National Certificate - Definition and Overview

The National Certificate (NCert) (Irish: Teastais Náisiúnta) is a two-year broadly based higher education qualification in a technology discipline offered by an Institute of Technology or a HETAC designated institution in Ireland.

The National Certificate will generally exempt a student from the first year of a four-year university Bachelor's degree or the first two years of an ab initio National Diploma in Ireland. The National Certificate will be replaced by the Higher Certificate; this was decided by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.

The courses are often in business, engineering and science, with most entrants being school leavers and presenting a Leaving Certificate or similar. Many students continue education and transfer to a National Diploma course or a Bachelor's degree.

Common National Certificates

See also

• Education in Ireland