Subject Choice Decider Tool
With Course Requirements & AEN Support
Find Your Perfect
Subject Combination
See which courses you’ll be eligible for, get personalised subject recommendations, and explore what each subject really involves.
Leaving Certificate Programme
Choose your LC programme
Leaving Certificate (Established)
7 subjects including English, Irish (unless exempt), and Maths. Direct CAO entry. This tool will help you choose your subjects.
Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)
Vocational 2-year programme. Credit-based assessment. PLC/apprenticeship pathway. Different structure to traditional LC.
This tool is designed for students taking the Leaving Certificate (Established). If you’re interested in LCA, speak with your guidance counsellor about whether it’s the right fit for you.
Subject Exemptions
Do you have any exemptions?
Irish Exemption
Exempt from studying Irish
Third Language Exemption
Exempt from continental languages
Mandatory Subjects: English, Irish, and Maths are compulsory for the Leaving Cert (Irish exemption available if eligible).
Exemptions: Irish exemption available if educated outside Ireland, have a specific learning difficulty, or sensory impairment. Language exemption may apply with certain learning difficulties. Apply through your school’s AEN Coordinator.
Apply for NUI Exemption — Required for UCD, UCC, NUIG, Maynooth
Additional Educational Needs
Select any that apply for personalised recommendations
RACE Accommodations: Apply through your AEN Coordinator early in 5th Year for extra time, reader, scribe, etc.
Junior Cycle Performance
Your JC results are the best guide to LC subject choices
Why this matters: Research shows your Junior Cycle results are a much better predictor of Leaving Cert success than any aptitude test. If you did well in a subject at JC, you’re likely to do well at LC too!
Do you have your Junior Cycle results yet?
CAT4 Results Optional
If your school uses CAT4, enter your SAS scores below
What is CAT4?
The Cognitive Abilities Test measures how you think and learn — not what you know. It helps identify your natural strengths so you can choose subjects that suit how your brain works best. There are no “good” or “bad” scores — just different profiles.
Keep in mind: This was a once-off test on a single day. Maybe you were tired, nervous, or just having an off morning — that’s completely normal. Your Junior Cycle results and how you’re doing in class right now are actually a much better guide to what subjects will suit you. Think of CAT4 as just one small piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.
What it measures: How well you understand and work with words. High scorers often enjoy reading, writing, languages, and subjects where you need to explain ideas clearly.
What it measures: How well you work with numbers and solve mathematical problems. High scorers often enjoy Maths, Science, Accounting, and subjects with calculations or data.
What it measures: How well you spot patterns and solve problems without using words or numbers. High scorers often enjoy problem-solving, Science, Computer Science, and logical thinking tasks.
What it measures: How well you visualise objects in 3D and understand how shapes fit together. High scorers often enjoy Art, DCG, Engineering, Construction, and design-based subjects.
Understanding Your Scores (SAS = Standard Age Score)
Don’t have your CAT4 scores? No problem — just skip this section. Your Junior Cycle results and how you’re getting on in class are actually better predictors of LC success than any aptitude test.
DAT Results Optional
If your school uses DAT (Differential Aptitude Test) instead of CAT4
What is DAT?
The Differential Aptitude Test measures your potential to develop specific skills with training. It can help you understand why some subjects feel easier than others and might highlight career paths you haven’t considered.
Keep in mind: This was a once-off test on a single day. Maybe you were tired, nervous, or just having an off morning — that’s completely normal. Your Junior Cycle results and how you’re doing in class right now are actually a much better guide to what subjects will suit you. Think of DAT as just one small piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.
What it measures: Your ability to reason with words and understand concepts expressed in words. Important for academic courses, written or oral communication, and jobs involving authority and responsibility. High scorers often do well in Languages, History, Geography, Business, and Economics.
What it measures: Your ability to perform mathematical reasoning tasks. Generally important in school work, especially for fields like Maths, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering. High scorers often do well in Accounting, Applied Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Engineering.
What it measures: A non-verbal, non-numerical measure of reasoning power. Tests your ability to see relationships among objects, patterns, diagrams, and designs — useful in careers requiring you to understand size, shape, position, and quantity. High scorers often do well in Applied Maths, Art, Chemistry, Engineering, DCG, and Construction.
