TEG & the Civil Service

Useful Information for Applicants 

TEG is collaborating with OneLearning and Gaelchultúr/Coláiste na hÉireann to provide Irish language tests and qualifications to employees in the Civil Service.  

Exams will be run twice a year from level A1 to C1. A schedule is available below.  

Information regarding syllabuses, exam papers and a chief examiner’s report are available at each level at the following links: 

• Bonnleibhéal 1 (A1)  
• Bonnleibhéal 2 (A2)  
• Meánleibhéal 1 (B1)  
• Meánleibhéal 2 (B2)  
• Ardleibhéal 1 (C1)  

Exam Schedule 

Contact 

If you have questions about classes with Gaelchultúr, get in touch with Gaelchultúr at cgg@gaelchultur.com 

If you have questions about TEG exams, contact the TEG office at teanga@mu.ie 

TEG Portal

You can get access to the TEG Portal here.

FAQs 

1. How can I register? 

There will be an application form specifically for applications from the Civil Service. If you work in the Civil Service and are registered for a course with OneLearning/Gaelchultúr, the TEG office will be in touch in week 4/5 of the course with information on how to register.  

2. Will I be able to postpone or cancel the exam after I register? 

Your exam fee will not be refunded after the third week of term. If an applicant is unable to attend the exam under exceptional circumstances (for example, illness), the applicant may be allowed to postpone the exam until the next round of exams. Cases will be assessed as they arise. Applicants will be required to provide a doctor’s note in such cases.  

3. Where and when will the exams be on? 

All information regarding exam dates and centres can be found in the above schedule. The TEG office will be in touch two weeks before the exam with your exam time. 

4. I registered for a TEG exam but I haven’t heard from the TEG office. What should I do? 

Immediately after registration, you should receive an automated response by email. That email will include your transaction ID and a receipt for the exam fee that you paid.  If you did not receive this, please email teanga@mu.ie. If you have received this, you will receive your exam details by email 10-14 days before the exam.  

5. I have a disability. Can I take a TEG exam? 

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. Verification of a candidate’s disability or learning difficulty must be provided to the Centre for Irish Language on registration for a TEG exam. If you are taking a TEG exam to satisfy the entry requirements for a particular academic programme, you are advised to contact the course provider to confirm their entry requirements. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that s/he meets the criteria regarding exemptions as specified by the relevant institute. If you wish to discuss your requirements with us, please call (01) 708 3737 or email teanga@mu.ie. 

6. When will I get my results? 

If you are registered for an exam in December 2022, your results will be sent to you by the end of January 2023. If you are registered for a summer exam, your result will be sent to you by the end of July. 

7. I’m unhappy with my exam grade or I have query in relation to my exam grade or performance. What are my options? 

Candidates who are dissatisfied with their grade from a TEG exam, or who have queries in relation to their grade, can avail of the an appeal if their request meets the following grounds for appeal:

• Evidence of substantive irregularity in the conduct of the examination;

• Evidence of substantive bias by one or more of the examiners in arriving at a decision;

• Clear and comprehensive evidence that the grade received is inaccurate.

The cost of an appeal for the oral exam is €80 and €150 for the full exam. In the event that an appeal results in an increase in a candidate’s grade, the candidate should contact TEG in order to arrange for a refund of this fee.

To download an application for for appeal, click here.

To make a payment for an Appeal, click here.

Candidates must ensure they apply for appeal before the deadline – 10 working days after results have been released. Usually results of appeals are released 3 weeks after the candidate applied for the appeal.

8. What is the pass mark? 

The pass mark from Bonnleibhéal 1 (A1) to Meánleibhéal 2 (B2) is 50% .  60% is the pass mark for Ardleibhéal 1 (C1). 

The following grades will be awarded from Bonnleibhéal 1 (A1) to Meánleibhéal 2 (B2):  

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

Marks obtained in each section of the exam (Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing) will be included on the candidate’s certificate. 

Ardleibhéal 1 (C1) 

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