levels, depending on the proficiency of the exam group:
- Bonnleibhéal 1 (A1)
- Bonnleibhéal 2 (A2)
- Meánleibhéal 1 (B1)
- Meánleibhéal 2 (B2)
Syllabuses and teaching materials provide both teachers and learners with clear learning objectives. As well as the teaching materials available on this website at Links and Resources, there are additional teaching materials designed specifically for secondary schools available at www.ceacht.ie.
Secondary school groups take the TEG exams between March and May every year, depending on the level they are doing (see schedule above). The exams take place in TEG centres around the country or, alternatively, in the candidates’ own school, subject to a minimum number of students registered.
The following are some of the benefits of the TEG system for secondary school students:
- TEG is an Irish language qualification which is recognised nationally and internationally
- Students gain experience of sitting a formal oral exam, which is invaluable to them in their preparation for the Leaving Certificate Irish exam.
- They develop important communication skills, which in turn will benefit their language learning skills.
- Students are given a definite goal when they are preparing for a TEG exam.
The TEG system also has benefits for secondary school teachers:
- TEG helps teachers to set definite learning goals for Irish language students in Transition Year
- By taking the exam, teachers are given a formal, reliable insight into the proficiency of their students in the various language skills. This type of information helps them to prepare students for the Leaving Certificate exam.
- All candidates must take an oral exam, familiarising students with the oral exam process in a formal setting with trained, independent TEG examiners
- The TEG office can provide general feedback for teachers after the exam regarding students' strengths and weaknesses and general advice is given regarding language learning and teaching strategies.
'We have been doing TEG with Transition Year students in Coláiste Íosagáin for over ten years now. We began doing the exams in order to provide the students with a definite goal at the end of the year and also because there is a separate oral exam as part of the assessment. Because 40% of the marks in the Leaving Cert exam are devoted to the oral exam now, it’s a wonderful opportunity for the students to focus on this aspect of the language. As well as this, the other language skills are developed: reading comprehension, writing and listening comprehension.
TEG is an internationally recognized certificate and this adds to the status of the certificate for the students and for their parents. It helps teachers to develop a formal structure for the year’s work and to inspire students to be active and participant in their own learning. We strongly recommend TEG as an innovative, challenging and beneficial approach.'
Joanne Ní Choileáin, Irish teacher in Coláiste Íosagain, Dublin
Fees for Secondary school groups:
A1 - B2 (Full Exam): €100 per person
A1 - B2 (Oral Exam only): €80 per person
The above discounted rates are only available to school groups and individual students cannot avail of these rates.
Exam fees must be paid in full by the school at the time of registration.
If students withdraw from the exam after registration has been completed, or do not present for the exam, exam fees will not be refunded.
Please read the following FAQs thoroughly before you register your group:
1. Can any school apply for TEG examinations?
Yes. If your school is interested in taking these examinations, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.
2. Can secondary school students do any of the TEG examinations and how do we choose the appropriate level?
Yes. We recommend that teachers read the TEG syllabuses and sample papers to familiarise themselves with the skillset at each level. We have recently developed a placement test which gives learners and teachers a general idea of the learner's current proficiency. A sample paper could also be used as an in-class exam to determine their current level. However, teachers are advised to contact the Centre for Irish Language for guidance with regard to choosing the appropriate level for students. You can call (01) 708 3737 or send an email to teanga@mu.ie.
3. What are the levels available in the TEG system?
All information regarding the different levels is available here.
4. Can students with a disability/learning difficulty sit a TEG exam?
Yes. The Centre for Irish Language is committed to providing a range of supports to ensure that candidates with disabilities or specific learning difficulties have full access to the TEG exams, and we make relevant supports and accommodations available when required. Students should specify their needs on the TEG application form and schools should be asked to provide verification. The TEG office must be informed of additional needs in advance of the exam.
5. Where do exams take place?
Oral exam only: Depending on the number of students in your group and the availability of TEG examiners in your area, every effort will be made to hold the oral exams in your school during and after school hours.
Full exam: If there are more than 20 applicants in a school doing TEG, every effort will be made to hold the examination in the school. Please note that the written exam takes place on a Saturday. Exam dates for TEG exams are available here. After registration, the TEG office will liaise with school staff regarding practical arrangements.
6. How will results be provided?
Full exam: The overall mark attained by the student will be provided together with a breakdown of the marks attained in the various sections.
Oral exam: Students will be provided with the mark they received in that exam.
7. Where can I get an application form?
The online application form will be available in September 2022.
8. What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications from secondary schools who wish to register for the 2023 TEG exams will be in November 2022, date to be confirmed.
9. Who should complete the online application form?
All information on the application process will be available here soon.
10. Must students bring an ID card with them to the examination?
Yes. Each student must have photographic identification. A valid passport, driving license or international ID card will be accepted. No other form of ID will be accepted.
11. Can individual secondary school students apply for TEG exams?
Yes, but they can only register by using the general online application form when available here. Discounted rates are only available for school groups. Individual students must take the exam in the TEG exam centre closest to them. They are advised to contact the TEG office to discuss these arrangements.
12. Can students in any given group do either the entire exam or the oral exam only?
No, schools must register for either full certification or partial certification. They cannot do a combination of both.
13. Where can I get more information?
Contact us at teanga@mu.ie or on (01) 708 3737.
An information session for schools will be organised early in the school year.