What it measures: Your ability to understand basic mechanical principles of machinery, tools, motion, and the laws of everyday physics. Students who do well tend to find it easy to learn how to repair and operate complex devices. High scorers often do well in Engineering, Construction, Physics, and DCG.
What it measures: Your ability to visualise and think in three dimensions — to picture mentally the size, shape, and position of objects when shown only 2D pictures or patterns. Vital for understanding technical drawings. High scorers often do well in Art, Engineering, Home Economics, Construction, Geography, and DCG.
What it measures: How well you can distinguish between correct and improper grammar, punctuation, and wording of sentences. This is an excellent predictor of high grades in most school and college courses. High scorers often do well in Languages, History, Geography, Business, and Economics.
Understanding Your Percentile Scores (based on Stanine ratings)
A percentile of 90% means your score is better than 90% of students the norms are based on (not your classmates). Remember: you can have a strong aptitude for something but no interest in it, or a real passion for something where you scored lower — both are completely valid! Your effort, curiosity, and grades in class matter way more than any single test.
What careers interest you?
Select all that apply, or choose “Not Sure” if you’re still exploring
Holland Interest Profiler RIASEC
Based on Dr. John Holland’s occupational theory, which groups careers into six personality-environment types. Answer 6 quick questions to discover your interest profile.
1. Which appeals to you more?
2. Which sounds more like you?
3. Which role fits you better?
4. You prefer tasks that are…
5. What energises you more?
6. In a group project, you’d rather…
Work Values Finder Super’s Theory
Based on Donald Super’s Work Values theory — what matters most to you in a future career? Answer 6 quick questions to discover your core values.
1. What would make you prouder?
2. Which job sounds better to you?
3. Which sounds more like you?
4. What motivates you more?
5. Which matters more to you?
6. What would stress you out more?
What are your strengths?
Rate your abilities honestly
How Do You Learn Best? Optional
Discover your learning style to find subjects that suit you
Why this matters: Different subjects require different types of learning. Understanding how you learn best helps you choose subjects where you’ll thrive and know which ones might need extra effort.
No wrong answers: This isn’t about being “smart” — it’s about finding what works for you. Everyone learns differently!
What are the 7 learning styles we’re measuring?
Essays & Written Expression
Writing extended answers, structuring arguments, explaining ideas clearly. Important for English, History, Politics & Society.
Theory & Concepts
Understanding how things work, learning the “why” behind facts, grasping abstract ideas. Key for Sciences, Economics, Business.
Practical & Experiments
Hands-on learning, labs, seeing results in real time, learning by doing. Essential for Construction, Engineering, Art, Home Economics.
Projects & Coursework
Working on tasks over time, presentations, portfolios, continuous assessment. Suits Art, Geography, History, Agricultural Science.
Data, Numbers & Problem-Solving
Working with numbers, spotting patterns, step-by-step solutions, graphs and calculations. Core for Maths, Physics, Accounting, Computer Science.
Discussion & Verbal Learning
Class discussions, debating, group work, oral exams. Valuable for Languages, English, History, Politics & Society.
Research & Independent Study
Working alone, deep investigation, self-directed learning, going beyond the textbook. Helpful for all subjects, especially project-based ones.
Most people are strong in 2-3 areas and developing in others. There’s no “perfect” profile — the goal is to understand your unique mix so you can make informed choices.
Rate how much you agree with each statement:
Essays & Written Expression
I enjoy writing extended answers and essays
I like explaining ideas in my own words
I’m comfortable structuring and organising essays
I like learning quotes, case studies, or examples to use
Theory & Concepts
I like understanding how systems and processes work
I enjoy learning ideas and theory before applying them
I’m comfortable with definitions and detailed explanations
I enjoy subjects that explain “why” things happen
Practical & Experiments
I learn best by doing things rather than reading about them
I enjoy experiments, labs, or hands-on tasks
I like seeing results and outcomes in real time
I prefer practical work to written tests
Projects & Coursework
I like working on projects over time rather than one-off tests
I enjoy presentations or creative tasks
I prefer continuous assessment to final exams
I like showing my learning in different formats (not just writing)
Data, Numbers & Problem-Solving
I enjoy working with numbers and data
I like spotting patterns and trends
I enjoy step-by-step problem solving
I’m comfortable with graphs, tables, or calculations
Discussion & Verbal Learning
I learn well through class discussions
I like debating or sharing my opinions
I enjoy asking and answering questions aloud in class
I benefit from group learning and study groups
Research & Independent Study
I enjoy reading to learn more about topics
I like researching topics independently
I enjoy investigating questions deeply
I’m comfortable working alone on learning tasks
Learning Energy Check Reflection
These aren’t scored — they’re just for you to reflect on how different types of learning feel.
Assessment Style Fit
How do you feel about different types of assessment?
I prefer one big exam at the end rather than lots of smaller assessments
I work well under time pressure in exams
I like spreading my workload across the year
I prefer practical assessments over written exams
I like knowing exactly what format the exam will be
I enjoy variety in how I’m assessed
Study Environment Preferences
How do you prefer to study?
How You Feel About Learning
These help us understand the difference between what you enjoy and what shows in exams. There are no wrong answers.
Enjoyment vs Exam Performance
“I enjoy some subjects even if my exam results don’t always reflect it”
Understanding vs Confidence
“I understand the content but sometimes struggle to show what I know in exams”
Effort vs Frustration
“Some subjects take more effort, but that doesn’t mean I should avoid them”
It’s completely normal for enjoyment and exam results to differ. This helps us recommend subjects that suit how you actually learn, not just what you’re “supposed to” be good at.
A moment to reflect
There are no wrong answers here — just honest thoughts
These questions help you think about what really matters to you. Take your time — your answers will help shape your recommendations.
“The best subject choices are ones where you understand yourself better at the end. There’s no perfect combination — just the right one for you, right now.”
— Guidance Counsellor perspective
Understanding the Badges
Highly Recommended = strong match
Good Match = worth considering
Needed = for your career goals
AEN Rec = suits your learning needs
LCVP Link Modules +66 pts
Optional 8th subject focusing on enterprise and work preparation. Worth up to 66 CAO points.
Course Eligibility Check
Based on your selected subjects, here’s what you can apply for
Great Choices!
Here’s your personalised summary.
Your Subjects
| Subject | Level | Points | Papers |
|---|
Career Matches
Your Personalised Summary
Here’s what suits you best right now — and why
This summary is based on your strengths, interests, and goals. It’s a starting point for conversations, not a final decision.
What’s Working Well
Your subject combination shows good balance and alignment with your interests.
What to Focus On
Talk to your teachers about subject levels. Start building good study habits early.
Remember
These are YOUR subjects to study for two years. Make sure you feel good about them. It’s okay to change your mind after talking to teachers and counsellors.
A Note for Parents
This tool is designed to help your child make informed decisions. Here’s a calm overview of their choices.
Subjects Chosen
Pathway Clarity
These subjects keep options open for various career paths. No doors are being closed at this stage.
Talking Points for Discussion
Areas to Watch
No significant concerns identified. The subject combination appears balanced and appropriate.
Guidance Counsellor Dashboard
Quick reference summary for follow-up conversations.
Green Flags
Balanced combination, aligned with interests
Amber Flags
Level decisions may need discussion
Red Flags
None identified
Suggested Follow-Up Prompts
Explore career pathway alignment
Check school subject availability
Review CAO requirements
Student Profile Summary
Recommendations
Important
Verify requirements on cao.ie. Check subject availability at your school. Talk to your Guidance Counsellor.
Your Complete Results Dashboard
7
Subjects Selected
~540
Est. CAO Points
12
Eligible Courses
85%
Career Match
Your Profile at a Glance
Interests: –
Values: –
JC Performance: –
Learning Style: –
Strengths: –
AEN: None noted
Exemptions: None
Your Subject Selection
Share Your Results
Proud of your subject choices? Share with friends and family!
Email Your Results
Get a copy of your results sent to your email for future reference.
Your data is processed locally and not stored on any server.
You’re on the Right Track!
Remember: this is a guide, not a final decision. Your next step is to discuss these results with your Guidance Counsellor who can help you make the best choices for your future.